Barrio Alegría, through its South of Penn Initiative, has worked with residents of the South of Penn neighborhoods for several years to enhance quality of life. In addition to neighborhood cleanups, alleyway concerts, façade improvements, and whole-home repair efforts, the initiative has engaged neighbors directly to identify priorities for upgrades at Reading Iron Playground—a community park at 723 Laurel St, Reading, PA—and to advocate for those community-driven improvements.
In 2023, a new mural by Reading artist Theron Cook was installed on the park’s blockhouse after a neighborhood poll selected the design. The initiative also supported block captains, including Ms. Jeanette Buchanon, in organizing and voicing specific priorities for the park.
On August 13, 2024, the City of Reading held a ceremonial groundbreaking for a $649,900 renovation package and awarded the construction contract to Purcell Construction. The scope included replacing the playset; installing pour-in-place safety surfacing; removing excess asphalt; repairing fencing and lighting; renovating the baseball field; adding ADA-accessible sidewalks, a second swing set, mobile soccer goals, and a volleyball court; and building walkways that connected play areas to the community garden on the nearly two-acre site. The project was funded by Pennsylvania DCNR, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and City of Reading capital improvement dollars.
By July 14, 2025, City Council listed Reading Iron Playground under “Capital Projects — Projects completed,” marked “pending dedication.”
While the City has not yet held an official grand opening, the neighborhood celebrated the renewed space on its own terms: Barrio Alegria and South of Penn christened the improvements during their annual South 7th Street block party—“Tropic It Like It’s Hot”—held last Saturday.
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