OPEN ARMS
MARION TWP, Beaver County — Sitting on 40 acres just across the Butler County line, St. John's United Evangelical Protestant (Burry's) Church was looking for a way to open its arms to the community.
After opening a new softball field on the campus last year, the Rev. Mike Van Arsdale and others noticed children there with parents watching the game, but with nowhere to play.
That changed June 10 when the 172-year-old church along Route 68, just a few miles west of Zelienople, dedicated a new playground.
Van Arsdale said the playground, along with the softball field, is one way the church is trying to reach out to the community around it.
"We want it to be used by the community," he said.
Concepted about a year ago, he said the church was able to raise $23,000 for construction of the playground, a project that has excited parents and children alike.
"We're excited about it,"he said.
He said the goal is to emulate Jesus, who opened his arms to children at all times.
"That's foundational to what this is,"he said.
The playground is just one of many projects the church hopes to complete.
He said other hopes for the property include a walking trail, a trail for hayrides, a camping site and a soccer field.
"That's all part of the dream of opening the campus to the community,"he said.
Tammy Kaufman, one of the church's 212 members, said her children were ecstatic about the play area.
Kaufman, of New Sewickley Township, Beaver County, said her two children waited with other youths to climb the playground after it was dedicated.
She said the playground, which gives children a place to meet other kids, also give them a place to play during events at the church.
"It's nice because when you have the games ... the kids have a safe place to play," she said.
Kaufman said she also likes the different ideas for future expansion of the campus, which she said fits the history of the church.
"I think it's perfect for Burry,"she said, noting the goals reflect the church's past as a meeting place on the hill.
That's also the goal of Van Arsdale, who wants the campus attractions to draw people to the church.
"Ihope it is an outreach,"he said.
