The Ironton Rail Trail Commission has undertaken a project to build a 44-foot by 30-foot pavilion near the playing fields and basketball courts at the North Whitehall Township Municipal Complex.

The structure will be located at the trail head of the IRT on North Whitehall land and will belong to the township.

Available as a resting place or shelter for trail users, the pavilion was built for participants and spectators at the athletic fields, and as a starting place for fundraisers by charitable organizations having various “runs” on the trails.

The IRT commission oversees the 9.2 mile walking and hiking trail which had been the Ironton Railroad.

The right of way was bought in 1998 and covers the trails in North Whitehall, Coplay borough, and Whitehall.

Ray Deutsch, IRT commission president, reports volunteers maintain and clean up the trail.

The North Whitehall pavilion will be identical to one in Whitehall.

Deutsch noted it will be a multipurpose pavilion for the public parks system. It will feature two cupolas and a big wooden sign with the letters IRT.

Deutsch said the IRT commission received a $40,000 grant from the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation program through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

“Sen. Pat Browne, (R-16th), was instrumental in getting our approval for this grant,” Deutsch recalled.

The IRT also solicited businesses in North Whitehall and received $10,000 in donations.

He reports the IRT commission asked for and received help from area groups for “in kind” services.

These include Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays for excavation, Serfass Construction to help pour the concrete slab, Dun-Rite Electrical services for power installation, and volunteers from the IRT Association. Deutsch said the pavilion came in a kit with the materials.

“North Whitehall Township is going to erect it for us,” Deutsch said. The IRT commission is staining all the woodwork for the ceiling, faschia, and tongue and groove wood for under the metal roof.

“Next we will excavate and set footers for the posts to support the building,” said Deutsch.

He expects the project will be finished and ready for dedication in late summer, early fall.