Natrona Playground

 

For the playground's design, N.C.T.A. partnered with Chatham University Graduate Landscape Architectural Students for their insight in new playground concepts. We also invited our local police and members of the community of all ages to share their concerns and insights. Joining our design team were other professionals including architects and engineers. One of the features of the park is to employ visiting artists to work with our children to create original works of art, which will become permanent installations in the park. With this creative approach, we hope to engage our youth in positive directions fostering future involvement in their community.

 

As it is well known, some youth are drawn into criminal behavior out of boredom and lack of something positive to do. Recreation and community events not only keep kids busy, they provide youth with positive social interactions and meaningful activities. Currently, there is little for youth or seniors to do in Natrona. This new park will address this issue by being a setting for many educational and social events. It is designed to bring people of many ages together through sports, recreation, relaxation, education and expression.

 

Because of the design of the Natrona Recreation & Art Park and various public events that will be held there (festivals, concerts, ect.) the park can attract people from different areas. It will be an integral part of our Trail & River Front Development promoting tourism for all the adjoining river front towns. The Natona Recreation & Art Park Project will be a positive stimulus of economic growth and development, and the new keystone center of Natrona.

 

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Row House Museum

 

NCTA is in the process of restoring a 19th Century Row House connected to the early history of Penn Salt.

Through a grant obtained by Senator Ferlo, NCTA is working with Pittsburgh History and Landmarks to restore this building and turn it into a Natrona History museum, which will celebrate the history of Natrona. The restoration is expected to get underway in the Spring of 2013.

 

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Natrona's Children Grow

 

Last year Natrona started a community garden and Natrona's Children Grow is a program that expands the gardens to involve children. This summer the program will be held biweekly starting in May. During the meetings they will learn how to plant and care for their choice of plant along with fun activities. For more information please visit this website http://natronaschildrengrow.weebly.com or contact Joie at [email protected]
Be part of the Natrona's Children Gardens this summer!
 

Community Garden

 

 In 2012, a community garden was started with the help of Pittsburgh Grows.  Fifteen raised garden beds were constructed by volunteers.  A water line, rain barrel and tool shed was installed.  Next year, we plan to add 10-12 more bed concentrating on children planting and maintaining these.  Excess vegetables are placed on a “free table” and given to local residents. 
It is our hope to provide classes on canning, pickling, and jelly making.    

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The Natrona Summer Children’s Program  
 
The Reading Program is about books, reading and story telling along with encouraging student interaction and involvement. A field trip to the local library is part of the program, for most children it’s their first time ever in a library.
The Art Program explores creativity and expression with success orientated art projects. Some projects include tie dyed tee shirts, beaded necklaces, concrete stepping stones, ceramic bowls and fabric banners, to name a few. The Art Program was recently highlighted on PA Senator Jim Ferlo’s website.
The Sports Program  encourages team work and healthy physical activity through game playing and special sports clinics. Some sports played are basketball, hockey, kickball, volleyball, flag football and soccer. The Sports Program was managed by “Fun & Freedom” another nonprofit for which our NCTA group secured an $4000 grant as payment.
In years past, the Natrona Children’s Summer Program has been funded through donations, bake sales, PPG &  PA Grants. As of yet, we have not secured  funding for the 2013 Summer Season. Everyone is proud that NCTA continues to “effect youthful lives in a very positive and lasting way”.