NL Rec group wins Multi-Municipal Award

It’s remarkable what can happen when groups come together for a common cause to improve their community.

Thanks to that collaboration, the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority was honored last week with the Multi-Municipal Cooperation Award.

The group won the award during the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission’s fifth annual Lehigh Valley Gala and Awards show at DeSales University.

Mike Kukitz, executive director of Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority, said the group consists of Northern Lehigh School District, Washington Township, Walnutport and Slatington boroughs, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Kukitz said he put together an application highlighting the work that has been done by the group.

“It’s always exciting to win,” Kukitz said. “To be recognized by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission was definitely an honor.”

Kukitz noted the group has accomplished much in the past two years.

“We’ve done quite a lot,” he said. “We’ve brought in a handful of grants trying to improve the parks, recreation, services, and events.”

The Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority officially began in December 2015 after the two boroughs and the township partnered with DCNR to create the program.

In the spring of 2016, Walnutport joined and took the place of the Community Center Committee.