Pottstown’s Play Streets helps to grow a happy, healthy community

Playground time, soccer, crafts and sidewalk games like Four Square and Hopscotch are some of the fun your kids have to look forward to at Pottstown’s Play Streets’ upcoming events this summer. Rita’s Water Ice is often a part of the evening gatherings to help participants cool off during the warmer months.

“We want to get kids outdoors and away from screens,” said Andie Graham, programs coordinator for the Borough of Pottstown.

Mark your calendar so you don’t miss out because this year’s dates and locations have been set (see list of dates). The gatherings aren’t just for kids to enjoy — they’re free and are designed for all ages. Graham typically sees parents socializing and even joining in on some of the games.

“You’ll see adults, teenagers and kids doing Four Square together,” she said.

In its third year, Pottstown’s Play Streets program has proven to be very beneficial to the community.

“I love the program and how we’re building it each summer as things progress,” Graham said.

Rain dates

Like last year, seven Play Streets events will take place this summer, but new this summer are two rain dates that have been officially marked on the calendar.

“Last year we weren’t able to have two gatherings due to rain, so we only had five last year,” Graham said.

All events take place on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The first event takes place on June 13 at Washington/West Park located at 433 West Street in Pottstown.

One new location added this year is Prince Street between Chestnut and High Streets which will be the focus of their event scheduled for July 11, instead of Barth Elementary School.

“The county is putting in a new playground there,” she said, of the Prince Street location.

Helpful information

Aside from providing an opportunity for kids and parents to have fun outdoors, there is an education component that serves to connect attendees with community resources, so each event includes some vendors who come with helpful information to offer.

“We have partnerships with organizations who haven’t been with us in the past as well as some who will be returning,” Graham said. “Our biggest partner is Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation.”

Another big supporter Graham mentioned is Genesis Housing Corporation, a non-profit that has rehabbed or built over 650 affordable housing units and provided housing counseling services to over 13,000 people.

“They donate money every year to help us run the program,”  Graham said.

Some of the gatherings take place at playgrounds or fields and some happen on blocked-off streets, which have a block party feel. Each event has a different location to make Pottstown’s Play Streets easily accessible to all.

“It’s community outreach and we bring it to your door,” Graham said.

Mark Your Calendar

Play Streets 2024 Summer Dates:

• June 13 – Washington/West Park (433 West St.)

• June 20 – Middle School Field on Franklin St.

• June 27 – Maple Street Park (1501 Maple St.)

• July 11 – Prince Street (b/t W Chestnut and High Streets)

• July 18 – Chestnut Street Park (114 N. Washington St.)

• July 25 – Cherry Street Park (115 S. Evans St.)

• August 1 – Spruce Street Park

*Rain Dates: August 8 and 15.

Pottstown Borough Spring Events

Since the weather is warming up and inviting us to spend more time outdoors, here are some Pottstown Borough events coming up this spring:

• March 30:  Easter Fair and Egg Hunt at Riverfront Park from 2 to 5 p.m. (Co-sponsored with Pottstown Community Arts, a committee of Mosaic Community Land Trust).

• May 4: Pottstown Borough Parks and Recreation ‘Community Shred Event’ at Smith Family Plaza from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• May 11: Pottstown Arts in the Park at Riverfront Park (Co-Sponsored with Pottstown Community Arts, a committee of Mosaic Community Land Trust) from noon to 3 p.m.

Play Streets offers opportunities for families, friends and neighbors to meet and play together in the wider community with sponsors providing food, fun and information on community programming to grow a healthy and happy Pottstown. Seven events are taking place over the course of the summer on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.