Conestoga Valley townlively.com
JULY 10, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LX • NO 29
Leola Park is the community’s playground BY JEFF FALK
G
etting outside can cause the human brain to produce a hormone called serotonin that lightens mood. Physical activity, physical exertion can be a stress reliever and can be a key component to overall health. But beyond those psychological and physiological benefits, Leola Community Park is a gathering place, a neighborhood resource, a source of local pride. In those ways, Leola Community Park has been a constant in the Conestoga Valley area for nearly 65 years. “It’s a community park,” said Judy King, a nursing student who lives in Leola and visits the park regularly, “but people who aren’t from Leola will also come. It makes me feel good when I come. It’s a great atmosphere, just the fresh air and all the trees. You enjoy being here.” Centrally located at 23 E. Main St., Leola, Leola Community Park is 22 acres of fun and activities
waiting to be explored. Maintained and operated by Upper Leacock Township (ULT), Leola Community Park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. ULT also manages Berry Patch Park and Cobbler Courts Park as part of its recreational offerings to residents.
“It’s a great atmosphere, just the fresh air and all the trees.” “(Leola Community Park’s) purpose is to provide passive and active recreation to the Conestoga Valley region,” said Michael Morris, who’s been ULT’s manager for 18 years. “I get the feedback from the community, and I’ve always been told it’s one of the best in the county.” Visitors to Leola Community Park are greeted by a neon sign announcing its presence and a
quaint divided driveway. In the heart of the park are large and small sets of modular playground equipment; a pair of pavilions available for picnics and family gatherings; charcoal barbecue grills; a couple of volleyball courts; a mini disc golf course; an exercise, walking and bicycling trail; a basketball court; a soccer field; a tennis court that can also serve as pickleball courts; a charming gazebo; and even an old-fashioned tetherball pole. But while there’s plenty do there in the summer, everything at Leola Community Park revolves around the swimming facility - a traditional pool, a lap pool and a wading pool - in the summer. Morris noted that walking and pickleball are among the most popular activities at the park. L e o l a C o m m u n i t y Pa r k ’s combination of open spaces and plenty of mature trees creates an environment that’s both inviting and relaxing. Alcohol is not permitted at the park, and while
Local resident Judy King visits Leola Community Park about once a
See Leola Park pg 7 week during the warmer months.
Toys for Tots’ Touch-A-Truck Ephrata nonprofit recycles good will is vehicle for enhancing young lives Art of Recycle is not your typical BY JEFF FALK
Lancaster Toys for Tots continues to do amazing things in our community. But it’s work that can’t be done alone, or without the support of many generous donors. Lancaster Toys for Tots’ latest venture, Touch-A-Truck Family Day, looks to build off that altruistic spirit and take the organization’s work to a whole
different level. “We’re helping kids in Lancaster County, and there’s a big need in Lancaster County,” said Gil Bixler, Lancaster Toys for Tots’ coordinator for the last 37 years. “I’ve got a fantastic team of volunteers who just enjoy doing it. That’s what it takes to make it all happen. They work harder than I do.” Associated with the United States Marine Corps Reserve, See Touch-A-Truck pg 3
nonprofit - far from it. Its name, its origin story, its methodology all make it stand out. But Art of Recycle fills societal needs that wouldn’t otherwise be filled, while engaging the community. In many ways, Art of Recycle reflects the character and personality of its co-founder Chelas Montanye, an artist, a handy person and a social worker. “In my efforts to get through life, I use my art,” said Montanye, who doubles as Art of Recycle’s creative
See Art of Recycle pg 4 Clients participate in Art of Recycle’s free craft class.
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BY JEFF FALK