GAF partners with community to revitalize Myerstown sports courts

Volunteers came together on Saturday, May 10, to prepare Myerstown recreation area’s basketball court, tennis courts, and pathways to be painted with epoxy-modified acrylic.

The community outreach project in partnership with Myerstown’s GAF branch has been in the works for around three years, said Denise Gouldey of Myerstown Vitality Partnership. GAF, a roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, has about 160 employees in Myerstown.

“I think it’s a big win for the community to get everybody involved,” said Gouldey.

GAF applied the first level of paint Tuesday, Gouldey said. Volunteers Saturday worked to place stencils before painting over with yellow and blue highlights, to match Eastern Lebanon County School District’s colors.

Among volunteers were students from ELCO’s Interact Club, who volunteer regularly with efforts including Wreaths Across America, helping out at StoneRidge Retirement Living, and efforts like the painting prep Saturday.

“We are honored to be a part of this project and give back to the ELCO community,” said students, who collaborated on a statement. “We’ve enjoyed working with GAF this year and are excited to continue partnering for future projects. Our motto is service above self and as a club, we try to embody that through a variety of opportunities.”

GAF plant manager Johan Alexandersson, also on the Myerstown Vitality Partnership board, explained that in addition to its vibrant color, the StreetBond coating increases pavement longevity and reduces surface heat.

In addition to paint, GAF also provided labor and designs for the project, which were approved by Myerstown Borough Council.

“The reason why GAF is doing this is because we want to be a good neighbor,” explained Alexandersson. “We are working in this neighborhood and we have people working for us who live in this community. We need to give back to the community for letting us be here and prosper as a community.”

While the volunteer portion of the project was originally scheduled for Friday, it was pushed back due to inclement weather. Unlike the previous rainy day, Saturday was clear and bright.

Among the paths painted for the project is Myerstown’s StoryWalk, which platforms a story by a Lancaster County native on platforms along the path.

Read More: Children’s book by Lancaster County native featured on Myerstown StoryWalk

Myerstown borough manager Michael McKenna said in a press release that the project “celebrates Myerstown’s spirit — a place where families gather, neighbors connect, and history inspires the future.”