Planning the recreational activities for Butler Township elementary schools for the summer of 1970 are, from left, Rudy Corona, William R. O'Donnell, Linda Beaver and Jan Barger. Children Carla Slagel and Karen Bush, listened to the plans. Butler Eagle File Photo

The Butler Township Recreational Program opened for the first time in 10 years on June 15, 1970, providing entertainment and activities for children ages 5 to 12.

There were five participating schools when the program began, and activities included crafts, volleyball and softball. Future activities planned for the summer were Olympic days, interplayground competitions and a trip to a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game.

Each playground was supervised by a local college student majoring in elementary education or another field of education. Additionally, two arts and crafts instructors would circulate among the playgrounds during the summer.

Rudy Corona, recreation director for Butler Township, expressed a desire to get more township residents involved in the program, possibly through the planning of a picnic.

Butler Township commissioners allocated funds to operate the program. Attendance at the playgrounds averaged around 20 to 30 children daily.