Office Of The Mayor
Thomas M. McMahon


PRESS RELEASE

For More Info Contact
C.Wayne Cockrell, Manager
Office of Neighborhood Development
(610) 655-6277

City Playground Sends A Message Of Unity And Hope In A Comeback Neighborhood

The Outlet Area Neighborhood Organization will be working with local artist Jessica Chadwick to revitalize Lance Place Playground through a cleanup and mural painting on Saturday, October 20th from 8 a.m.-5p.m. (raindate October 21, 2007)

The mural, designed by Chadwick with input from the neighborhood organization which is led by Terry Debold, took two months to plan. “The mural depicts what our vision is for this playground, and this neighborhood – kids of different cultures and ethnicities being able to play outside together without having any fear that it is unsafe to do so,” stated Debold. “This neighborhood is filled with such cultural richness and wonderful people who just want to live in a safe community.”

Lance Place Playground is at the heart of the Outlet Area Neighborhood, which encompasses the now abandoned structures along N. 8th and N. 9th streets historically known as the once-booming Reading Outlet Center. The playground has become a magnet for litter, graffiti, and other criminal activity since the demise of the Reading Outlet Center.

Through the efforts of the Office of Neighborhood Development created by Mayor Thomas McMahon in 2004, this neighborhood group, along with dozens of neighborhood groups in the City, has been concentrating on neighborhood improvements.  The Office of Neighborhood Development is the result of Mayor McMahon’s commitment to reduce crime, cultivate economic growth, balance the budget, and rebuild neighborhoods in the City of Reading.