Shamokin, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Downtown Center has taken notice of recent revitalization efforts in downtown Shamokin. To acknowledge those improvements, the organization has awarded the Shamokin Partnership for Revitalization with a 2024 Townie Award.
The award was specifically presented specifically for public space improvements at Illumination Station Pocket Park.
Townie Awards are given to Pennsylvanian communities and individuals that develop and execute projects, programs, and events that align with Pennsylvania Downtown Center's community revitalization mission. The annual awards are highly competitive, with over 200 member organizations eligible to compete.
Betsy Kramer, community revitalization manager at SEDA-COG and project manager for GoShamokin; Justin Bainbridge, downtown manager for the City of Shamokin; and Sean Garrigan of Stomberg, Garrigan, & Associates were present at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center event to accept the award.
The Shamokin Partnership for Revitalization has taken on several projects as part of the GoShamokin plan, with several more projects in the pipeline.
Illumination Station Pocket Park is a stellar example of one of GoShamokin's successful projects. The project demolished two blighted buildings in the heart of Shamokin and turned the area into a pleasant outdoor space with seating and attractive lights. The pocket park is a welcoming area where residents and visitors are welcome to relax, gather, and enjoy some time outdoors.
The pocket park project brought together residents, local businesses, and civic organizations in an excellent demonstration of community collaboration. Several parties have been involved with the project from initial planning to ongoing maintenance, showing their continuing commitment to revitalizing Shamokin. Their dedication and hard work have demonstrated what can be achieved when communities unite behind a common vision.
"This award is a testament to the Shamokin community's remarkable spirit and resilience. Together, we've turned challenges into opportunities, creating spaces like Illumination Station Pocket Park that infuse joy and vitality into the downtown of Shamokin," remarked Betsy Kramer, community revitalization program manager at SEDA-COG.
“As downtown manager for the City of Shamokin, this recognition from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center motivates us to continue our work in making Shamokin a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place for all,” said Justin Bainbridge.
“The prestigious Townie Award from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center speaks to the great achievements that the City of Shamokin and all of its community partners have been able to accomplish. Illumination Station represents one more step in the growing vibrancy of Downtown Shamokin,” Sean Garrigan of Stromberg, Garrigan, & Associates stated.
Additional revitalization plans will repurpose and reuse other vacant properties throughout the city, as well as a "Complete Streets" strategy that takes into consideration the safety and accessibility of streets to everyone — pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities.
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