Pumpy Park Reborn: Volunteers Revive Schuylkill's Beloved Oasis

The Pumpy, a once-popular 110-acre outdoor recreation area in East Union Township, is experiencing a remarkable revival. Following its closure in 2010 due to dam safety concerns, The Pumpy Association has dedicated the past three years to its restoration. Volunteers have revitalized the property, reintroducing amenities such as a covered pavilion, cleared walking trails, and a fish hatchery where visitors can feed the stocked fish.

These recent enhancements include horseshoe pits and continued efforts to recreate the area's former glory as a family gathering spot. The association is actively seeking additional state funding through Shenandoah Borough to further improve the site. Key priorities include addressing the reservoir's dam and spillway, which is necessary for trout stocking, and constructing a trail around the reservoir.

The Pumpy, named for its historical role in pumping water to Shenandoah in the early 1900s, is now poised to become a community hub. The association also plans to add a kitchen to the new pavilion and is organizing community events. This revitalization aligns with broader improvements in Shenandoah Borough, including park upgrades and street repaving, demonstrating a commitment to preserving this treasured local asset for future generations.