By Kim Weightman
•
May 23, 2025
Bethel Park will be holding its annual Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 26 to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The program will feature an 8:50 a.m. Morning Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in front of the Municipal Building (5100 W. Library Ave.) followed by a parade stepping off at 10 a.m. from the site and ending at Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery for a service there. Refreshments will also be available for guests prior to the Morning Ceremony in Council Chambers (5100 W. Library Ave.) at 8:15 a.m. “This program has become an esteemed tradition for our community,” said Bethel Park Council President John Oakes. “I’d like to thank everyone who has planned this very special event and to thank Dick Jewell who will be this year’s speaker.” Jewell who said he’s “honored to have this opportunity,” is a longtime Bethel Park resident who received the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal for doing an outstanding job in the legal work he conducted for the various commanders at the Third Cav. Since moving to Bethel Park in 1956 as a child, he has attended every Memorial Day Parade except for two when he was serving in the Army. Jewell’s speech will focus on the true meaning of Memorial Day and include many military references including General MacArthur’s “Duty, Honor and Country” speech that he made at West Point in 1962. “This program is quite unique in that it involves so many groups coming together to remember those who’ve paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” said Bethel Park Manager Kristen Denne. The parade route will begin at the Municipal Building, head left onto Highland Ave., left on Bethel Church Rd., and end at Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Any changes to the Memorial Day program due to inclement weather will be announced on Memorial Day by 7 a.m. on all Bethel Park social media outlets and website ( www.bethelparkpa.gov ) . Splash Park to Open for the Season! Bethel Park’s 1.05-acre Splash Park will open for the season on Saturday, May 24 at 11 a.m. for seasonal members and 12 p.m. for all other guests. The Splash Park is located on Park Avenue next to the Bethel Park Community Center (5151 Park Ave.). The $3.5 million park opened in May 2024 and features two areas: one for younger children with a river component to float toys as well as a larger area for all ages with various spray toys and other features. It’s also ADA accessible, is fully fenced, has a pavilion available to rent on site, has air-conditioned restrooms, and is fully staffed with Recreation seasonal employees. Regular Splash Park hours are 12 – 7 p.m. Sunday – Saturday (7 days a week) throughout the season (weather permitting), with an earlier 11 a.m. opening for Seasonal Members. Seasonal Memberships are $50 per household for Bethel Park Residents only; residents can also purchase 10-day Punch Passes for $27 a pass or Single Day passes for $3/per person. Single Day passes are available to non-residents for $5/per person. Day passes can be purchased at the Splash Park (credit/debit only) . Memberships and/or passes must be purchased prior to visiting the Splash Park. Questions about memberships, passes or pavilion rental? Call the Bethel Park Community Center at 412-851-2910 or visit www.bethelparkpa.gov . With expected cooler temperatures this weekend, hours may vary. Any changes will be announced on Recreation’s social media outlets.
