ASD Student Art Unveiled on Urban Greenway
Posted on 07/24/2019
Phantoms Charities presented by Air Products, the charitable arm of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, held a dedication event for the nonprofit’s Urban Greenway outside of the PPL Center in Allentown, PA. The Phantoms Charities funded project is a contribution to further revitalize downtown Allentown. In an effort to encourage and support a healthy and active lifestyle, Phantoms Charities created and installed the Urban Greenway, a 2-mile fitness loop that connects downtown Allentown with its parks and greenspaces. The Urban Greenway also features several new park benches wrapped with artwork created by Allentown School District students.
Phantoms Charities invited Allentown School District students to create artwork on several newly installed benches that depict the health and fitness theme. The Allentown School District Foundation played a key part in coordinating students, teachers and their art. The seven benches are along the trail positioned in scenic locations to offer people a peaceful place for a restful break. You can find ASD benches in the following locations:
- Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum - Bench created by 11 students from Dodd & Lehigh Parkway Elementary with teacher Katlyn Baer
- Building 21 - Bench created by Ritter Elementary student Isabella Scheirer with teacher Karol Kleppinger
- MLK Blvd #1 - Bench created by Ritter Elementary student Matthew Garcia with teacher Karol Kleppinger
- MLK Blvd #2 - Bench created by 2 Central Elementary students(Angel Gonzalez and Zahara Carolina) with teacher Karol Kleppinger
- Valania Park - Bench created by 2 Central Elementary students (Angel Gonzalez and Zahara Carolina) with teacher Karol Kleppinger
- Walnut Street (final installation pending construction) Bench created by Dieruff High School Class of 2019 graduate Kimberly Ramirez and teacher Patti Tinsman Schaffer
- Martin Luther King Blvd - Bench created by Dieruff High School Class of 2019 graduate Mia Negron and teacher Patti Tinsman Schaffer
Phantoms Charities presented by Air Products Board Chair, Rob Brooks, and Executive Director, Jennifer Keeble, officially opened the Phantoms Charities Urban Greenway. They spoke about the mission of the trail, recognize partners of the project, and unveiled a map monument sign that stands tall outside of the PPL Center. Rob Brooks, Co-Owner of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, said, “The Urban Greenway is well aligned with the mission of Phantoms Charities. The trail is a beautiful contribution to the city to encourage health and fitness, very much like many other Phantoms and Phantoms Charities community efforts. The Phantoms Charities Board of Directors is proud to invite everyone from community residences to business commuters to practice good physical and mental health by using the trail anytime.”
Local residents, families, community nonprofits, and business professionals enjoyed all of the beauty that Allentown has to offer while walking the Urban Greenway by “following” meLVin’s, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms mascot, footprints along city sidewalks. meLVin enthusiastically greeted guests and distributed free giveaways to attendees. In addition to the footprints, maps throughout the trail route guide walkers and runners in using either the 2-mile loop or a shorter 1-mile option.
The Urban Greenway is one of Phantoms Charities many projects and programs that empower the community. Phantoms Charities presented by Air Products is the charitable arm of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms professional hockey team located at the PPL Center. Its mission is to strengthen our community by developing, instituting and operating charitable and education programs and services aimed at improving the lives of children and adults in the Lehigh Valley and the surrounding communities, with a special emphasis on youth health, fitness, sports and education.