EPHRATA — The Ephrata Parks Commission is looking for two volunteers to join the board.  

“Our parks board advises the council,” City Administrator Ray Towry said. “They're independent of the council, but they advise the council on all things related to parks and recreation, and they're also charged with the downtown esthetics. That's a project that we're actively getting ready to look at, is revamping a little bit of downtown to try and make it a little more pleasant.” 

Towry said the board is working on a variety of projects including downtown revitalization, upgrading playground equipment and planning events.  

“There is a lot going on, lots to be involved in,” Towry said.  

The commission meets on the first Monday of every month at 12 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center.  

“You get out of it what you put into it,” Towry said. “We have had parks board members who show up and do their one hour a month, but we also have had members who spend significantly more time doing different things. It’s up to the member to decide how much time they want to put into it.”  

For those interested in applying for the open seats, send a letter of interest to Ephrata Parks and Recreation Director Josh Johnson at [email protected].  

Towry said the letters will be reviewed by the parks board. The board will then make a recommendation to the mayor. The mayor’s recommendation must be approved by the city council.  

“It’s a good opportunity to get involved in and dip your toe into local politics,” Towry said. “It could be a springboard for some people. This is just an opportunity to see some of the inner workings.”