Politics & Government
Leetsdale Renames Washington Street Park for Former Councilwoman
Borough mayor and council dedicate the Washington Street Park to the memory of Lynn Kohlmeyer.
In the midst of Memorial Day weekend activities, several residents took time on Sunday afternoon to honor the memory of former Councilwoman and community volunteer Sandra Lynn Kohlmeyer.
In a brief ceremony under a clear sky, the borough’s mayor and council officially dedicated the Washington Street Park by renaming it the S. Lynn Kohlmeyer Park.
Kohlmeyer died last summer at age 46 after battling breast cancer. A fixture at community activities, she was one of the founders of the Leetsdale Community Activities Association, which has organized several successful celebrations and summer park programs.
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In 1998, Kohlmeyer was elected to borough council and served until December 2005. She played a crucial role in the construction of the Michele "Mike" Maruca overpass on Route 65, serving on the overpass project committee while on council and later as a volunteer. In 2009, Kohlmeyer was hired by the borough as an administrative assistant, a position she held until her death the following July.
Former Councilman Joe McGurk, who attended Sunday’s ceremony and served with Kohlmeyer, said she dedicated much of her time to the overpass project and played a crucial role during several phases of its construction.
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“She was a wonderful woman and instrumental in the project being completed,” he said.
Leetsdale Mayor Peter Poninsky read a proclamation from the state Senate and also spoke of the Kohlmeyer dedicated to the borough.
“This park is so fitting because of the hours Lynn gave of herself and being away from her family for the construction of this overpass,” he said.
Several members of Kohlmeyer’s family attended the ceremony, including Gerome Kohlmeyer, her husband of 20 years. The couple moved to Leetsdale in the early 1990’s to raise their children. Although the last year has been difficult for his family, the support of the community has been comforting, Gerome Kohlmeyer said.
“If you want to live forever, that’s how you do it – by dedicating yourself to your community and leaving a legacy,” he said.
