Mahlon S. Kemmerer Memorial Park’s paths, trails and recreation areas continue to see improvements as summer help take on numerous tasks in the green space tucked away just steps from Jim Thorpe’s historic downtown.

The park, more commonly known as Kemmerer Park, was given to the people of Mauch Chunk following its namesake’s passing in 1925 for use as park and for recreation.

A four-man crew of young people have been taking on tasks such as clearing away dead tree branches, removing overgrowth and hauling and spreading mulch in the children’s play area.

The young people are working under the supervision of Living Unlimited, which was contracted by the state Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to administer the program.

The OVR program provides work opportunities for high school students with disabilities, and this is the third year that young people have helped out in Kemmerer Park and other parks in Jim Thorpe.

Lisa Davis, a rehabilitation specialist for Living Unlimited, explained that the organization helps young people with disabilities find jobs, helping with interviews and trying different work experiences to find the right fit for them.

The young people can participate in summer group programs, such as the one in Jim Thorpe, and also during the school year to give them as many new experiences as possible and introduce them to the workforce, she said.

“They do get paid,” Davis said. “So, that’s a good motivator. They get used to having that paycheck every week. They also see what it’s like being on a job, what the expectations are, and how people can count on them.”

Some of the students return to the program for more than one summer, too, such as 18-year-old Adrian Keyte of Lehighton, who participated last year. Other participants this year are: William Hovey, of Lehighton; Gabe Strohl, of Palmerton, and Dakota Bishop of Albrightsville, all of whom are 18.

The Kemmerer Park association board of trustees treated the crew to a pizza lunch this week, said Jack Sterling, Kemmerer park center president.

“They’re great kids,” Sterling said on a recent visit, telling them what a great job they’ve done in the park and also on the terraces of Asa Packer Mansion, which is just across the road from the park.