Soldiers Field Update #14
May 2025: Final Phase Underway
Dear Mount Gretna Community,
As we approach the completion of the Soldiers Field project and the start of our summer season, we're excited to share this important update on our progress and upcoming milestones.
Project Nearing Completion
We're thrilled to report that Hershey Excavating anticipates completing the entire Soldiers Field project by early June. The final phase includes:
Paving the parking lot (beginning either Friday, May 23 or Tuesday, May 27, weather permitting)
Line painting (following paving completion)
Final grooming of path sides in the wooded areas
Touch-ups from the bridge to Route 117
This means that the parking area will not be available for parking for the Summer Kick-off/Memorial Day Weekend festivities.
The path from the parking area to 117 will be open but it will not be lit. Please use caution if traversing the pass in the evening.
We will distribute periodic updates to let everyone know when we begin parking in the new parking area.
Save the Date: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Mark your calendars! We're planning a community Ribbon Cutting and Dedication ceremony for Saturday, June 21st (Summer Solstice weekend). This celebration will recognize all the partners who made this project possible, including:
DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)
The Conservation Fund
Lebanon County Commissioners
South Londonderry Township Supervisors
The Mount Gretna Trust for the Preservation of the Arts
Pennsylvania National Guard
More details about timing and the complete program will be shared as they're finalized.
Thank you for your patience during construction and your continued support of this important project. Soldiers Field is truly becoming a wonderful addition to our Mount Gretna community, and we can't wait to celebrate its completion with all of you.
For questions about the project, please don't hesitate to reach out.
John Weaver, President
Pennsylvania Chautauqua Foundation
johnfweaver@gmail.com