Mayor Eric Papenfuse will cut the ribbon on a newly renovated 4th and Dauphin Park on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. This is the fifth and final community park project in this series for the City of Harrisburg and Capital Region Water, which previously restored the Cloverly Heights, Penn & Sayford, Royal Terrace, and Norwood & Holly parks.
Within the design of the playground, Capital Region Water has installed stormwater management features to reduce the flow of rain runoff into the combined sewer system. These elements include a pervious basketball court, restored vegetation, and multiple rain gardens, which will work in tandem with catch basins and storm sewer pipes underground.
“We thank everyone who helped to make these new improvements at 4th and Dauphin.” Papenfuse said “The updates to the playground will be a great benefit to our residents”
The citywide playground renovations were part of a $2 million partnership including Harrisburg, Capital Region Water, Impact Harrisburg, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the state Department of Community and Economic Development and PennVEST. All five of these sites were first targeted for renovations in 2015 during substantial public input from residents and community groups on what they hoped to see at the park.
“It started with a survey of residents to identify the needs of the community,” Says Charlotte Katzenmoyer, Capital Region Water, CEO “then continued with frequent community meetings, and feedback sessions. Engaging the community is an early step in the Capital Improvements process. We care deeply about how our work effects the community. It should be mutually beneficial, and mutually cared for.”
In addition to the park unveiling, Capital Region Water introduced their Adopt-A-Rain Garden Program. This new plan is designed to increase community involvement as volunteers adopt and help maintain rain gardens and green stormwater infrastructure by keeping them clean and litter free. Volunteers will be recognized with a sign at their rain garden and Capital Region Water staff will assist with training. The program is available to organizations, businesses, or individuals. Applications are available on Capital Region Water’s website, or by contacting the Customer Service Center at 888-510-0606 or by email at info@capitalregionwater.com.