HOWLAND — With $50,000 received in donations from residents, organizations and businesses, three Howland government bodies came together to make improvements and additions to Orwig Park off East Market Street,

The Howland Township trustees, Howland Board of Education and Howland Park Board came together this year for the project and met Thursday at a work session to discuss other joint ventures to benefit the township.

Park board member Shawn Pompelia said without the donations and cooperation from the three entities the project would not have been possible.

The project included new benches and picnic tables, a painted and repaired gazebo, and this upcoming week, new grass.

Pompelia said a large “Orwig Park” sign will be located across from the new Taco Bell being constructed, He said it will be lit at night.

“We want to highlight that area,” he said.

Officials said the park’s next main event will be the Christmas tree lighting from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 1.

Township Administrator James Pantalone said new lighting will illuminate the park.

He said another new addition is a water-filling station for people and a water station for dogs, since so many people bring their dogs to the park for the farmers’ market.

Trustee Matt Vansuch said plans are for a ribbon cutting before the Christmas event to recognize and thank all the donors who want to be recognized.

“This has been a productive year working together,” Vansuch said,

He said talks will be held to discuss holding other community events at Orwig Park in 2025.

Park board chairwoman Jessica Gault said the July 4 event and Christmas celebration are two large community events held at Orwig Park, which bring the community together. She said other yearly events can also be looked into.

Howland School Superintendent Kevin Spciher said the different groups can also look for grant opportunities together for additional projects that will benefit the community,

Pantalone said work has also been done to get WiFi in the park,

Vansuch said the township contributed American Rescue Plan funds for the electrical work at the park.

He said ARP funds are also being used for a new app, “Howland Connect.”

Pantalone said “Howland Connect” will provide access and links to the different township departments the parks and the schools.

Vansuch said ARP funds can be used for the app since it helps with communications to the public.

“We want the app to be all-inclusive. This will allow people to access and see all that Howland has,” Pantalone said.

He said the app will allow people to report street lights that are out. There will also be notifications from different departments.

Board of education member Jeff Pegg noted the Howland Rotary Club members will be doing improvement work Saturday at the bocce courts at the main township park.