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The first playground in Cleona,
circa 1930 was located at North Washington Street, along the
Pennsylvania and Reading railroad. The land was donated by John H.
Long. His son Harry was in charge of development. There were swings,
a sliding board and a sand box. John Wolfe, Eugene Boyer, John
Laudermilch and Harry "Stump" McConnell helped to maintain the
grounds.
In the 1940's, the playground was moved a block west to land owned
by John H. Long and part of the Elmer Books farm. Construction of
the new playground was a WPA project. It was a larger site with new
equipment, a large covered sandbox, tennis courts, a ball field and
a kitchen-equipped building. Many activities were held, including
daily crafts and games, under the supervision of a summer director.
There were also softball, and hardball games and festivals
throughout the warmer months.
A playground association was formed with Harry Clollser as
president. Among his many helpers, Lloyd Laudermilch planted and
watered the trees. A ladies auxiliary was formed, with Gladys Blouch
Snyder as president. Kathryn Donmoyer and many other mothers worked
hard to make it a great place for the children of Cleona. The
auxiliary no longer exists; it was disbanded when the new Cleona
Playground Park was formed.
In 1965, land was purchased south of the Cleona Elementary School
building as a new site for the playground, which is operated by the
Recreation Department of Cleona Borough Council, with Richard L.
Peiffer as chairman. The new park is well equipped with a pavilion
building; amphitheater for movies and concerts; ball fields; tennis,
basketball and volleyball courts; a 9 hole miniature golf course; an
obstacle course, an exercise court and a variety of playground
equipment for all ages. There is a summer program of supervised
activities, with evening events organized and sponsored by the
Annville-Cleona Jaycees. Many shade trees abound, to make it among
the most beautiful small community parks in the area in addition to
the Quittapahilla Creek which is a very popular fishing spot for
local anglers. Many reunions and town functions are also enjoyed
here.
Also during the year there are
several events held at the park such as a the Boroughs Annual
Picnic, Fireworks in July, the Police Department's National Night
Out in August, and the Boroughs Annual Fall Festival in October.
Check the Borough's
News and Events
Page for activities and events held at the Cleona Community Park.
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