An American flag, made of plywood and as large as sliding patio doors, will provide over $3,000 toward the refurbishing of Memorial Park in Summit Hill.

The flag, with sponsored squares, was dedicated following the morning service at Hope of Christ Presbyterian Church in the borough on Sunday. The structure will stand on display in the church yard through the summer.

The Rev. Ruth Christopher, pastor of the church, said the blocks on the flag contain names of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence as well as donors for the park project.

“The flag itself is a message of love and desire to restore Memorial Park,” she said.

She said, “We are dedicating the flag to the 250 years of our shared history.”

Lisa Hiles, a member of the church, said the sponsored blocks on the flag will raise $3,050.

Hiles said the church donated the wood for the flag, which was constructed and painted by her husband, David Hiles.

The park renovation project is being spearheaded by borough resident Marlene Basiago, who is a member of the Summit Hill Borough Council and heads the newly formed Summit Hill Arts Committee. She explained the components of the project to the several dozen people who attended the dedication.

Basiago said benches are planned for the park as well as the construction of a pathway. In addition, repairing the crumbling wall circumventing the park.

A $75,000 grant is being sought for the project, which in its entirety is estimated at $170,000. So far, Basiago said, about $18,000 has been raised. “That’s not enough,” she said. “We need your help.”

“We have a rich history we need to retain,” she said.

She said people can sponsor pavers for $100 and benches cost $1,600. Donations can be secured on the website of the Carbon County Foundation.

A grant for four recyclable containers has been received, Basiago said.

She said, “It’s our future. We have to promote Summit Hill.”

She added, “There are things we need to do now ... otherwise in 10 to 20 years from now we’re going to become a ghost town.”

“We are here to try to improve Summit Hill and preserve our history,” she said.

The church choir, under the direction of David Perkins, sang “America (My Country ‘tis of Thee).”

Vocalist Angela Nardini sang “God Bless America.”