HONESDALE, PA — A small, welcoming park known as Apple Grove now has a dozen new trees that will help the park live up to its name.

The original apple trees had stopped fruiting and because of their poor condition, created a hazard. They were removed recently by Honesdale’s Department of Public Works. 

The Honesdale Rotary Club stepped up. It applied for grant funding at the district level to pay for new apple trees. The young trees were planted on April 14 by Rotary members and other volunteers.

A bonfire is planned for April 27. To prepare, the Department of Public Works stacked wood from the removed trees. Hamill said it will coordinate with the Honesdale Fire Department for a safe, controlled burn. 

“The public will be welcome to bring food, games and spend time enjoying each other’s company,” said Hamill.

Fun in the shade

The park, bordering the Dyberry Creek, is located along Fair Avenue and is adjacent to Veterans Park and the Honesdale Pool.

“We’re fortunate to live in a community that steps up in big and small ways,” said Honesdale Councilman James Hamill. “Apple Grove has been a popular spot to enjoy nature and fellowship with neighbors. So it’s extra special to see a project like the renewal of the apple grove with the efforts of the Honesdale Rotary and exciting future plans for this shared public space.”

Historically, the park has been used as a gathering place. It’s been used for picnicking and fishing, and for cooling off in the Dyberry’s clean waters on a hot summer afternoon. People launch tubes to float downstream, or just spend time alone with nature, reading a book under the shade trees.

Other improvements are planned at the park, including the installation of new playground equipment and the refurbishment of the park’s disc golf equipment.

“It’s the parks committee’s intention to have [the disc golf baskets] pulled, fixed, painted, and replaced in the park in a planned way,” Hamill said. “Currently, there doesn’t appear to be a layout designed for disc golf practice or play.” 

A dog park is also in the planning stages. The borough board has already received bids. The project was tabled at the March council meeting and was on the agenda for April 22.