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Friends of the Allentown parks conducts various programs in the parks. The Green Fund has to do specifically with plants. Here you can choose any aspect or program you wish to support.
Join with us as we preserve, protect and enhance the Allentown Parks
It's not really possible to describe the Allentown Park system without mentioning General Harry Trexler, who can rightly be considered the Father of the system.
His legacy continues to fund the parks to this day. More than a century ago, General Trexler and Mayor Fred Lewis saw the benefit of creating park spaces in the city itself, creating West Park from a vacant lot in 1909. General Trexler, as the Chairman of the City of Allentown’s Planning Commission, was the architect of the expansive park system we enjoy today. His personal contribution, a staggering 30 ½ acres of his own picturesque property, birthed the Lehigh Parkway. And with the additional bequest of some 144 acres from his summer estate, Springwood Park, he gave us Trexler Park. His legacy continues to provide for the parks enjoyed by so many. It's a legacy of open green space that anyone in the Allentown area can enjoy.
Friends of the Allentown Parks Mission Statement:
Friends of the Allentown Parks champions vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable parks by connecting people to nature, recreation, and community through impactful education, engaging events, and strategic partnerships that create meaningful experiences for all residents. In partnership with the City of Allentown and local organizations, we expand opportunities for every resident to enjoy, learn, and connect in our parks.
Support the Growth and Beauty of Allentown's Parks
Your generous donation to the Friends of the Allentown Parks Green Fund helps maintain and enhance the natural beauty of our community's cherished green spaces. Every contribution directly supports the purchase of trees, bushes, flowers, and landscaping materials that make our parks vibrant, welcoming places for all residents to enjoy.
The Green Fund represents an outsized opportunity for you to make a real difference in our beautiful park system.
We’re excited to share a new community partnership that brings hands-on science learning directly to Allentown’s parks!
Friends of The Allentown Parks has joined Da Vinci Science Center as a Community Connect Member, launching a new initiative where Science Center educators bring live science shows to camps and community events in parks throughout the city.
Da Vinci Science Center is a national award-winning non-profit science center that has been bringing science to life and lives to science for 30 years. With our exciting new downtown Allentown location, Da Vinci Science Center experiences make science fun and approachable, helping to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the wonders of science. To learn more about our programs, visit davincisciencecenter.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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Friends of the Allentown Parks Names New Executive Director
We're thrilled to welcome Rosaria Stoops as our new Executive Director! A lifelong local resident and avid user of our park system, Rosaria brings over 20 years of fundraising experience and a proven track record in strategic planning. Her involvement on local and national boards adds valuable perspective as she aims to re-energize Friends of Allentown Parks. Rosaria's deep community roots and extensive nonprofit expertise make her the ideal leader to take our organization to new heights. Join us in giving her a warm welcome!
You can reach Rosaria at Rstoops@allentownparks.org
Kelly Denny Stoops Memorial Scholarship Fund
This July marked 10 years since we lost Kelly Denny Stoops, whose passion for students and education in the Allentown Area touched countless lives. To honor her memory and continue her mission, we've established the Kelly Denny Stoops Memorial Scholarship Fund.
This scholarship covers those essential "extra items" that students need to pursue education beyond high school – the tools that can make the difference between struggling and succeeding.
We're proud to share that our very first recipient is a first-generation college student who starts classes this Thursday and needed a laptop to begin their educational journey. Thanks to Kelly's legacy and your generosity, they're equipped for success.
Kelly believed every student deserved the chance to reach their full potential. Help us continue her work by supporting future students who need that extra boost to achieve their dreams.
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MEMBERSHIP
Memberships makes possible the projects that Friends of the Allentown Parks undertakes, including educational programming, volunteer projects, and park improvements.
EVENTS
Come out and join us at one of our events to see what we're all about, have a great day, and learn more ways to see and fully enjoy our beautiful park system.