Kunkle Park in Washington Township accepting picnic pavilion reservations

Pavilion rental season is open at Kunkle Park in Washington Township.

Township Supervisor Joe Olszewski said the pandemic resulted in fewer picnic pavilion bookings in 2020 for the 40-plus acre park.

He estimated the township’s only park lost about $3,000 in revenue last year.

Other area parks with gazebos and pavilions, such as Leechburg’s Riverfront Park, have yet to return to permitting facility rentals.

“Council will have to decide on that soon with the recent lifting of the outdoor restrictions,” Leechburg Mayor Wayne Dobos said.

Olszewski said rental income this season is expected to meet pre-­pandemic amounts.

“We’re hoping we can get back to about $7,500,” Olszewski said.

Rental prices are less for township residents, but Olszewski said nonresidents are welcome to reserve facilities, too.

The largest pavilion offers 12 picnic tables and accommodates up to 100 people.

Deejays are allowed for musical entertainment, and inflatables are permitted with a completed certificate of liability from the rental facility.

“June is our busiest month,” he said. “We have lots of graduation parties. We get a lot of people that book year after year.”

Olszewski said six students from Kiski Area High School’s Key Club volunteered last week during Earth Week, spreading mulch, weeding and cleaning.

Kunkle Park, on Pine Run Road, operates from sunrise to sunset daily. The park opened during the 1970s on land donated by former township resident Elbert N. Kunkle, with the specification that it be used as a park and recreation area.

Park amenities include three pavilions, a playground, memorial bench swings, public restrooms, a concession area, two ball fields, two volleyball courts and a 0.8-mile nature walking trail.

“I’m proud of how well it’s maintained and how much the residents enjoy it,” Olszewski said.