Park grants announced
HARRISBURG – Noting that parks, open space and recreation areas help improve Pennsylvanians’ quality of life, Gov. Mark Schweiker has announced $20 million in grants to undertake 240 local park recreation and conservation projects in 55 counties across Pennsylvania. “For toddlers, it’s the swings and slides,” Gov. Schweiker said. “For youths, it’s the ball fields and skate parks. For adults, it’s the bike trails and greenways. And for seniors, it’s the walking paths and open spaces. Whatever the age, whatever the reason, everyone wants and needs community recreation.
“These grants give municipalities the funding needed to leverage local dollars in order to make dreams come true. Hearing a child squeal with delight while growing through play, or seeing a person with disabilities enjoy the outdoors, is evidence of money well spent.”
Here’s a list of the grants in the tri-county area:
Fayette County
Fayette County, $40,000 to develop countywide comprehensive recreation, park, open-space, greenways and trails plan.
Henry Clay Township, $30.000 to develop Henry Clay Township Park.
Masontown, $28,000 to develop Redwood Street and Jefferson Avenue parks.
Springfield Township, $27,000 to develop Mill Run Park.
Washington Township, $30,000 to develop Veterans’ Park.
Greene County
Morris Township, $40,000 to renovate recreation facilities on grounds adjacent to the community center.
Washington County
Bentleyville, $20,000 to develop Richardson Park.
Centerville, $20,000, to renovate a community park.
Somerset Township, $26,000 to develop Somerset Township Park.
Washington, $200,000 to develop a multi-purpose recreational facility.
The grants will fund a variety of planning, acquisition and development projects statewide, including the upgrading or building of 67 playgrounds and parks and 24 athletic fields, 28 acquisition projects resulting in the purchase of nearly 4,000 acres for community parks, open space and greenways; construction of two amphitheaters, two recreation centers and four skate parks; preparation of 59 plans or studies for park or greenway development; 25 projects culminating in the development of 61 miles of trails; and about a dozen significant regional and statewide projects.
The largest grant – $900,000 – went to Westmoreland County to acquire and protect almost 1,300 acres of the Loyalhanna Gorge. The Sports and Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County received two grants of $500,000 each to develop the Convention Center Riverfront Park and North Shore Riverfront Park. Philadelphia received a $500,000 grant to develop and renovate 11 neighborhood parks and seven recreational facilities in the city.
Fifty-three grants were awarded to communities with 5,000 or fewer people, mostly to develop playgrounds and improve park facilities.
Administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Community Recreation Grants are primarily funded through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, also known as Key ’93. Growing Greener funded 39 projects worth $2.8 million, and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund provided $4.1 million for the grants.
The Community Recreation grants are part of the Schweiker Administration’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program – an initiative providing technical assistance, training and grants to help conserve natural and cultural resources, provide outdoor recreation opportunities, enhance tourism, and foster community development.
For more information on the grants, call 717-783-4734.