Coal Street Park Project

$13.7 Million Renovation


$13.7 million Coal Street Park Renovation Project Receives $950,000 in Federal Funding from Casey & Kanjorski

May 18, 2009 - Today, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) joined Wilkes-Barre Mayor Thomas M. Leighton to announce $950,000 in federal funding to aid with the continued revitalization of Coal Street Park in Wilkes-Barre. Congressman Kanjorski and Senator Casey both requested funding for the project in the Omnibus Appropriations bill. The funding will specifically be used to construct new basketball courts, all purpose fields, and other public recreational amenities.

For more information on this funding announcement, please click here.

The 31 acre park will be extensively rehabilitated, injecting life into one of the city's most highly trafficked roadways, creating an attractive entrance to downtown Wilkes-Barre and providing excellent public recreation offerings. The centerpiece of the project will be a two-story structure which will house a 500-seat hockey rink, state-of-the-art training facilities and office space. In addition, this facility will offer many opportunities for the public to ice skate, as well as participate in organized youth and adult ice hockey leagues, tournaments and sports camps.



"The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins look forward to having a presence in the City of Wilkes-Barre at Coal Street Park. The Coal Street location will provide outstanding resources for the team, as well as for members of the public who love to play ice hockey and other sports," said Jeff Barrett, CEO of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

The former Ice-A-Rama structure will be renovated and connected to the new two-story construction. The physical landscape of the park will also be reshaped with the demolition of the pool and the addition of amenities. Over $600,000 has been earmarked for the construction of two lighted basketball courts, tennis courts, an ADA playground and a multi-use sports field. The park will once again welcome youth sports teams to its grounds and aesthetically enhance the surrounding residential area. Improved parking, lighting and security cameras will ensure the safety of the public who will enjoy these facilities and programs.

"The renovation of Coal Street Park reflects the City of Wilkes-Barre's commitment to investing in the quality of life of its residents. So many people have fond memories of ice skating, playing basketball, tennis and other sports there. As a result of this project, a whole new generation will be able to enjoy the facilities at Coal Street Park," said Leighton.

Highland Associates, Clarks Summit, is the design architect and Premium Builders, Wilkes-Barre, is the construction manager on the project. Construction is scheduled to continue for the next 18 months.