Half-court basketball coming to Kunkel

"Mercer at Play" grant money will be used

By John Tredrea
   Pennington is planning to use a $16,709 county grant to construct a half-court basketball facility at Kunkel Park.
   The park is near the junction of Park Avenue and King George Road in the eastern section of the borough. The project includes one basket and paved area roughly equivalent to half the length of a regulation size basketball court.
   The Borough Council voted unanimously Monday night to seek proposals from contractors to build the half-court and basket on a flat, grassy strip of land adjacent to Kunkel Park’s parking lot.
   Mercer County recently awarded Pennington a $16,709 "Mercer at Play" grant. The borough’s Parks and Recreation Commission had recommended the money be used for the basketball facility at Kunkel.
   Councilwoman Eileen Heinzel, who chairs council’s Community Service and Library Committee, said the half-court and basket "will fill out Kunkel Park nicely."
   Already in the park, she noted, is playground equipment for young children. The basket, which will not have lighting for night use, will draw older children and adults to the park as well, she said.