BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Brookville officials and community members celebrated a new town square located along Main Street at a dedication ceremony on October 27.
Jack DeMott, vice president of Historic Brookville, Inc. (HBI), gave remarks at the dedication ceremony and stated that he appreciated the support of town residents.
“HBI called the community together, and what we had was a series of community meetings,” DeMott commented, “and what the community created was a dream.”
Constructed by Terra Works of Clarion, the town square includes a grove area with bench seating; a hardscape area for meetings; central lawn area; five-foot waterfall; and lighting and sound features for small band performances.
“We hope to encourage visitors to our downtown community,” said DeMott, who also acts as chairman of the Town Square Committee.
HBI Vice President Jack DeMott and HBI President Kathy Lynch cut the ribbon at the Brookville Town Square dedication ceremony.
Brookville Town Square is located beside the courthouse on Main Street.
The new town square is located on a former piece of blighted property purchased by HBI 10 years ago. The location previously housed a service station that was built in the 1960s on the site of the 1850s American Hotel.
In cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection; Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DNCR); and Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development, work began on the property in April of 2016.
DeMott said the property purchase and project totaled $760,000.00. More than half the amount was raised through a community fundraiser, with the remaining costs covered by a grant received from the Pa. DCNR and funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission through North Central.
DeMott said the Brookville community has responded well to the project.
“All the feedback on the town square that we’ve received has been extremely positive,” DeMott commented. “The features are well-liked, the quality of workmanship by our contractor is excellent, and the actual appearance of the town square is first class.”
HBI hopes to host farmers’ markets and events like Victorian Christmas and Laurel Festival in the town square.
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
