East Falls ‘thrilled’ to celebrate renovated rec center’s ‘opening day’

A Saturday ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark “opening day” for the renovated playground at McDevitt Recreation Center in East Falls.

The highly anticipated project to install more than a quarter million dollars of playground equipment and a “sprayground” area, along with other improvements, started in November.

The “forgotten” Scotts Lane site’s history was then chronicled in a NewsWorks story.

East Falls Sports Association Board Member Matt McClure said the project was a welcomed improvement in the neighborhood.

“We’re thrilled with this initial investment in McDevitt’s rebirth,” he said. “We look forward to continuing to work with Councilman Curtis Jones and his office’s leadership in making McDevitt a modern recreation facility.”

Fellow board member Jen Arnoldi also lauded work done to improve a community asset and the sports and summer programs held there. The EFSA sought funding for the project.

“A nice playground complements these programs making the park inviting to children of all ages,” she said. “With the now-functioning sprayground, it will be a real treat in the summertime once the word gets out.

“The new playground benefits East Falls Sports Association as well as those families who might not be familiar with McDevitt due to its somewhat remote location. On that note, how many other parks can boast a dedicated pedestrian bridge crossing a major highway? Despite being a little rough around the edges, McDevitt has great infrastructure and acreage for an urban recreation facility.”

The rain-or-shine event starts at 11 a.m.