Committee advances funding for MLK Trail feasibility study and allocates Trexler funds for Phase 1

The Allentown City Parks and Recreation Committee moved two measures forward to support the MLK Trail and heard staff updates on park construction and summer programming.

One measure would amend the 2025 capital fund budget to accept a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to pay for a feasibility study of MLK Trail Phase 3; the committee voted to advance the bill. A second measure authorizes a supplemental appropriation of $108,105.75 from the Trexler Fund to the MLK Trail capital account to support Phase 1; the committee voted to advance that bill as well.

Committee members heard from staff that the Phase 3 feasibility study would evaluate routes to connect Fountain Park (near the parking lot across from Parkettes) across the river toward the Bucky Boyle side to create a continuous trail connection. Staff described the connection as “fairly complicated” because it requires crossing the river and identifying the most cost-efficient route. The committee chair asked for questions; none were raised, and a member moved both bills forward with a second. Both were advanced by voice vote, with members saying “Aye.” No roll-call tally was provided in the committee record.

On the Trexler Fund appropriation, staff said the money would be allocated to the MLK Trail capital account to support Phase 1 work. The meeting transcript records the appropriation amount as $108,105.75.

Staff also reported a series of parks projects and program updates. Construction on the skate park’s phase 2 has started and staff said it is expected to be completed by July. A “mini pitch” (a small soccer field) will be installed at Jordan Meadows starting Friday, with what staff described as a quick construction turnaround and planned soccer skills programming. Work to install a basketball court at Stevens Park was described as planned to occur between now and June. Recreation and special events staff said summer offerings will expand on last year’s schedule, including movies in parks, aquatics and summer playground programs; hiring for aquatics and playground staff positions remains open.

The committee concluded the parks and recreation portion of its agenda and moved on to the public safety item that followed.

Votes and formal actions recorded in committee were voice approvals to advance both bills for further consideration; the committee record did not include roll-call vote counts or names associated with the motion and second.