Monroeville Public Library, Recreation & Parks department to build Discovery Gardens around Monroeville

To celebrate September being “Love Your Library” month, the Monroeville Public Library and the Recreation & Parks Department will collaborate on a new project called the “Discovery Gardens of Monroeville.”

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Parks and Recreation Department on a project that will bring so much to the community,” said Pam Bodziock, assistant director of the library and teen services librarian. “We are excited and grateful to be working with them to expand ideas, the location and opportunities.”

A discovery garden is an outdoor space dedicated to playing, learning, discovering and exploring.

Though the project is in its pre-conceptual phase, library Director Nicole Henline said, the gardens will provide the opportunity to learn, connect and play in a natural setting.

The budget has not been finalized. The project is expected to be completed by 2023.

“There will be permanent and temporary exhibits that will encourage play, learning and development,” Henline said.

Discovery gardens will be located in the library’s backyard and several park locations throughout Monroeville.

Features of the gardens will encourage climbing, splashing, digging, jumping, strolling and more.

“It offers recreation activities at their library and, as well, through our park system. This is a great cooperative effort to offer to Monroeville residents no matter what age they are,” said JoAnne Morris, recreation program director.

Donations are encouraged to help with building the new project. Any donations received during September will qualify for a prorated match from the Buncher Foundation.

Donations can made online at monroevillelibrary.org, by mail to The Monroeville Public Library, 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146, or in person.

So far, the library has been able to raise more than $35,000 through donors. The library has set a goal of raising $15,000 for “Love Your Library Month” to get closer to making “Discovery Gardens of Monroeville” a reality.

“We also hope to reach out to many different foundations, organizations and community parters to make the discovery gardens of Monroeville a truly robust community project,” Henline said.

Morris said both departments look forward to creating a space for the community to have fun and connect.

“It will be a work in progress, but we are hoping to get people enthusiatic about it and that it will turn out to be something wonderful for everybody,” Morris said.