Renovations to Leechburg's Riverfront Park create 'jewel' along Kiski River, mayor says

A riverfront venue in Leechburg is newly spruced up and available for the public to rent.

The white gazebo in Riverfront Park was constructed in 2004 but had fallen into a state of deterioration, Mayor Wayne Dobos said.

“The park is a community asset that had started to fall by the wayside,” he said. “We had to take it back from the undesirables that were hanging out there and causing trouble.”

Dobos said he wants the public to take notice of what he describes as a “jewel” along the Kiski river.

“Some people don’t even know the park and gazebo exist,” Dobos said. “I’d like to get the word out, so more people will use it.”

The well-manicured park, several blocks long and containing about eight picnic tables and assorted benches, is behind Sprankle’s Market.

The gazebo was chosen as the setting for a local couple’s nuptials over Labor Day weekend.

“We had to change our choice of venue from indoor to outdoor due to covid-19,” said Gilpin’s Chaz Minnich, the groom.

The couple chose to exchange vows under the gazebo in Riverfront Park for sentimental reasons as well.

“The Kiski River is a place where we enjoy swimming and kayaking. We knew the gazebo would be perfect for our ceremony,” said Carla (Kessler) Minnich, the bride.

The couple donated their $50 park deposit back to the borough.

Anyone may reserve the gazebo by visiting the borough office at 260 Market St. and paying a $50 refundable deposit.

“If you leave everything in good condition, you get your $50 back and you basically use the park for free,” Dobos said.

The mayor noted it was the first wedding since improvements were made to the gazebo.

The Minnichs said they are thankful for the improvements to the park.

“We do participate in the river cleanups, but we both work a lot and don’t get to volunteer as much as we like. We really appreciate the beautiful work that the many volunteers have done to renovate the park,” Chaz Minnich said.

The entire park project, which included repainting the gazebo, installing new aluminum railing, repairing the roof, pressure washing and more, cost about $4,000, all funded by donations.

“The taxpayers paid nothing for this,” Dobos said. “The entire community really pitched in with donations.”

The borough is responsible for mowing the park grounds.

Dobos said about 25 volunteers worked for about a year to complete the project.

Plans include additional trimming and cutting down more brush and trees along the river, allowing for more expansive views.

“We’ve received many compliments on how nice it looks. Everyone says they are enjoying themselves there,” Dobos said.