The City of Reading celebrated the dedication of the newly revitalized Centre Park, located at 725 Centre Ave. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held Friday morning, marked the completion of the project, and was attended by city officials, state representatives, along with local residents who have long been invested in the park’s future.
The revitalization project, which included a $1 million investment funded by the American Rescue Plan and capital improvements, brought new life to Centre Park. Key renovations featured include a Victorian-era fountain, the replacement of an asphalt circle with Pennsylvania Blue Stone pavers, and significant updates to the park’s walkways. New lighting, planters, benches, and plants have transformed the park into a serene, passive environment ideal for community gatherings and quiet reflection.
Mayor Eddie Morán highlighted the historical significance of Centre Park, which has been a cornerstone of the Reading community since its creation in 1941. “This park has a rich history that goes back to 1941, when it was first created through the generosity of the Essex family,” Morán noted. “Today, we honor that legacy and celebrate what we can achieve when we come together and share visions. Let’s continue to care for this space and each other. Let’s be good neighbors.”
City Council President Donna Reed shared her personal connection to Centre Park, reflecting on how it has served as a central gathering place for her family over multiple generations. “Centre Park has been really a center of our family life. Five generations of my family have been here,” Reed remarked. “For me, this is not only wonderful from a government standpoint, but it’s also a moment of personal pride.”
Chris Miller, District 6 representative and a long-time resident of the Centre Park area, emphasized the community effort involved in bringing the project to fruition. “It took a neighborhood to raise a fountain,” Miller said. “Over 10 years of neighbors doing fundraisers, having meetings, discussing and re-discussing, to make sure that everybody understood what was best for the community. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when people work together.”
Alex Ruff, the registered landscape architect who led the project, acknowledged the collaboration with the Centre Park Historic District groups, which had a master plan in place for over a decade. “They had a vision, and once funding was available, we were able to bring it to life,” Ruff explained. “The Victorian fountain is just fitting with the neighborhood. Seeing so many people happy with the outcome is a great reward and something that means a lot to me.”
The ceremony also paid tribute to Jeff Waltman and John Slifko, two individuals whose dedication to the community and the preservation of Centre Park helped pave the way for the revitalization project. Their memory was honored by officials and attendees alike.
The revitalized Centre Park is now poised to serve as a vibrant hub for the community, continuing its legacy as a cherished green space in the heart of Reading. The City of Reading looks forward to the park being a focal point for future events, fostering a sense of community and pride among its residents.
