Hanging flower baskets of supertunias are seen on the poles near Platt Park.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
One of the two new “Welcome to Dalton” signs on Routes 6 and 11.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
DALTON — The people of Dalton have collaborated to improve the look of the town. The project — Dalton Beautification. The planning commission brought the idea to council about placing hanging flower baskets around the downtown area and Platt Park.
“The planning commission thought this would be a great benefit to the community,” said member Albert Propst, who is also a councilman. “And when you have something pleasant to look at, it changes your outlook on everyday life.”
The planning commissions reached out to Beichler’s Greenhouse during the early spring. Owners started to grow Supertunias (super petunias) and supplied the buckets to place them. Local residents and others who wanted to donate, paid for these flowers.
The Department of Public Works employees installed hangers and placed them over Main Street, Northampton Road, and North Turnpike Road before Mother’s Day. Hanging baskets are displayed on poles around Platt Park. There are also two hanging from the Dalton Municipal Building.
“We’re trying to put on a new face over the next couple years,” Propst said to the runners during the Dalton Dash on Memorial Day. “We’re doing flowers in town.”
The Supertunias will remain hanging until fall, which is their growing season.
Eric Beichler personally grew all of the petunias. ‘
“We are very excited to be part of the beautification project in Dalton,” said his wife Nancy Beichler.
But Dalton doesn’t stop there. The Christy Matthewson Girls Softball League recently made improvements to the ball field at Dalton’s Streamside Park. The improvements are part of making Streamside Park the home field for the softball league and include a new infield, expansion of the outfield and an addition of a concessions stand.
Another renovation will be added to Dalton Memorial Park. There will be a tree in memory of the late James Gray, who was Dalton chief of police and mayor. It will be planted by teachers from the Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center Megan Naylor and Katie Loughney. It will serve as Dalton’s new Christmas tree.
DPW employees installed two new “Welcome to Dalton” signs on each side of Routes 6 and 11. Dalton residents submitted their designs to Dalton Council for a contest. Council chose the design of Jess Gard. There are plans to install more welcome signs. Dalton has other future projects in the works including town banners, dog waste stations planters along the sidewalk, benches, and many more things to guide the town of Dalton.
“We’re trying to change the face and bring some activities to Dalton,” said Propst.
