The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced investments in recreation projects in Clinton, Lancaster, Mercer, Philadelphia and Westmoreland counties.

Clinton County

On November 5, DCNR and local officials announced grant funding for the design and engineering for the rehabilitation of a former railroad bridge for use as a multi-use trail in Clinton County.

A total investment of $84,700 in the project will support the engineering and design of the bridge rehabilitation over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River on the Clinton County Rail Trail in Lock Haven.

“To meet a goal of providing a trail within 15 minutes of every Pennsylvanian we are working throughout the state to close major trail gaps,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “We are happy to assist the county with support for the design phase to help close this trail gap, and connect the Clinton County Rail Trail to the Pine Creek Rail Trail.”

The state investment will allow the county to conduct field inspections, engineering design, utility coordination, and construction planning for the pedestrian and bike bridge across the West Branch to eventually connect Lock Haven to Jersey Shore.

The bridge rehabilitation when completed will create never-before-seen views of the Susquehanna River.

Trail systems draw regional visitors, get people outdoors, promote healthy exercise, and connect public spaces.

In Pennsylvania, 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.

Lancaster County

On November 7, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the investment of $500,000 in the renovation of Lititz Springs Pool Complex in Lancaster County.

The project includes replacing the aging structural and mechanical components of the 55-year-old facility, and making it ADA compliant.

“Local parks are cherished public spaces and provide experiences that strengthen our sense of community,” Dunn said. “We are happy to assist the Lititz Borough by investing in its pool, which is an important part of the community and residents’ well-being as a source for summer outdoor recreation.”

The Lititz Springs Pool draws about 17,000 visitors annually. It serves multiple municipalities in Northcentral Lancaster County, drawing multiple generations of users and offers a wide variety of programs, events and recreational swimming opportunities.

The 3-acre pool complex is centrally located in Lititz Borough. It is part of the 100-acre recreational corridor that includes the Warwick School District campus, athletic fields, and Lititz Springs Park.

The source of funding for the DCNR grant is the Keystone Fund, which is currently celebrating 25 years of supporting thousands of community improvements in Pennsylvania.

Through its grant program, DCNR has provided financial and technical assistance support for local park and recreation improvement projects in all 67 of Pennsylvania’s counties.

Mercer County

On November 8, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced a $106,000 grant to support the construction of six asphalt, outdoor pickleball courts with fencing at Buhl Park in Hermitage in Mercer County.

“Local parks and recreation facilities improve the everyday lives of people of all places, ages, and backgrounds, while serving as a primary venue for recreation for Pennsylvanians,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “We are happy to assist the Buhl Park Corp. by investing in these new pickleball courts to help meet the needs of families and residents by providing opportunities for exercise and fun.”

The 300-acre Buhl Park currently offers a lake, fitness trail, disc golf course, outdoor nature classroom, and a number of other amenities.

The park was established by industrialist Frank H. Buhl and his wife in the early 1900s to rectify the Shenango Valley’s lack of recreational and cultural institutions.

Philadelphia County

On November 8, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited Canal View Park, Manayunk, to announce the investment of $1.9 million in 7 local park and trail projects in Philadelphia, including the Schuylkill River Trail.

“Philadelphia understands the value of its parks, trails, and green spaces throughout the city. Recreation takes many forms in this city, from this wonderful “spine” we are standing on that connects neighborhoods, to the pockets of green spaces throughout the city that provide walkable access to recreation,” Dunn said. “We are proud to be a partner with the city in helping them reach their recreation and conservation goals and providing a better quality of life for their residents.”

The Manayunk Towpath project will receive a $300,000 grant for lighting, landscaping, stormwater management, and other site improvements to enhance the connection between the historic towpath and Manayunk neighborhoods to focus on the area’s economic and cultural heritage, energize local businesses, and to build heritage-based tourism.

The six additional grants awarded by the administration to the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation include:

-- Century Park, a large plaza-type park area in the museum district, $300,000 for work to include construction of pedestrian walkways, plaza, fountain and parking area; installation of lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related improvements

-- East Fairmount Park Smith Memorial Playground, a park designed especially for the city’s younger children (10 and younger), $250,000 for work to include construction of pedestrian walkways, nature play area, and a parking area

-- Russo Park, a traditional neighborhood park in Northeast Philadelphia, $250,000 for work to include construction of pedestrian walkways and basketball courts; installation of fitness station equipment with required safety surfacing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements

-- Schuylkill River Trail Christian to Crescent segment, $500,000 for construction a new 0.4-mile section of the Schuylkill River Trail at Grays Ferry, with an exciting new cable-stay boardwalk design

-- Schuylkill River Trail River Wall, $200,000 to make structural improvements to the river wall along the Schuylkill River Trail on Kelly Drive, near the viewing stands for rowing events

-- Schuylkill River Trail Wissahickon Gateway acquisition, $100,000 toward the acquisition of approximately 0.13 acres in Philadelphia to improve trail access and safety at a busy trail junction that coincides with a busy SEPTA transportation center. This acquisition will help to close a Top Ten Trail Gap.

"We are fortunate to have the ongoing and generous support of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources," said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. "Their support enables us to transform public spaces throughout the city, connect neighbors and neighborhoods, and elevate the quality of recreational opportunities available to Philadelphians."

The investments are supported by the Keystone Fund, which is currently celebrating 25 years of supporting thousands of community improvements in Pennsylvania.

Through its grant program, DCNR has provided financial and technical assistance support for local park and recreation improvement projects in all 67 of Pennsylvania’s counties.

Westmoreland County

On November 9, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the award of a $500,000 grant to extend the Loyalhanna Trail between Keystone State Park and the Borough of New Alexandria, Westmoreland County.

The investment will provide almost four miles of a new bike and pedestrian trail to support the community’s connection to good health.

“Trails provide a close-to-home connection to nature and recreation that is always free or affordable,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “We are happy to provide this grant to create the Loyalhanna Trail, which will connect Keystone State Park to nearby communities.”

The project will co-locate the trail in the same corridor as new sewer lines to be installed in Derry and Salem townships, and New Alexandria Borough. Trailheads will be located at Grey Wing Park in New Alexandria and at Keystone State Park.

This section is part of a proposed longer trail along the Loyalhanna Creek.

The source of funding is the Keystone Fund, which is currently celebrating 25 years of supporting thousands of community improvements in Pennsylvania.

DCNR Grant Workshops

To learn more about other available grant opportunities to support trail and recreation projects, attend one of the upcoming workshops on DCNR’s Community Conservation Grant Program.  Click Here for more.

A new grant round is opening soon.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

(Photo: DCNR Deputy Secretary Lauren Imgrund.)

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[Posted: Nov. 8, 2018]

11/12/2018