Harrisburg – State Senator John DiSanto (Dauphin/Perry) today announced the approval of almost $575,000 in state grants to support three park projects in Dauphin and Perry Counties as well as $275,000 for a watershed restoration project in Dauphin County.
The park grants were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through its Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. Funding comes from impact fees on unconventional gas wells in the Marcellus Legacy Fund.
“Well-maintained, accessible parks that provide a variety of recreational amenities are essential to our communities as they seek to offer an exceptional quality of life to their residents,” DiSanto said. “I was pleased to offer my support in assisting these municipalities win these highly competitive grant awards to fund park improvements that will benefit my constituents for years to come. I would also like to thank Representatives Mark Keller, Sue Helm and Andrew Lewis for their advocacy on these projects.”
The following Greenways, Trails and Recreation grants were approved:
Spring Township, Perry County, Lynn Sheaffer Dum Memorial Park – $248,636
This grant will fund continued Phase 1 Park Improvements at Lynn Sheaffer Dum Memorial Park. In 2018, the Township was awarded a grant from DCNR for $270,000. The park will house the Perry County Bicentennial Plaza and will host the final day of festivities commemorating the county’s yearlong bicentennial celebration. Phase 1 will also include walking trails, a large playground and a multi-purpose sports field. The family of a local hero, Jason Frye, who was killed in Iraq in 2005, plan to build a community building in the park.
Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, Boyd Passive Recreational Park – $125,000
This grant will assist with the design and construction of Phase 2 of the Boyd Passive Recreational Park improvement project. Boyd Passive Recreational Park is a 20 acre site that includes a pavilion, picnic grove, ADA compliant walking trail, and a tot-lot area that serves the residents of Susquehanna Township and its surrounding communities. The improvements planned in Phase 2 include expanded parking and a trail extension that will close the loop around and existing pond and cross over wetlands to provide an educational opportunity through signage along the trail.
South Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Patriot Park Amphitheater Project, $200,000
This grant will assist with the design and construction of a new amphitheater to be located within the recently constructed Patriot Park. Patriot Park is adjacent to the new South Hanover Township Municipal Complex and serves the residents of the Township and its surrounding communities. The amphitheater, which is an integral component of the Patriot Park Master Plan, will be made available to the public as a venue for band concerts, plays, award ceremonies and other community events.
In addition to these park grants, the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved a $275,000 grant under the Watershed Restoration Protection Program for Lower Paxton Township. These funds will be used to restore Asylum Run Stream near the Stonebridge Apartment property. This project will reduced sediment pollution by excavating 1,800 feet of existing stream bank to create a wider and more-gently sloped bank, and by planting native meadow and wetland flora to promote vegetative reinforcement of the soil.
CONTACT: Chuck Erdman 717-787-6801 cerdman@pasen.gov