Capital Project Updates
Our community is undertaking key capital projects to enhance parks, recreational spaces, and outdoor facilities. These efforts aim to improve quality of life, support healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community connections as our region grows. Please note all dates are estimates and subject to change.
Current & Upcoming Projects
Project Name: Franklin Park Design
Dates: Design started December 2025 and will continue through 2026 with construction to follow.
Location
Overview: This project includes the design of Franklin Park. A consultant has been selected and 3 public meetings have been held in February, March, and April 2026. Project is in the design/permitting phase.
Project Name:Resurfacing Projects
Dates: Construction ongoing throughout 2026 Summer
Overview: This project includes resurfacing courts at Trout Creek, Irving Tennis Courts, Walden, Keck, Roosevelt, Fountain.
Project Name: Canal Park Concept Plan
Dates: Planning Currently Underway
Location
Overview: This project includes the repair of the boat launch and a concept study to look at improving trail access, signage, and emergency access. Public meetings TBD in summer 2026.
Project Name: Park Operations Facility
Dates: Concept complete, Design to start summer 2026, Construction 2027-2028
Location
Overview: This project reviewed the existing facility that houses parks maint. staff that does not meeting the needs of the department and received a grade of "D". The concept plan is to build a new building to safely house all parks employees in Lehigh Parkway just north of the existing facility. Full design and permitting to begin summer 2026 with construction in 2027.
Project Name: D&L Trail Design and construction
Dates: Currently in the Design Phase, construction in 2027
Location: From HERE to HERE
Overview: The D&L Trail project involves the design and construction of a multi-use paved trail from the existing trail head on N Bradford St, following on street routes to N Dauphin St, continuing through Kimmett's Lock, and extending to the city boundary line, where it will connect with the D&L Trail in Hanover Township. This project aims to provide a trail for recreational use and as a commuter trail for those who travel by means other than car. Construction planned for late 2026-early 2027
Project Name: MLK Trail Design
Dates: Phase 1 (Fountain Park to Lehigh Parkway) fully funded, planned to start construction in 2026. Phase 2a (Union Terrace to Cedar Parkway) in the Design Phase, Phase 3 (Parkettes to Riverside Drive) in the concept phase. 2B (Parkway to UT)- TBD
Overview: This is a multi-year project and is a phased project that will eventually connect the downtown to Fountain Park, Lehigh Parkway, Union Terrace, to Cedar Beach.
Project Name: Bogert's Bridge Rehabilitation
Location
Dates: Construction has started September 15th, 2025. Anticipated completion late 2026.
Overview: This project includes the rehabilitation of Bogert's Covered Bridge over Little Lehigh Creek and other miscellaneous construction within the Lehigh Parkway. Rehabilitation includes lifting of the existing bridge with a crane to correct its sag, replacing any damaged timbers, installing a new slate roof, and repainting the bridge to restore it back to original appearance.
Project Name: Roosevelt Park
Dates: Improvements to start Fall 2025 and go through 2027.
Location
Overview: This project includes the demolishing the existing pool house building (by the tennis courts) which is in poor condition. New pavilion constructed in Fall 2025 near the playground and basketball courts. New lights were added to the court.
Project Name: Ithaca Park
Dates: Improvements to start Fall 2026 through Spring 2027
Location
Overview: This project includes improvements to the play structure, signage to access S. Mountain, shade for summer playground kids, and resurfacing of the court.
Project Name: Fountain Park
Dates: Ongoing.
Location
Overview: This project includes the installation of a mural in 2025 and another planned for 2026. Plans to install a bathroom are underway as well as plans for design.
Project Name: West Park
Dates: Complete improvements in Summer 2026
Location
Overview: This project includes improvements to the window and doors in the bandshell.
Project Name: Clyde Bosket (Valania) History Sign
Dates: Install sign Summer 2026
Location
Overview: Designer selected, sign to be installed in 2026.
Project Name: Trexler Monument
Dates: Construction throughout 2026
Location
Overview: Piers and Wall completed. Surface stonework to be completed by Fall 2026
Project Name: Urban Forestry
Dates: Master Plan started in September 2025 throughout 2026. Tree Plantings starting Spring 2026 and will continue for 3 years. Tree inventory and Species selection plans completed.
Overview: This project includes an Urban Forestry Master Plan, Tree Inventory and Species Selection for street and park trees. Goals include increasing tree canopy, improving air quality, and reducing heat in urban areas. As part of a USDA and American Forests grant, we'll also plant more than 300 trees in under served neighborhoods.
Project Name: WPA Lehigh Parkway Stairs
Dates: 2026-2027 Construction.
Location
Overview: Major Masonry work in Lehigh Parkway to fix the crumbling stairs leading to the parkway wall. Some funding will be used to design the next WPA project (Cedar Ponds).
Project Name: Public Art Restoration
Dates: Ongoing.
Throughout the parks and public spaces.
Overview: Ongoing restoration on public art throughout the parks system.
Completed Projects
2026 Projects (as of 5.1.26)
Project Name: Soccer Mini-Pitch at Jordan Park
Dates: Completed June 2026
Location
Overview: This project includes installation of a new soccer playing area in the unused parking lot in Jordan Park. Funded through US soccer to support world cup activities.
Project Name: Parks Master Plan
Final Plan Adopted 2/4/2026 https://www.allentownpa.gov/en-us/ParksPlan
Project Name: Rose Garden Improvements:
Dates: Completed in 2026
Location
Overview: This project was a multi-year project that included major repairs to the stone stairs, a new metal gateway sign, roof repairs to the gazebos and 2 new pavilions installed in Rose Garden Grove. Same year the park was awarded the "Best Park in the Valley"
2025 Projects:
Project Name: Jordan Park Skatepark Phase 2
Dates: Phase 2 construction completed in 2025
Location
Overview: This project completes the Jordan Skatepark project. It provides a high-quality facility with features for both beginners and advanced skateboarders, bikers and other wheeled sports.
Project Name: Dixon Street Pedestrian Bridge
Completed September 10, 2025.
Location
Overview: The Dixon Street Pedestrian Bridge project includes removing the existing damaged pedestrian bridge, creating new abutments, installing a new prefab pedestrian bridge and refinishing the asphalt paths on both sides of the bridge. This will reconnect neighborhoods and provide a safe crossing for the children who utilize this bridge to get to school.
Project Name: Soccer Mini Pitch at Jordan Meadows
Completed April 29th, 2025.
Location
Overview: This project transformed an underused hockey rink at Jordan Meadows Park into a new 60’ x 120’ Soccer Mini-Pitch. Featuring LED lighting, seating, and lockable storage, the space offers safe, accessible recreation for youth in a high-poverty neighborhood. As part of Allentown's Vision 2030 plan, the mini-pitch supports free youth sports programming that promotes physical activity, teamwork, and mentorship. It also serves as a positive outlet to help reduce crime and strengthen community connections.
Project Name: WPA Union Terrace Stairs, Stage and Column Repair.
Dates: Completed in 2025
Location
Overview: Major Masonry work in Union Terrace to preserve historic structures. Completed just in time for the summer concert series.
Project Name: Stevens Park Full Size Basketball Court
Completed July 18th, 2025.
Location
Overview: Installation of a new full-size basketball court to complement the park's existing recreational facilities. This project provided a high-quality, flexible space for both casual play and competitive games. By adding the full-size court, the park offers more opportunities for the community to engage.
2024 Projects:
Project Name: Irving Pool at Andre Reed Park New Construction
Dates: Completed in May 2024 (Memorial Day)
Location
Overview: New zero depth entry pool constructed.
Project Name: Cedar Beach Improvements
Dates: Completed in Summer 2024
Location
Overview: Court resurfacing, new lighting and backboards, courtside speakers.
Project Name: Bucky Boyle Improvements
Dates: Completed in 2024
Location
Overview: Court Resurfacing, new lighting, new fencing.
Project Name: Fish Hatchery Maint. Building.
Dates: Completed in 2024
Location
Overview: New building to keep equipment separate to combat mud snail.
2023 Projects:
Project Name: Clyde Bosket (Valania) Park Full Renovation
Dates: Completed in 2023
Location
Overview: Full Park Renovation with restrooms, basketball court and spray pad.
Project Name: WPA Parkway Wall Repairs.
Dates: Completed in 2023
Location
Overview: Major Masonry work in Lehigh Parkway.
Project Name: Percy Rue Master Plan
Dates: Completed in 2023
Location
Project Name: Cedar Bridge Repair
Location:
Dates: Completed in 2023
Overview: construction to bridge to allow for safe pedestrian and maint vehicle travel.