Somerset's Union Street Playground: A day in the life of a local historic site
It's all in a day's play.
As soon as the weather begins to turn to warmer and sunnier days, the Union Street Playground across from the Somerset Borough Building begins to fill with the sounds of frolicking.
Soon events like Somerset Night Out held in August will draw even more crowds. Even so, the playground has fallen behind the times in what it offers.
The Union Street Playground was built in 1930 and has been a frequent visiting place for many a resident. Ask any longtime resident of the town and surrounding areas, and the response more than likely will be, "It was one of my favorite places to go."
Somerset Council member Sue Opp spoke for many when she said, "I remember we couldn't wait to jump on our bikes and ride through the alley to the playground," at a recent public meeting where the future of the playground was discussed.
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The historic playground is still functional and viable after 95 years and is kept open for the public by its owner, Somerset Borough.
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But, it needs some work.
A committee of concerned residents partnering with the borough has agreed on plans to revive the playground.
A typical day
Jessika Laird and Abell Ferrell, who turns 3 this month, and Lian Ferrell, 9, and stepdad Nick Elmer enjoy spending a day at the Union Street Playground.
The family moved to Boswell from Delaware.
"We moved up here because we wanted quiet and comfort," Laird said. "Where we were at there was just a lot of danger and chaos. We didn't want to raise the kids there.
"I remember one of the biggest things when I was growing my parents taking me to the playground. It was safe there," she said. "The playground should be very safe for your children."
She smiled and pointed to the building that houses the Somerset Borough Police Department and the Somerset Volunteer Fire Department next to the playground.
As for what is available in the playground, Laird said, "I love that they have the wheelchair swings. It is amazing that they have that because a lot of kids go without."
The Keyser family also took time to enjoy the good weather at the Union Street Playground.
Aaron Keyser was having fun pushing his son, Jaden, 3, on a swing.
His family enjoys their trips to the playground. "The boys really enjoy it," Keyer said.
Lauren Keyser, holding Jude, 18 months, after he explored a part of the climbing apparatus in the playground, took a moment to talk about the site and how she feels about residents forming a committee to revive the playground.
"I think it is in good shape, but I definitely think it could use some updating," she said. New events at the playground are a good idea, Keyser said.
Her husband, Aaron, agreed. "Updating is always a good idea."
And including more activities also is a good idea, the Keysers said.
"Any type of activity. I think anytime you put kids on a playground they are up for anything you throw at them," Lauren Keyser said.
The playground attracts visitors from other areas, not just Somerset and other parts of Somerset County.
Sisters and their children were on a road trip together. They stopped at the playground so their kids could release some energy. They found out about Union Street Playground because they discovered on their trip that it was the only playground closest to the portion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike they were traveling.
The sisters did not want to give their last names because they were traveling alone with their children.
They said they were pleased with what they found as their kids joined with a Somerset youngster playing on the slides.
Standing back and watching – The kids were all serious about playing. The adults were all serious about watching and talking with each other about their childhood days. There was not a cellphone in sight.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: At Union Street Playground, residents ponder its future
