Jun 25, 2026 By Conner Goetz 2 min read

North Strabane Township took a step toward constructing a multi-use public recreation facility on Lindley Road during a Tuesday night meeting.

The board of supervisors unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Pittsburgh-based advisory company Thrive Sports Group to complete a preliminary analysis of the property to determine whether the site is suitable.

The analysis will come at no cost to the township, and will include environmental, geotechnical and traffic studies.

Thrive is led by veteran event and sports management executive Troy Schooley, who helped advise the Pittsburgh Marathon and the 2026 NFL Draft with his previous company P3R.

According to Manager Andrew Walz, building a public recreation facility is the next substantial goal for township leadership after finishing a comprehensive renovation of the recently acquired administration building in April.

Walz said that while it is still too early to offer specific details regarding the size or amenities that will be included in the finished facility, the township will keep the public appraised of any subsequent developments.

According to Walz, the facility will open within the next three years depending on how long the design, bid and construction work requires.

Walz said the analysis report from Thrive will be used to inform the board on whether to move forward with the project.

In other news, Walz tendered his resignation during the meeting, saying that while he has been grateful for his time at North Strabane, he received an offer from a private-sector company that was too good to ignore.

Supervisor Harold Close thanked Walz for his service to the township, saying that the entire board is appreciative of his dedicated efforts.

Walz was hired as township manager in early 2018 following a nearly six-year tenure as manager for Hempfield Township in Westmoreland County.