A former elementary school building in East Coventry received some new additions recently thanks to a program meant to increase outdoor recreation opportunities for children. The township was awarded funds to transform a currently underutilized outdoor school property into a facility that could better serve the community and enhance opportunities for outdoor play. The funds came from the Sharing Schoolyards Program, a collaborative program between the Trust for Public Lands, PA's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, as well as the Tri-County Community Network.
The Township, in partnership with the Owen J. Roberts School District, received a total of $12,500 to make the school property, which is located next to the current elementary school, available to the public for recreational, after-school use. The Township and school district entered into an agreement to use the funds to make renovations to the playground and add a walking trail around the perimeter of the former and current elementary schools. Renovations to the play yard included increasing ADA accessibility with a paved path to the play area and a ramp, as well as new bike racks, a bench, a balance beam and a climbing feature.
East Coventry received additional funding for the path going around the perimeter of the area, called the Wildcat Trail. This funding was provided by the PECO Green Region Program and totaled $7,147. The money was used to develop trail markers along the path.
