The revival of the Beautex playground was recognized last night with a community celebration for the park located at 1219 Van Buren Street in Lebanon.
The Beautex revival project was a joint effort between the City of Lebanon and local non-profit Making A Difference of Lebanon, PA
Lebanon City Councilman Cornell Wilson serves as president of Making A Difference of Lebanon, PA, which was also celebrating the second anniversary of its officially becoming anon-profit. The organization had been around for an additional five years before that.
“Over two and a half years ago our organization wanted to take on the project of revitalization of the Beautex,” said Wilson, according to a copy of his prepared remarks shared with LebTown. “We wanted to give back to the children, have a nice and safe park, and to give back to where some of us played as kids.”
Wilson thanked advocates and supporters including Jose Kulian, who did a master plan for the park, as well as Woodland Contractors, the City, and other volunteers who made the physical transformation a reality.
Mayor Sherry Capello also spoke at the event.
Although some responded to our first story with safety concerns, it is important to note that eight security cameras have been installed as part of the project. New signs are also going up.
One of the biggest additions to the park is the handball court seen above – believed to be the first in Lebanon County.
The project budget was about $41,000, and as we reported previously, almost every corner of the Beautex has been repaired, restored, and updated.
Read more: Lebanon playground gets new life, adds handball court, celebration planned
Find some additional event photos below. All photos by Will Trostel.
You all failed to thank Marlena for cleaning this park every day. This park is covered in heroine needles, full and empty drug baggies, and trash that she cleans on her own between 5-7 am every morning. Jerks.
I congratulate Cornell Wilson and Making a Difference for making these much needed improvements!