Bethlehem’s Friendship Park celebrated a grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Northside Alive’s Block Party on May 16. The approximately 1.3-acre park, formerly a concrete slab with worn-down basketball hoops and an old playground set, is now filled with green grass and new amenities, including a splashpad, full-size basketball court, swings, and a restored play set structure.

The revitalization was a part of the City of Bethlehem’s “40 in 10” initiative, the goal of which is to revitalize 40 parks across the city over the course of 10 years. The project is being supported by both local and state governments, as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Regional Manager Lorne Possinger attended the event to show DCNR support for the initiative and the importance of parks in local communities. Possinger noted that the project wouldn’t have been possible without community support.

“[We] have the recreational priorities set by the people that actually live here,” said Possinger. Local residents shared in Possinger’s joyful sentiment, including Bethlehem residents Roxann and Rolf Goellnitz, who live in one of the homes immediately outside of the park’s gate.

“(Before renovations) it was a piece of cement and a conduit for trouble makers. Now it is a conduit for families… there is lots to enjoy,” said Roxann Goellnitz. Families like the Hahns who live nearby, are thrilled to have the space updates. Kayla Hahn says the park will provide a new space for her and her 13-month-old son to get outdoors.

“It’s gonna be a fun summer. We love going for walks and he’s going to love it here,” said Hahn.

The ribbon cutting took place at 3 p.m. The ribbon itself was held by Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds, North Side Alive Neighborhood Coordinator Celina Daddario, State Rep. Steve Samuelson, and two community members. The honor of cutting the ribbon went to three local Girl Scouts who stood proudly next to Mayor Reynolds.

The park’s facilities are open to the community from dawn to dusk, as per Bethlehem regulations.