Phil’s prediction resonates in Richland Community Park

Winter in Western Pennsylvania … chocolate box in “Forrest Gump” …

You get the idea.

Heading into the final weekend of February, the temperature climbed toward 60 degrees for a bright, mild Friday afternoon.

Then people woke up to a dusting of Saturday-morning snow, which melted as soon as the sun went to work on the thermometer.

You’ll recall, though, that Punxsutawney — try that in a spelling bee — Phil predicted an early spring, and for folks who made their way to Richland Township Community Park on Feb. 23, it seemed as if Pennsylvania’smost famous groundhog was right on the proverbial money.

From dog walkers to playground swingers and sliders, the park bustled with the type of activity you’d expect to see a couple of months from now, at least on days when when the rain, rain keeps away.

Phil’s February accuracy can be confirmed by AccuWeater: Temperatures around Pittsburgh exceeded average highs on 19 of first 23 days of the month. For folks who can’t stand being stuck inside during the winter, that’s not a bad deal.

Neither is what Richland’s main park, off Bakerstown Road in the eastern part of the township, has to offer the community: baseball, softball, football, lacrosse, soccer and multipurpose fields; basketball and volleyball courts; walking and hiking trails; a dek hockey rink; and a barn and large pavilion.

And don’t forget the splash pad near the playground. If Phil’s optimistic spring prediction extends into the following season, the waterworks should serve as the site for plenty of — sing it, Sly Stone!— hot fun in the summertime.

Visit richland.pa.us/212/Community-Park-and-Athletic-Groups.