Valania Park Revitalization

Allentown, PA

Nestled in the heart of Allentown’s bustling city center, Valania Park is a 1.3-acre gem that has been a cherished community hub since its creation in the 1970s. Named in honor of John Valania, a former principal of the Allentown School District, and with a basketball court dedicated to the legendary “Jo Jo” Smith, a passionate advocate for inner-city youth sports, Valania Park has a rich history. BL Companies proudly spearheaded a transformation that marked the park’s first substantial reinvestment in decades. Collaborating closely with city officials and local stakeholders to craft a visionary, sustainable, and all-encompassing design, the long awaited revitalization includes a new park pavilion with lavatories and storage space, a splash pad, site lighting, new pathways and seating areas, native landscaping and the park’s new focal point – a unique basketball bleacher/grandstand.