Harrison Township Recreation Commission broke ground on a new shaded pavilion area at William Wilt Complex on September 28. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
A newly added concrete slab will be added near the gazebo, playground and some of the soccer fields, and a shaded structure will be placed above it. Underneath, four ADA-complaint picnic tables will be added; they will allow individuals with wheeled devices to smoothly pull up to the tables.
A similar pavilion structure exists at Ella Harris Park, and it is something the Recreation Commission has been wanting to add to William Wilt for quite some time. The new area will allow families, children, soccer players and observers, and park goers to have a space to utilize while at the complex to keep them out of the sun and heat.
“We’ve always wanted to do one at William Wilt, and for a while we had our eyes set on the big concrete slab that’s already there,” said Sharon Chew, Harrison Township’s recreation coordinator. “But we are working with Public Works and the township, and that slab is going to become pickleball courts.”
The new concrete slab will be 26 square feet by 24 square feet, Chew said. Harrison Township’s Patrick Breen Masonry & Concrete is completing the concrete addition. Breen began excavating the area on September 28.
In addition to the rectangular concrete slab, new concrete walkways will be constructed. They will connect with the existing pathways at the park to the new slab. Chew said this addition will also help in making the area more accessible.
The shaded pavilion structure will be completed by Green Lane Contractors, another local business owned by Dan Eisenhart.
“Eisenhart actually is a great supporter of recreation and all of our events, and he is our contact for playground equipment and so forth,” Chew said. “So he’s the one that helped us decide on what type of pavilion to put there.”
The pavilion will be made with a metal frame, and the top will be able to be removed and reattached by public works, depending on the weather and season. Chew said in late fall and winter, it likely will be removed when the area will be less utilized by folks. Then, public works will be able to reattach it in early spring when outdoor activities and recreational use resume.
The project itself is funded by the Recreation Commission, with additional support and sponsorship from local businesses, organizations and families. The sponsorships go towards specific elements of the project.
Harrison Soccer Club is a sponsor for one of the four picnic tables. Another sponsor is Bowen Family Orthodontics, which is located in town.
Currently, Chew said the largest sponsorship comes from a Harrison Township family in dedication of their son, Brian Blazek, who died of suicide at 21 years old in 2022. His mother, Alex Ashworth, approached the Recreation Commission and said the family wanted to do something special for him. Chew said there will be a dedication plaque for Blazek at the pavilion.
“(It can be) a place where those who have lost loved ones in various circumstances could go and reflect,” Chew said. “Brian played soccer there at William Wilt, so his mother thought it would be very fitting to sponsor the pavilion.”
Chew said they expect to host an opening and dedication ceremony after the project is complete by the end of the year.
Harrison Township’s Patrick Breen Masonry & Concrete beginning construction at the new shaded pavilion area at William Wilt Complex.
