UPPER MERION RECEIVES FUNDS FOR NEW PLAY AREA

HARRISBURG, October 29, 2002 - - State Senator Connie Williams today presented a $10,000 check to the Mother's Club of Upper Merion for a new play area that will be dedicated to a 13-year-old child who recently passed away.

Williams said the funds provided by the Department of Community and Economic Development would improve an 11-acre area, known as Nor-View Farm, by adding a playground for area children.

Williams said Nor-View Farm was recently acquired by Upper Merion Township to preserve open space. The acreage includes a greenhouse where people can buy plants and flowers, an ice cream shop and a petting area where people can visit animals.

The new play area will feature equipment such as a tractor, a small barn where children can sit and eat ice cream, a sheep see-saw, a farm-themed maze panel that accommodates handicapped children and some farm animal spring riders.

The play area will be dedicated to Danny Bevilacqua, a 13-year-old Upper Merion resident who died suddenly at a recent soccer game.

"The funds presented here today will provide the equipment needed to make the play area complete," Williams (D-Delaware/Montgomery) said. "Nor-View Farms represents the last remaining farmland in King of Prussia, I think a playground dedicated in memory of Danny is a wonderful addition to a beautiful idea."

Williams said in addition to the play equipment the funds will feature a safety surface, a fence, a sign, several trees and benches.

The total estimated project cost is $58,000. Along with the funds from the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Mother's Club is holding fundraising activities.

Construction of the new play area is expected to begin in January 2003 and completed for public use by May 2003.