DCNR invests in local recreation and conservation efforts
Concession stands, pedestrian walkways and improved light are among improvements parks in Washington, Greene and Fayette will receive thanks to grant funding from the state.
Last week, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced a $52.5 million investment in more than 225 projects across the state, including several in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties, to create new recreational opportunities, revitalize communities and conserve natural resources.
The grants were awarded through the DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation and Community Conservation Partnerships Program.
“This funding will enhance the recreational opportunities available in the 46th District, giving everyone more ways to enjoy healthy activities outside,” state Sen. Camera Bartolotta said in a news release Tuesday, where she announced approval for projects in Washington and Greene counties. “People of all ages will benefit from these improvements.”
Improvements will be made in Independence and South Franklin townships and McDonald Borough in Washington County and in Franklin and Jefferson townships in Greene County.
Independence Township received $233,000 to continue work at the community park, a 39-acre area that boasts four pavilions, a playground, a dog walking trail with ramps and jumps and the sport court, completed last year thanks to a different grant.
“We’ve been really fortunate with the grants,” said township Supervisor Tom Jennings. “We’re trying to move our township forward, and getting grants like this, close to a quarter million dollars, that helps little communities, and that’s the important thing.”
Jennings said the DCNR grant will be put toward the construction of an outdoor kitchen, and installation of lights at the sport court. That lighting will allow park patrons to play basketball and dek hockey after dark, and continue using the sport court through winter, thanks to a liner that transforms the court into an ice rink.
“Nature’s got to cooperate. If the weather does hold out from December to March, we’ll get the liner in there and then, in the future, when the grant is fulfilled, we’ll be able to have nighttime ice skating and hockey,” Jennings said.
Funding will also be used to construct a parking area, pedestrian walkways and comfort stations at, and ADA accessible upgrades to, Independence Township Community Park, according to the DCNR press release.
South Franklin Township and McDonald Borough each received $100,000 in DCNR grant funding. South Franklin Township Park will use the grant to add a pavilion and concession facility, pedestrian walkways and a parking area to the site, and make the park ADA accessible.
McDonald Borough plans to further develop Heritage Park by building comfort stations and pedestrian walkways, installing utilities and updating the landscaping. The borough will also make Heritage Park ADA accessible.
ADA accessibility is also on the docket in Jefferson Township, Greene County, which received $100,000 to rehab the community park.
“It definitely means a lot to us,” said township Supervisor Ryan Wise. “We can get this place up to date. It’s got good structure, good bones. It just needs a face-lift.”
The grant funding will be put toward phase one of the township’s Park Accessibility and Climate Resiliency Project, which includes updating the existing restrooms and parking lots for ADA accessibility and connecting park features with accessible pathways.
Hapchuk Inc., will donate portable restrooms while the current ones are renovated.
Jefferson Township Community Park will also get new fencing, and stormwater features will be added to the ball fields and park to combat ongoing issues.
In addition to the grant, Jefferson Township committed $70,000 to phase one and will continue investing in the project through matching funds and by seeking additional grant opportunities. The township plans to improve the community park playgrounds and add sunshades to the site at a later date.
Improvements will be made at the Wisecarver Recreations Area in Franklin Township, after the township received $211,700 to expand the area’s offerings.
With DCNR funding, the township will build pedestrian walkways, an internal loop trail and softball fields, and install playground equipment. Stormwater management measures will also be added to the site, which will receive upgrades to make it ADA accessible.
Fayette County, Dunbar Borough and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy also received funding through the DCNR.
The county received $200,000 to further develop Dunlap Creek Park in Menallen Township, including building an internal trail loop and making the park ADA accessible.
Dunbar Borough will use its $84,400 grant to continue development of Dunbar Borough Park. In addition to making the park ADA accessible, the borough plans to build a pedestrian walkway, parking area and pavilion on site.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy was granted $382,600 to acquire 790 acres along Kennedy Hollow Lane in North Union Township, which will be added to Forbes State Forest.
All projects will also receive a project sign and additional site improvements as funding allows.
The DCNR’s investment will protect about 6,835 acres of open space and contribute to the completion of 23 trail, 13 river conservation and 13 watershed forestry and community projects, and 99 developmental or rehabilitation projects at recreation, park and conservation areas and facilities statewide.