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New summer food program director reports nearly 100 registrations; city says playground site selection follows state grant rules
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Summary
Jonathan King, newly introduced director of Chester’s summer food program, reported that nearly 100 children were registered in the first three days. Parks staff said playground sites are selected per state grant criteria, and the city is working to add an East Side site.
Jonathan King, introduced July 9 as the city’s new summer food program director, told council that the program’s first day “went off with a really big bang” and that by the third day staff had registered “almost a 100 kids.” King said site supervisors and monitors have been consistent and cooperative with participants and invited community suggestions for new sites.
King asked residents with operational issues to call the number on the program flyer; he said he will handle staffing and site concerns and will consult his supervisor, identified in the meeting as Mark, for items that require additional approvals.
On playgrounds and site selection, Parks and Recreation staff explained the state chooses the playground sites that benefit from the grant program; Washington Park had been taken off the list “for some odd reason,” and staff are investigating why. The parks director said some East Side locations were not included because of low turnout in previous years but that staff are looking into adding sites such as “some village” (as discussed during public comment). King said he had discussed adding that site with staff and “we're gonna try to add that site to the program as soon as possible.”
Why it matters: The summer food program provides meals to children when school is out; site selection and consistent staffing determine which neighborhoods receive meals and supervision. Residents raised concerns about East Side coverage and playground equipment; staff said they are pursuing grants to replace equipment and resolve site eligibility questions.
Next steps: Staff will investigate Washington Park’s removal from the state list, continue outreach to increase turnout in under‑served areas, and attempt to add an East Side site that residents requested.
