Hampton playground renamed for former councilwoman, township stalwart Martha Hunkele

The large playground at Hampton Community Park will be renamed for former council member Martha Hunkele, who by all accounts is among the township’s most ardent supporters.

Hunkele served on council for 14 years, having most recently been elected in 2019 but forced to resign because of health concerns.

She served as president of Rich-Mar Rotary, as a deacon for the Hampton Presbyterian Church since 1985 and president of the church’s children’s center board for decades.

“She cried when we surprised her with the proclamation and plaque,” Hunkele’s son, Greg, said.

Her family gathered at the May 26 council meeting to honor the matriarch, who was visibly moved by the gesture, her son said.

“She’s a saint in my eyes,” Hunkele said. “She is a well-respected member of the community and this is great honor for her.”

Born in Imperial, Hunkele moved to Hampton and started a family. Her activism was born of a love of giving back.

The former owner of Bakerstown and Glenshaw Feed and Garden Center raised her six children in the township and got involved early in soccer and basketball programs, among other youth activities she shuttled back and forth from.

The Hunkele’s are so much a part of the Hampton sports scene that they operate the train whistle that celebrates Talbots’ touchdowns at home football games – their house sits just past the end-zone of the stadium.

“We’ve done that for 30 years,” Greg Hunkele said. “My mom is a stalwart of the community. She donated most of her life to civil service and loved it all.”

Council President Mike Peters said he was honored to support the park renaming.

Hunkele’s impact on the township has been impressive, Peters said.

“Martha served on council from 2000 to 2012 and was again elected in 2019,” he said.

“From 2013 to 2019, Martha was a member of the Hampton Community Association during which she drove the effort to bring about the Community Park Playground.

“As a public servant and a small-business owner, Martha has made a huge impact on our community and has served as a role model to many.”

Greg Hunkele said it is fitting that the renaming will take place at the playground, since it is a project that his mother worked tirelessly for.

And, two of her six grandchildren live in the township and will play at the site soon to be name for their grandma.

“It was a rewarding endeavor for her,” Greg Hunkele said. “She wanted a better place for her kids to grow up and she would take her last nickel to do whatever it took to make that happen.”