TREVORTON - The memory of Doris Latsha will live on in Trevorton every time a child plays on the jungle gym or perches upon a balance beam at the Zerbe Township Recreation Center.
Arlo Latsha, her husband of 62 years, and family members dedicated the new playground equipment Saturday afternoon at the former Foundry and pool house in honor of the 80-year-old lifelong Trevorton resident who passed away in December 2010.
"She always took the grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the playground whenever they visited," her daughter, Donna Sherwood, said. "I think she'd be thrilled to see them and other kids in town having a good time."
At the playground Saturday, Arlo Latsha and Sherwood were joined by two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who were all enjoying the colorful equipment.
Latsha said he wanted to donate something to the township in memory of his late wife, and approached the supervisors and recreation committee for suggestions. Township officials pointed out there wasn't any equipment for children between the ages of six and 12.
Latsha agreed, picked out the equipment with the help of a consultant and donated the money to fund the installation.
The equipment, which was install-
ed in late June by Jerry Bulchie, Bill Breinich and Ed Reed of the township street department, consists of a jungle gym dome, parallel bars, a balance beam and a multi-faceted structure with a sky wheel, climbing wall and monkey bars.
The small area around the former pool and foundry has seen revitalization in recent years with other new playground equipment and community activities, said Supervisor Mike Mazer.
"It's great to see families come here, for children to use the equipment. Since it was built, we've doubled our rentals for the area," Mazer said.
Supervisor Michael Schwartz said they are hoping to have more people use the pool hall and expand the area for more use to include paved tennis and sand volleyball courts.