It will be a one-stop shop to toast a pair of recently completed projects in Lehighton.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky, Parks and Recreation Board, on Monday informed borough council of the events scheduled for Sunday.

Abelovsky said the Lehighton Borough Upper Park and Amphitheater Renovation Project Dedication Ceremony will take place at 1 p.m.

Immediately afterward, she said the Lehighton Area Memorial Library Addition Dedication and Open House will be held at the library across from the Lower Park at 1:30 p.m.

From there, Abelovsky said The Belle Tones will provide musical entertainment at 2 p.m. in the amphitheater.

Abelovsky said she believes it’s better late than never to commemorate them.

“While many will notice that both of these projects have been complete for some time, we were unable to celebrate them with the community due to the pandemic restrictions,” Abelovsky said. “However, the park and library are for the community, and therefore we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share these beautiful and welcome additions publicly.

Several food trucks will be on location.

Anyone interested in attending should RSVP Nicole Beckett at nbeckett@lehightonborough.com.

Upper Park and Amphitheater Renovation

In June of 2019, borough council awarded a contract for the Upper Park renovation project to Kobalt Construction Inc., which was also the project coordinator for the borough’s refurbished downtown park.

The borough received funding in the amount of $350,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority for improvements to the park, which is used for concerts, movies and other community events.

The project was complete with new lighting, sidewalks and a refurbished amphitheater. Along with the new lighting - including much more perimeter lighting - sidewalks have been installed, and the amphitheater has been refurbished and is ADA-accessible from the South Street side.

“The Borough of Lehighton has seen an increase in community events offered to the public and with that an outpouring of community spirit,” Abelovsky said. “The utilization of the park amphitheater has become an integral role in events offered. The face-lift of the Upper Park - to match the beautifully renovated Lower Park - would not be complete without new, improved, comfortable and sustainable seating.”

However, Abelovsky noted that grants received to fund the Upper Park Project did not extend just to park bench seating, as the borough’s Parks & Recreation Board held a Capital Campaign to raise the funds for new benches.

“Through generous donations of our residents, organizations and businesses to not only build the community but continue to be a part of the progress in Lehighton’s Revitalization, our amphitheater is now adorned with beautiful seating for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

Borough Manager Nicole Beckett took it a step further.

“We are looking forward to showcasing the collaborative efforts that went into renovating the park and amphitheater,” Beckett said. “Through the support of the borough officials, Parks & Recreation, DCED grants and the community, this project was able to be completed.

“The amphitheater is a landmark for entertainment and gatherings. For years to come, all will be able to enjoy the renovations and investment made in the borough.”

Library expansion

The library expansion project included 1,400 square feet added including a large children’s area, a community meeting room, ADA-compliant restrooms, and a renovated entrance.

The capital campaign resulted in contributions from 42 individuals, families, and local organizations totaling $78,510. Additional funds were provided by multiple bequests presented to the library over several years. The library was also awarded a matching grant of $169,699 from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

“The staff, board and many patrons have been enjoying the new space for quite a while, and now we are very excited to officially dedicate the addition, thank the donors, and celebrate the future that this represents for the community,” said library Director Melissa Hawk.

Concert in the Park

Abelovsky said the Belle Tones last entertained the borough in 2018, during the Parks & Recreation Boards Music in the Park Series.

“For anyone that attended, it was a memorable performance that included a spotlight of our own mayor, Clark Ritter,” she said. “This year’s concert is expected to be a grand show. Please remember to bring a blanket to comfortably enjoy this Fall performance.”

The band, which is based out of New York City, boasts an impressive repertoire of songs that span from the 1920s to ’80s. Often called the 21st century Andrews Sisters, The Belle Tones celebrate music’s great harmonic girl groups with class, panache and fun. Their impressive repertoire includes such styles as country, Broadway, jazz and holiday classics.

The girls also have a special place in their hearts for veterans and those currently serving in our military honoring them through patriotic songs.