Mar 19, 2024 By Amy Fauth 4 min read

Amy Fauth | Herald-Standard

Retired state representative Pam Snyder, Franklin Township Supervisors William Walker, Corley Orndorff and Todd Hoy and state Sen. Camera Bartolotta cut the ribbon at Crawford Park in Greene County.

“We pulled it off.”

That’s what Pam Snyder, a retired state representative from Greene County, said before she helped cut the ribbon to officially open the newly renovated Crawford Park in Franklin Township on Friday.

The scoreboard read 3-0, tipping its cap to the township’s ability to acquire three state grants totaling $635,000 to undertake the renovations. Snyder called it the “triple play.”

“This is what happens when levels of government work together and I am so proud and honored to be here today to be able to share in this wonderful community place that will be shared and enjoyed by so many over the generations,” said Snyder.

The project included raising the original building above flood level and renovating the top floor to house concessions, an announcer’s booth and balcony seating. In addition, a retaining wall was built behind the backstop, a new playground was installed, new pedestrian walkways were developed, and the parking lot was paved. The park is now also fully accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“This is a very exciting day for Franklin Township and all of our residents,” said Corbly Orndorff, chairman of the board of supervisors. “The Crawford Park renovation project has been a few years in the making. And, today we are here to welcome all of you to celebrate the park’s reopening.”

Orndorff added that when the idea was conceived, they turned to Snyder, then still a state representative, and state Sen. Camera Bartolotta because both go above and beyond for the communities in Greene County. The women were able to assist in getting state grants.

Melody Longstreth, executive director of the Greene County Chamber said many have been waiting for this day for a long time. And although the weather wasn’t cooperative on Friday, the rain couldn’t dampen the excitement for the park’s reopening.

“This is just a wonderful spot for all sorts of activities. The entire community can take advantage of this,” said Longstreth. “We are so proud it actually came to fruition. We’ve been working on this for a long, long, long time.”

In addition to the state funding, both EQT Corp. and Berkshire Hathaway Energy donated to the project. Their donations, according to Orndorff, allowed the supervisors to go beyond the original scope of the project.

According to Supervisor Todd Hoy, the township also had great partners for the project, many of whom were in attendance at the reopening, including K2 Engineering, Harshman Civil Engineering Group, True Core and Miller Electric. In addition, Sports and Recreation Associates installed the new playground equipment and the bleachers, he said.

Supervisor William Walker thanked the Greene County Honor Guard, who opened the ceremony by hoisting the stars and stripes up the flagpole, and township employees and office personnel. But, his main message was for the members of the girls’ softball and little league football associations.

“Please take care of the facility. Please. Enjoy it but please take care of it. I mean it’s going to be nice for everybody. Please take care of it. When people drive by it, we want to hear people say ‘how nice they keep Crawford Park.'”

The pavilion is available for party rentals. Call the township at 724-627-5473 to reserve a date. In addition, Crawford Park has a baseball and football field, basketball court, picnic tables, concession stand and restrooms.