On a bright Monday morning, the City of Reading celebrated a significant milestone in its commitment to community enrichment and sustainability with the dedication ceremony for the newly completed Baer Park Splash Pad and Rain Garden.
City officials, including Mayor Eddie Moran, gathered alongside project contributors and local residents to inaugurate the latest additions to the park. The new features include a Train-themed Splash Pad, which pays homage to Reading’s rich historical connection to the railroad industry, and a green infrastructure Rain Garden designed to enhance the park’s environmental sustainability.
Mayor Moran emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “This morning was special as we gathered at Baer Park to dedicate our newly rehabilitated playground! This transformation, including a Splash Pad and Rain Garden, showcases our commitment to sustainability while providing a fun, refreshing space for our youth. The train-themed Splash Pad honors our city’s rich history.”
The rehabilitation project also introduced several other upgrades aimed at making Baer Park more accessible and enjoyable for the community. These improvements include a new Pour in Place play surface, ADA-accessible walkways and benches, and enhanced lighting to ensure safety and usability.
Baer Park has been a focal point for recreational activities in Reading, with facilities that now include not only the upgraded playground but also renovated tennis courts and the Lonnie Walker IV Basketball Court. Mayor Moran also announced future plans during the ceremony, revealing that the city is in the contracting phase to restore lighting to the Baer Park Baseball Field, further enhancing the park’s appeal for evening activities.
The dedication ceremony highlighted Reading’s ongoing efforts to provide state-of-the-art recreational spaces that promote both fun and environmental stewardship.
With these enhancements, Baer Park is poised to become an even more integral part of Reading’s community life, offering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable recreational space for all to enjoy.
Baer Park Playground is located at 447 W Douglass Street in Reading, Pennsylvania.
