They may be bruisers on the gridiron come game day.

But when it comes to lending a helping hand, their softer side shines through in spades.

A handful of members of the Palmerton High School football team joined forces with community organizations Wednesday morning to assist with landscaping work being done to the bandstand in the fabled borough park.

Joe Federanich, on behalf of the Palmerton Chamber of Commerce, as well as several other organizations in the borough, said an arrangement was made to have members of the football team assist with the work being done.

“They’re here doing landscaping, digging out all old stone, will put in fresh roses and new mulch,” Federanich said. “By the end of today (Wednesday), should be ready to go.”

Improvements have been under way at the bandstand thanks to the generosity of the Donald and Mary Behler Foundation, which has agreed to provide all of the funding for the construction costs of the project.

Senior Shea Finney said it’s an honor to be able to give back to the community that shows them such tremendous support.

“We love helping out the community,” Finney said. “They do so much for us; especially on Friday nights, they come out and support us, the whole town.

“It feels good to help out. They come out and support us on Friday nights, and we do what we can do.

“The park is the center of everything; it’s where the community comes together.”

Head football coach Chris Walkowiak said the team was only too willing to help out.

“Joe called for some help, and it was very easy getting volunteer help from our players,” Walkowiak said. “They’re always willing to volunteer; the hardest part is not being able to ask everybody.”

Other football players on hand were senior Harrison Dailey, junior Daniel Lucykanish, and sophomores Alexander Konze and Clayton Christman, Also assisting were Walkowiak’s two sons, Jacob (seventh grade) and Cody (10th grade).

Walkowiak said the team previously helped with the flags in the park, as well as when the Vietnam Wall was in the borough.

He said it’s that type of teamwork - not only under the bright lights on game day - that makes him extremely proud to coach them.

Federanich said the work on the bandstand began on June 21.

Since then, he said they’ve added all new electrical and all new lighting, both interior and exterior; all the posts have been painted and sanded; the floor was sanded and coated; the railing was put in; and put trim along the floor.

Federanich said the free Sunday Night Summer Concert Series will continue to be held each Sunday night in the borough park.

He added Palmerton Day - a special occasion to commemorate the park’s new and improved bandstand - will be held Aug. 22 in the borough park.