Kaier’s Park Share Your Ideas
By Meredith Rhoades
Blight is a problem facing much of northern Schuylkill County, but people in Mahanoy City have a plan to counteract this growing issue. The plan is to turn the historic 13,000-square-foot space where Kaier’s Brewery once stood into Kaier’s Park in the summer of 2018.
For the people who watched the demolition of Kaier’s Brewery on Facebook Live, which was probably half of the population of the town, you already know Phase 1 of the project is complete. Now there is a barren field on North Main Street across from Child Development, Inc. just waiting to be filled with the smiles and laughter of neighborhood children.
Kaier’s Park Plans
As for what it will look like, the style will match the previously completed Central Business District Streetscape Projects. In simpler terms, this includes: historic low-mount lighting, landscaping, trees, trash receptacles, and park benches.
Kaier’s Park drawing courtesy Alfred Benesch & Company.
In addition, this site will include a 25-foot flag pole, security fencing, and an informational kiosk that will include the history of Kaier’s Brewery (as provided by the Mahanoy Area Historical Society).
There will also be a 24-foot by 36-foot covered, wooden pavilion with picnic tables and a charcoal grill that will be available to the public.
For children, the site has three areas for play structures. The first area is slated to include equipment for children 5 to 12 years old, including climbing apparatus, swings and slides.
As for the additional areas, the Borough is looking at constructing another play station geared to 2 to 5-year olds, a swing set, a fitness area for all ages, and any other ideas that come from the public, dependent on the funds and permits available.