Somerset Hospital and the Borough of Somerset broke ground for a community park on August 2. The park is being made possible as a result of various partnerships at the local, state and federal levels.

 

Somerset Hospital hopes that patients, family and friends will enjoy the park as a respite area, where they can find some quiet time during a visit to the Hospital, or during the stay of a loved one. In addition, this space is designed to be a peaceful haven, open for anyone, including local residents, employees of uptown businesses and community groups to utilize.

Located at the northwest corner of Church Street and South Center Avenue, the park is located near the uptown business district and will offer visitors new handicap accessible sidewalks, bench seating, security lighting and colorful green scape.

Partners in the project include the Somerset County Tourism Grant Program, Federal TEA-21 Streetscape Assistance and numerous contributors to the Somerset Hospital Foundation. This project is a public/private partnership and has submitted an application for grant support from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Hospital officials are hopeful that the park will be available to the community mid to late September.

Photo: Shown at the groundbreaking, from left, is Councilman and Board Member Fred Rosemeyer, CEO Michael Farrell, Roger Newman representing E&A Construction, State Representative Carl Metzgar and County Commissioner Pamela Tokar-Ickes.