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Emphasis on city parks well-placed

We are happy to see the city addressing improvements to our municipal parks.

Six athletic courts at parks and schools will have resurfacing scheduled, including tennis courts and a basketball court at Shaw Place Park, a basketball court at Youngs Woods Park, basketball and pickleball courts at Memorial Park, an additional pickleball court at Shaw Place Park and a pickleball and tennis courts at Cochran Primary School. Council also approved the purchase of a new filter for the pool at Memorial Park.

“When people move to the city they ask ‘what is the school district like, what is the neighborhood like and what are the parks like?’ “ Mayor Derek Slaughter told the Williamsport Sun-Gazette for the Jan. 23 edition.

We agree.

Investments in our city parks make our neighborhoods more appealing, attracting residents who will improve properties, reducing urban blight and paying the property taxes necessary to fund police, firefighters, street repairs and, of course, more park maintenance.

They provide people — particularly young people — safer alternatives for activities and recreation. They promote fitness and health by providing opportunities for sports, games and swimming.

They provide venues for community bonding, such as the Brandon Park tree-lighting every winter and summer concert series. The can be an integral part of the fabric of our community’s social life.

Mayor Slaughter and City Council are right to recognize that and promote their viability and growth. We hope to continue to see investment in parks throughout Williamsport and the region.

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