Cementon Park recently received a grant for $2,474 to purchase paint for the community center building.

The grant was came about thanks to the township recreation commission and the park and recreation board.

The community center is used year round for various events and plays an integral role during the Cementon Belt Fair held in June.

Looking ahead toward summer, the recreation bureau reported registration has opened for the parent-tot swim lessons, a popular activity each summer. Planning also continues for the 2013 recreation programs and events.

The youth martial arts and the adult yoga programs have begun their spring sessions. Also, the new adult and special needs swim lessons continue along with adult swim and aqua aerobics at the Whitehall High School pool.

Interviews have been held for summer life guard and camp counselor positions, which required certification.

With a busy spring and summer expected at playgrounds and parks, township employees continue to perform daily maintenance of its recreation facilities scattered across the township. Minor repairs to playground equipment have begun. Active and passive sites are being weeded and wood carpet placed at the areas where children can be found playing on various pieces of playground equipment.

Replacement parts for an Egypt Park play structure are currently being sought. Safety inspections of all play equipment at the playgrounds and parks has been completed.

Daily maintenance conducted by parks personnel on the Ironton Rail-Trail is taking place, and restoration of the rail car on the trail in the Whitehall Parkway is also on schedule.

Public Works employees assisted recreation staff with equipment for the playground volunteer work day. Volunteer and public works crews did tree cleanup and removal, placed millings at the Cementon Playground, rolled ballfields and placed outdoor carpet at specific sites.