By Chris English/Courier Times, May 15

It's a rather modest structure, just an unimposing little place to grab a few minutes of shade or get out from under a sudden cloudburst.

Yet, because it will be surrounded by people getting exercise and having fun, there couldn't be a more fitting tribute to Mary Schweiker.

At a brief ceremony Thursday evening, Middletown Community Foundation officials dedicated a gazebo to Schweiker, 25-year chairwoman of the township's park and recreation advisory board and mother of former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker.

The circular building, roughly 20 feet high and 12 feet wide, is part of the 41-acre Middletown Community Park on Langhorne-Yardley Road, a facility Mary Schweiker helped to fashion. The gazebo's $4,300 cost was covered by the foundation, a nonprofit organization formed by the supervisors seven years ago to help various causes in the township.

"It's a lovely gazebo," said Schweiker, a 50-year resident of Middletown who got heavily involved in recreation needs after raising six children.

"I was up here at the park last [Wednesday] night and there [were] kids running around and laughing and having fun, and that is what it's all about," she continued. "It makes everything worthwhile. If we can keep kids occupied, we'll have less problems."

Among those attending Thursday's ceremony was the former cheif executive of the commonwealth, now president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

"I'm glad this wasn't one of those memorial dedications, and my mother is here to see it and enjoy it," said Mark Schweiker.

We were formed to work for the betterment of the community, and that is what Mary Schweiker has been doing all her life," added Middletown Community Foundation president Tom Hecker.