ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A free “Monday Funday” community celebration will take place at Franklin Park from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on July 27 as part of the city’s summer park programming, organizers announced.
The event comes as the 1.1-acre park awaits a major renovation. The Allentown Parknership recently announced a $4 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund’s Greening America’s Cities initiative to renovate the site, which the organization says serves more than 16,000 residents within a one-mile radius.
The grant is part of a $100 million investment across eight U.S. cities and marks the first Pennsylvania project funded through the program. The city had already allocated $725,000 in federal funding toward the park before the grant.
The Allentown Parknership expects more than 100 residents of all ages to attend the gathering. The park is located on 14th Street between Chew and Turner streets.
The event is part of a rotating series held at six parks across Allentown from May through October, according to the Allentown Parknership. The series offers active recreation, wellness activities and community nights designed to encourage outdoor activity.
Participating groups include Fairview Catering, ToolShed Boxing, Bearded Yoga Life, Do It 4 The Youth, the 8th Ward Community group, Space Kamp, A True Love Story, Fine Feather and Hoop Lehigh Valley.
The Allentown Parknership is contributing $12,000 to support the Monday Funday program. The funds will cover recreational supplies, healthy snacks for children, and a cookout at the final event at each of the six park locations.
Planned improvements for the park include new tree plantings, shade structures, play areas, an intergenerational gathering space, a community garden, a basketball court, accessible pathways, restrooms, and water spray features.
What’s next: The series continues August 3 with an Active Play Day at Keck Park, running the same 5:30-7:30 p.m. hours.