The Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society (PRPS) is recognizing Allentown’s inclusive “Fishing and Fun in the Park” event.

Offered by the city’s Department of Parks & Recreation in partnership with Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL), the annual free Lehigh Parkway event has been honored with a 2018 Excellence in Recreation and Parks Award.

The award was presented at the annual PRPS Awards Banquet on March 30 at Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Pocono Manor. It was accepted by Allentown Parks & Recreation Director Lindsay Taylor and Bob Amelio and Brian Rogers of LVCIL.

“I am very happy to see more recognition come to the Department of Parks and Recreation,” said Mayor Ray O’Connell. “They put a lot of excellent programming together to benefit people of all ages from events like this to youth sports competitions, and exercise stations and band concerts that are so enjoyed by our senior citizens.”

The event, in its fourth year, was established to provide easy access to outdoor recreational and educational opportunities for all citizens irrespective of their age or ability.

Some 600 people attended the 2017 event, which included activities and demonstrations by city police, fire, and EMS and the storm water, recycling and health bureaus, in addition to LVCIL, DaVinci Science Center, Wildlands Conservancy, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Archery Additions and the Friends of the Allentown Parks.

The 2018 Fishing and Fun in the Park event is scheduled for Saturday, September 22 in Lehigh Parkway.

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