Palmerton children can now enjoy new playground equipment at the West End Park, thanks to a gracious contribution from the Pace-Makers Association.

On Thursday afternoon, Pace-Makers members Terry Costenbader, Bruce Fronheiser and Dwayne and Beth Strohl visited the park’s new play set area to present a check to the Borough’s Buildings, Recreation and Parks Chairman Michael Ballard and council member Randy Gursky.

Costenbader, who also serves as the Borough Council president, said that the Pace-Makers contributed $7,500 to the cause, which helped with the purchase of a new play set, mulch, padding and barriers. New swings will be added to the swing set as soon as they are available to order.

The Pace-Makers, noted philanthropists throughout the borough, got the idea for funding the park through Costenbader’s connections between the group and the council.

“(Borough manager) Rodger (Danielson) had indicated that there was a need for some money up here. Since I’m on both the council and the Pace-Makers, and I heard we needed money for recreation, I took it to the group, and the group decided to help fund this,” Costenbader said.

Through fundraising efforts like their ever-popular car show, the Pace-Makers have contributed nearly $88,000 to Palmerton area sports leagues, veterans organizations, clubs and other clubs.

Danielson said the group has played an integral part in keeping the parks of Palmerton in top shape.

“They also helped kick it off when we started revitalizing the Borough Park. They contributed pretty heavily to the first phase of that,” he said, pointing out that the Pace-Makers donated $11,135 to the effort in 2016 alone.

Pace-Makers member Dwayne Strohl said that the West End improvements were a necessity for children in the area.

“The kids need it. They need a place to go, and instead of getting in trouble, they can come play and have fun, get together with other kids and learn how to get along,” he said.

Ballard said that he was grateful for the Pace-Makers help, and is happy to see that children can enjoy the park again.

“It’s just absolutely wonderful. They’ve always helped Palmerton, always. Look at the amount of money they’ve given to the area so far. They’re a great organization,” he said.

“I’m just thrilled getting the playground equipment for the west end of town.”