Apr 27, 2006 By Christine Haines 2 min read

LUZERNE TWP. – A football field could be the next addition to Patsy Hillman Park. The Brownsville Youth Football League has asked the park board for an area where it can build a football field with bleachers, a concession stand and announcer’s booth. James McCrae from the youth league attended Wednesday’s meeting and said the group is seeking grants from state Reps. H. William DeWeese (D-Waynesburg) and Peter J. Daley (D-California). McCrae said the NFL has a grant program that will match up to $50,000 if the state grants are received.

“We’ve been asked why we call ourselves the Brownsville league when we play our games in Republic. We want to bring our team back to Brownsville,” McCrae said.

Park Board chairman Frank Ricco said the old mud bog area would be a good location for the field.

“It’s an ideal situation. We’ve got the bank for the bleachers, and there’s room for more parking if we need it. The drainage will be perfect,” Ricco said. “We’ll make sure this is put into the comprehensive plan.”

In other matters, the board accepted a letter of resignation from long-time board member Ed Ritsko. Ritsko said he will be moving to Washington County and will no longer be able to serve as a park board representative for Luzerne Township. Ritsko has been on the board for more than 20 years.

Board member Bob Bevard reported that the baseball youth league has made considerable improvements to the concession stand at the baseball field, including new soffit and fascia. Bevard said the volunteers will also be painting the concession stand.

He said the park board will need to take action to improve drainage around the building and to upgrade the electrical system.

The park board is still waiting for a lease agreement with the Izaak Walton League, a conservation organization, for space at the park for its office and meeting room. The lease must be approved by both Luzerne Township and Brownsville Borough, since the two municipalities own the park.

It was reported that several pavilion rentals have been booked at the park, including rental of the newly renovated Hillman Pavilion, which is enclosed and contains a full kitchen. Rental reservations are taken at the Brownsville Bus Lines office at 724-785-3600.