Much continues to be done at the South Ward Playground after council ordered it to close in April for safety reasons.

“It’s a breath of fresh air,” council President Brian Connely said.

Volunteers and community groups stepped up to the plate to repair faulty equipment and spruce up the facility, and council allowed it to reopen on May 19.

But the improvements are continuing.

Most recently, the South Ward Playground Association requested and received a bicycle rack from the borough.

And now, the association is applying for a small games of chance license to raise funds to continue improvements. Members also hope to rent the facility, and will likely be able to do so after borough solicitor Anthony Odorizzi reviews a rental agreement.

In addition, the association’s revised bylaws are in front of the Pennsylvania Department of State, according to association member Cathy Nunemacher.

“I think you guys are doing a great job. It’s exactly what we wanted to see,” Connely told members on hand for Tuesday’s council meeting. “It’s a good turnaround and good participation. This was exactly what we were looking for. Thank you for stepping up.”

Association members Michele Weaver and Michele Bowman thanked Councilman Ron Bowman.

Bowman brought the playground’s condition to council’s attention in the spring. He called the facility “deplorable” and said some of its equipment was dangerous. He suggested that its gates be locked until repairs were made, and the association reorganized and revised its bylaws.

“If Ronnie didn’t close it down, the South Ward would have never gotten better,” Weaver said. “It was great that everyone came together to work on this. It was a lot of hard work.”

Bowman said his negative comments - even though they were harsh - brought positive results.

“I’m not proud of that. I want to tell you that. I felt at that time there was nothing else to do but,” close it down, he said.

Weaver said area youths are “loving” the playground.