Sheldon Park celebrates 'excellent' Community Day

Hours after the 35th annual Sheldon Park Community Day celebration concluded Friday afternoon, Sydney Hayden still had hordes of children running around, laughing and showing off their face paint.

“It was an excellent day,” said Hayden, a leader at the Allegheny County public housing complex off Springhill Road in Harrison.

“The way everyone comes together for this, it gives us spirit and pride.”

The festivities began at noon and featured two inflatables, a DJ, hot dogs and cookies.

Citizens Hose Fire-Rescue-EMS brought a fire engine and an ambulance to give the kids a firsthand look at the emergency rescue vehicles.

EMS Chief Jim Erb said his group was honored to be there. He shared information with people about an upcoming EMT program sponsored by the Alle-Kiski Health Foundation, which offers $20,000 in free training to become a certified responder.

Citizens co-hosted the first program earlier this spring and is eyeing a second semester later this year. The 16-week course is open for all to apply. In the first round, there were 20 available spots.

“The kids and adults both asked a lot of questions about the EMT program, which was great,” Erb said.

Students from the Highlands High School choral groups performed a few numbers and there were vendor booths to browse.

“The musical kids did a wonderful job,” said Hayden, who serves on the county housing authority board.

She thanked the county for a recent remodeling of the Hayden Community Center, which included new flooring and paint.

“We had one little kid in awe,” Hayden said. “He said it looks just like the gym at school.

“We need these kinds of opportunities for our children, and we want the county to know we appreciate them.”

While the children played, others gathered to discuss potential programs for the housing complex. They included politicians, police chiefs, school leaders and local government officials.

Highlands Superintendent Monique Mawhinney talked about maintaining a good relationship with the residents of Sheldon Park so they can stay on a path of success after high school.

Other speakers included District Judge Carolyn Bengel, county Housing Authority Executive Director Frank Aggazio and Harrison Commissioner Chuck Dizard.

Erb thanked Hayden and other organizers for hosting the event.

“We congratulate everyone that works behind the scenes to help Sheldon Park thrive and help give everyone the things they need to live well and have successful lives,” he said.