Citing time for change, entire Brackenridge recreation board resigns

Brackenridge is without a recreation committee, at least temporarily.

All five members of the volunteer group resigned during the borough’s reorganization meeting Jan. 3.

“I am proud of everything this committee has done,” said Cindy Kish, who stepped down as president of the group. “We have always done our best for every event.”

The recreation committee has had a successful run at hosting social events, most geared toward children and many in cooperation with neighboring Tarentum.

There have been Easter egg hunts, parades and other gatherings aimed at boosting community spirit.

Borough officials said they will put out a call for new volunteers to take over duties.

For Kish, the decision is linked to a political loss by her husband, Tom, who served as borough mayor for 12 years.

He was unseated in November by newcomer Lindsay Fraser.

“I got on this committee 16 years ago when my husband got elected to borough council,” Cindy Kish said. “I have enjoyed serving the residents of our borough. As my husband ends his time as mayor, I’m also retiring.”

Fraser expressed her appreciation to all of the members, saying their resignations were “regretfully accepted.”

“I am deeply grateful to long-serving President Cindy Kish and the entire board for their years of service,” Fraser said.

Mercedes Hazlett, a committee member who also resigned after 16 years, said volunteers work hard throughout the year to provide a good time for residents.

“I think we did a lot for the kids, we had a lot of them grow up before our eyes,” Hazlett said. “It’s time to move on and enjoy the holidays a little.”

Hazlett has lived in the borough for 30-plus years, and her friendship with Kish is what drew her to the committee.

Even through the last two years, when covid restrictions limited what they could provide, Hazlett said committee members improvised to make sure residents still had memorable gatherings.

She said it was time for a change, time for new faces to take over.

“It’s been a fun time,” she said. “Hopefully, they’ll continue to have fun.”