New playground equipment comes to 'Hoops on Sixth' in Tarentum, courtesy of Tripak Industries

The basketball court at Tarentum’s “Hoops on Sixth” park was barely usable before a local business owner stepped up to assist.

Eric Hashim, owner of Tripak Industries in West Tarentum, donated heavy-duty hoops with steel nets and a new swing set with a toddler space and high-bucket seats.

The equipment, which cost about $10,000, was installed last week.

“It is a fantastic addition for our children,” Councilwoman Carrie Fox said. “To offer more and keep them from playing in the streets is great. Their safety is a top priority.”

Tripak Industries, a packaging manufacturer, also is located along Sixth Avenue. It took over the former LaRusse Distributing Co. site in 2012.

Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf said he and Fox, president of the borough’s recreation board, were visiting the park to consider upgrades when they ran into a group of kids playing there.

“We had a basketball court in disrepair and a small playground set that was donated to the borough years ago,” Boddorf said. “We already knew it needed some attention.

“We asked for the kids’ input, and they said a new swing set would be well used.”

Around the same time, Hashim asked Fox how his business could get more involved in the borough.

“I made a suggestion and he jumped on it,” Fox said.

The upgrades will help foster a sense of community, Hashim said, through shared interests, new friendships and lasting memories.

“Tripak Industries is proud to be a member of the local business community, and we look forward to the growth of the borough,” he said.