The Brodhead Watershed Association and local partners held a ribbon cutting for a pocket park in Stroudsburg, Monroe County Friday to improve green infrastructure in the community.

In a two-year effort, what was once a dusty site for dumpsters has been transformed into a pocket park complete with plants, shade trees, pathways and seating.

The “urban nature space” is a collaboration of Stroudsburg Borough, Monroe County commissioners, Brodhead Watershed Association and Strauser Nature’s Helpers, with sponsors and donors contributing to the project.

Stroudsburg Mayor Tarah Probst said, “I am overwhelmed with the support of our community and the donations that came in to help fund this beautification project. I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. We did it.”

Probst hopes the spot gives downtown workers and residents a green getaway and is the first step in beautifying Quaker Alley. Possible plans include expansion of the park to include more of the empty lot surrounding it, as well as other green infrastructure elsewhere in downtown Stroudsburg.

Bob Heil, executive director of Brodhead Watershed Association, said, “Building new green spaces in Stroudsburg not only enhances the quality of life in the beautiful borough but is water-smart and exactly what BWA’s Green Infrastructure Plan for the Lower Brodhead is all about.”

Project coordinators made sure the pocket park is environmentally mindful. Pavers are water-permeable, and rainwater will soak in the ground to be used by the native plants, rather than running down the street to storm drains.

Stroudsburg Borough workers and Strauser Nature’s Helpers employees prepared the site, and Robin Petras of Strauser Nature’s Helpers provided the landscape design.

Volunteers from Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors and Vigon International helped put in the plants this week.

Sponsors who contributed monetarily are: Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors, Vigon International, the Church of St. Luke in Stroudsburg, Greater Pike Community Foundation and PNC Foundation.

Residents who donated to the project include Probst, Jessica DePete, Richard and Mary Ellen Cramer, Jill Price, Rick and Barb Hammond, Joanne Strauss, Stephen McTavish, Alanna McTavish, Robert Younger.

For information, visit the Brodhead Stroudsburg Park and Green Infrastructure Plan webpage.

For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Brodhead Watershed Association website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Association.  Click Here to become a member.

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[Posted: June 25, 2018]

7/2/2018