HARRISBURG, Pa. — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy today announced the Wolf Administration’s investments in local park and partnership projects in Allegheny County. DCNR is providing a total grant amount of about $2.2 million for 15 projects.
“The communities in Allegheny County understand the value of pockets of green spaces that provide walkable access to recreation, so important to the quality of life that attracts businesses and residents,” Dunn said. “We are proud to be a partner in helping them reach their recreation and conservation goals.”
The grants awarded in Allegheny County are:
- Allegheny Land Trust, $35,000, to prepare a plan for the 43.2-acre Meyer Farm in South Fayette Township.
- Avalon Borough, $184,000, for the rehabilitation of Avalon Park, including walkways, new play equipment, and stormwater management measures.
- Baldwin Borough, $210,000, for rehabilitation and further development of Elm Leaf Park, including new play equipment, dugouts and comfort station/concession building, and stormwater management measures.
- Blawnox Borough, $40,000, for rehabilitation of Blawnox Community Park, including renovation of a basketball court and fencing.
- Castle Shannon Borough, $17,500, to prepare a plan for the 12-acre Hamilton Park.
- Munhall Borough, $221,000, for rehabilitation and further development of three park sites — Trautman Street Park, Video Drive Park, and Vine Street Park.
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Inc., $218,000, for rehabilitation and further development of the Phipps Conservancy and Botanical Gardens in Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, including renovation of the aquatic gardens, and construction of stormwater management measures.
- Pittsburgh City, $100,000, to prepare a master plan for the 644-acre Hays Woods.
- Pittsburgh City, $400,000, for rehabilitation and further development of Southside Park, including construction of a children’s discovery garden and accessible boardwalks, and reconstruction of a basketball court.
- Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, $33,000, to expand the park prescription programs in public schools; manage local advisory committees; prepare and administer a promotional toolkit; and evaluate program results.
- Richland Township, $217,500, for rehabilitation and further development of Richland Township Community Park, including renovation of the Community Barn, and installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing.
- Ross Township, $114,000, for further development of Denny Park, including a disc golf course and pedestrian walkway.
- South Fayette Township, $300,000, for rehabilitation of two park sites — Fairview Park and Boys’ Home Park.
- West Homestead Borough, $43,500, for rehabilitation of Calhoun Park, including a walkway and stormwater management measures.
- Whitehall Borough, $85,000, for rehabilitation and further development of Prospect Park, including construction of a pavilion, pedestrian walkway and parking area.
The grants are supported by the Keystone and the Environmental Stewardship funds.
The investments are among 169 grants, awarded statewide, totaling approximately $24.5 million for community park and partnership projects including planning, construction, rehabilitation, and outreach. A complete list (DOC) is on the DCNR website.
Pennsylvania has more than 6,000 local community parks, and 121 state parks. In the commonwealth, outdoor recreation generates $29.1 billion in consumer spending, $1.9 billion in state and local tax revenue, $8.6 billion in wages and salaries, and sustains 251,000 direct Pennsylvania jobs.
For more information about DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program grants visit the DCNR website.
–DCNR