Introduction

Volunteer Park is utilized as a day-use area, allowing for picnicking, open space activities, community events, and passive recreation. The City holds several events here throughout the year, including the annual Easter Egg hunt. Volunteer Park is not directly connected to nearby Claude Kehler Park, resulting in little use during events such as concerts or fundraisers. Public feedback indicated that more amenities, events, and better connectivity would increase Volunteer Park’s use. Suggested additions included a food truck area, terraced seating, and a playground. These insights guided the development of the vision for Volunteer Park.

The vision for Volunteer Park is to enhance the space through connection and conveniences that will inspire pride and social responsibility in the people of Shamokin. By creating a multi-use community space in an underutilized area, small scale support of local economics and development can be realized through food trucks, farmer’s markets, seasonal events, festivals, and more. Volunteer Park would not be what it is today without the help of the many volunteers of Shamokin and the surrounding region. Honoring these individuals will be a focus of the initiative.

The following major goals aim to transition the park to a well-used, safe, accessible space through fostering social interaction, community engagement, and local economic growth for the people of Shamokin.

  • Connect Volunteer Park and Claude Kehler Park
  • Inspire Community Pride, Enhance Volunteerism and Support Economic and Social Development
  • Improve Safety and Accessibility

Implementation Phases

  • New Footbridge: Connects Volunteer Park to Claude Kehler Park, improving accessibility for concerts, events, and fundraisers.
  • Accessible Playground: A safe, engaging space for children at the park’s center.
  • Shaded Picnic Tables: Shade sails provide a comfortable dining and relaxation space.
  • Rain Garden: Enhances aesthetics, improves stormwater management, and filters water into Shamokin Creek.
  • Updated Signage: Guides visitors and provides historical, ecological, and botanical information.
  • Community Development: Supports entrepreneurship through food trucks, craft fairs, and pop-up markets.
  • Safety Enhancements: Improved lighting, clear visibility, signage, fencing, and bollards.