PERKASIE BOROUGH AWARDED PENN MEDICINE CARES GRANT TO SUPPORT WATER SAFETY AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AT MENLO AQUATICS CENTER
Perkasie, PA – Perkasie Borough is proud to announce that its Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded an $833 grant through the Penn Medicine CAREs Grant Program. The funding will be used to purchase Coast Guard-approved lifejackets for public use at the Menlo Aquatics Center, reinforcing the Borough’s commitment to water safety, family recreation, and inclusive community programming.
The grant application was submitted by Kathleen Rocchetti, Chair of the Perkasie Borough Parks and Recreation Board. Rocchetti, who serves as Senior Executive Administrator and Paralegal at Doylestown Hospital, has been a dedicated member of the Board for eight years. Because Doylestown Hospital is part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), Rocchetti was eligible to apply for the Penn Medicine CAREs Grant, which supports the volunteer efforts of UPHS faculty, staff, and students through funding for community-focused projects.
This initiative aligns with the National Recreation and Park Association’s 2025 theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” which focuses on strengthening families through shared recreational experiences, building confidence in children, and creating safe spaces where all community members can thrive.
“Our goal is to provide children with the resources to feel safe and confident in the water,” said David Worthington, Perkasie Borough Councilman. “Thanks to Kathleen’s initiative and the support of Penn Medicine CAREs, we’re able to expand access to safety equipment that helps families enjoy their time together and promotes essential life skills.”
The new lifejackets will be available at Menlo Aquatics Center during the 2026 summer season. By providing this resource, the Borough aims to encourage water safety, build early swimming confidence, and increase access to programs such as swim lessons, swim teams, and recreational play. According to the National Library of Medicine, drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children aged 1 to 14—making early exposure to safe swimming environments and education critically important.
“We’re excited to already have memberships available for the 2026 season at discounted rates, with convenient payment plans to make summer fun more accessible for families,” said Lauren Moll, Parks and Recreation Director. “It’s never too early to start planning for a safe, active, and memory-filled summer at Menlo.”
For more information about Menlo Aquatics Center or upcoming Parks and Recreation programs, visit www.perkasieborough.org.
