“This is the master site plan that was updated in 2014,” explained Pam Salokangas, director of Centre Region Parks and Recreation.
She was looking at a sketch of the future park Whitehall Road Regional Park in the State College area.
“Those two things right there — the pavilion and the playground — are their centerpiece," she said. "The fields are around that. And, of course the park includes about a 15,000-linear foot walking trail.”
The first phase tentatively includes four rectangular playing fields for sports like soccer and flag football. And a playground that’s 33,000 square feet.
That playground will be accessible for all ages and abilities. It could have things like a merry-go-round that is wheelchair accessible and a double slide that has room for a child and parent.
“Very exciting playground," she said. "There is nothing like it in the Centre Region.”
Salokangas said the park will have lots of greenspace and beautiful views too.
The first phase covers about 43 acres. Plans are to go out to bid in late winter or early spring, followed by construction.
Salokangas says an upcoming comprehensive study will help decide what’s needed in the second phase of the project.
