Etna officials are using the kick-off of summer pool season as a springboard to launch several outdoor initiatives in the borough.
When the Etna pool opens at 11 a.m. May 25, the Etna Community Organization and the borough will unveil a new Urban Walking Trail project, dedicate 12 newly planted trees, sponsor an air quality project and have an educational walk for children.
“We have a series of events celebrating new projects that contribute to the health and well-being of our community and its residents,” Manager Mary Ellen Ramage said.
The event runs 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the pool, 2 Pine St. Refreshments will be provided by the borough’s Shiny Bean.
The borough in January was awarded $50,000 through the Allegheny County Health Department’s Clean Air Fund.
Ramage said the money will be used for pollution prevention and will pay for trees to be planted throughout the borough, including along Butler Street, at the Clarence Fugh Memorial Playground and along Routes 8 and 28.
The first in a year-long series of tree-plantings came in April, when volunteers planted 12 new trees at the community park. They replaced ones that were removed in 2018 because of infection.
The trees will be dedicated during the event on May 25.
Ramage said there are several trails listed on the borough’s website, along with maps, meant to encourage residents to get outdoors. The Etna Community Organization is working with Shaler Area students to mark the trails and make them accessible on an app.
The Etna pool is open noon to 7:30 p.m. weekdays and noon to 7 p.m. weekends and holidays.
Cost is $6 for borough residents and $8 for non-
