DALLAS TWP., LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — A park revitalization effort is underway in Dallas Township as officials broke ground Wednesday on Phase 2 of the Southside Nature Park project, continuing more than a decade of work to restore and improve the property.
The revitalization effort began around 2014 after years of the property becoming increasingly overgrown and underused. Work on Phase 1 took about a year, bringing a nature-based playground to the east side of Toby Creek before opening in October 2021.
Phase 2 construction is now underway on the opposite side of Toby Creek. Plans call for a DEK hockey rink and multi-season skating area, a restroom building, additional parking, trail connections, a community dog park and two timber pedestrian bridges connecting the two sides of the park.
Liz Martin, chair of the Dallas Township Board of Supervisors, said reaching Phase 2 reflects years of planning, grant work and steady progress on the park’s redevelopment, with each stage building toward bringing the property back into regular community use.
“We had very old, dilapidated playground equipment in here that had to be removed. The grass was about waist high. It was not cared for. Even before I ran for office for the first time, I would dream about seeing this become a playground for children and a nature area for our residents,” said Martin.
Phase 2 work also includes streambank restoration along Toby Creek, tree planting and stormwater improvements, supported in part by about $250,000 in grant funding secured for the project.
The groundbreaking ceremony was joined by Dallas Township leadership, state Rep. Brenda Pugh, state Sen. Lisa Baker and officials from Peoples Security Bank & Trust, who attended in support of the project.
The bank contributed $5,000 toward Phase 2, with the donation designated to sponsor one of the pedestrian bridges. Mike Barrouk, vice president of commercial lending at the bank, said the project carries personal significance for him as both a bank representative and Dallas Township resident.
“I think it’s very important. I’m also a resident of Dallas Township, so my son has played over at this park, and I’m sure we’ll use Phase 2 for the walking trails and whatnot. We (Peoples Security Bank & Trust) are happy to help support these projects within our footprint,” said Barrouk.
Phase 2 is expected to be completed in spring 2027. While construction continues, the township is asking visitors to avoid the park’s Sago Street entrance.