By Terry Ahner

They are central hubs and reign supreme as the lifeblood of their respective communities.

Their relaxed ambience is no doubt a huge calling card and makes them the popular attractions that they are.

At a time when people may still be reluctant to partake in indoor activities, community parks can be the perfect alternative.

For those fortunate enough to have them, community parks are a true asset that are enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

Those still not convinced need only visit the Palmerton Borough Park on a weekday afternoon or weekend to see what all the fuss is about.

Right smack dab in the heart of the borough’s downtown, the park is located along the north side of the 300 block of Delaware Avenue.

Perhaps best known for its iconic bandstand, the park also hosts the Palmerton Community Festival, Christmas in the Park and Memorial Day services.

Along with its tot lot, the park is also revered for its Concerts in the Park, and is available for private ceremonies such as weddings, with prior approval.

Improvements are scheduled to be made to the bandstand thanks to the generosity of the Donald and Mary Behler Foundation, which will provide all of the funding for the construction costs of the project.

Another community that has seen a resurgence in the use of its parks is Lehighton, which boasts its upper and lower parks.

Both parks surround the borough’s Municipal Building, and have undergone successful transformations in recent years.

The Lower Park features a beautiful fountain, while the Upper Park stakes claim to borough hall, which features the amphitheater for concerts and celebrations.

Among the crowd pleasers held include Christmas in the Park, Rocktoberfest, the Lehighton Downtown Farmers Market and Memorial Day services.

Just a few miles and a neighboring county away rests Victory Park in Slatington.

Complete with play equipment, a picnic pavilion and an 18-hole Frisbee disc golf course, the park located off Main Street/Route 873 and Grove Street is a real gem.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held earlier this month for the construction of the new amphitheater at the park, which will be named after Angelo J. Scarselletti, one of the town’s most prestigious citizens.

Among his many accolades, Scarselletti was the first full-time instrumental teacher in the then Slatington School District, having taught in the former Slatington High School and the Junior High School.

A modular structure, the amphitheater will be built at the base of the park on a concrete pad that will be poured on the site, and will include a path that will be installed from the parking lot to the stage for those with disabilities.

Construction is expected to be completed by July 4, with the official dedication to come at a celebration on July 24.

With so many amenities at their disposal, it’s easy to see how families and visitors alike can get wrapped up in all the activities.

Now that the weather has warmed up, I urge everyone to set aside some time to collect themselves, take a deep breath and bask in the sunshine.

Community parks are a part of nature, and oftentimes the memories that can be made inside their cozy confines can prove to be priceless.