Harrisburg – State Senator John DiSanto (R-15) today announced the awarding of more than $1 million in parks and recreation grants for projects in Dauphin and Perry counties.
DiSanto said the Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants will enable the counties, local governments and other conservation-related organizations to undertake planning, acquisition and development of parks, recreation, conservation and greenway projects in the region.
Grant recipients in the 15th Senatorial District include:
Dauphin County
- Central Pennsylvania Conservancy – to help fund the acquisition of approximately 60 acres on the Kittatinny Ridge in Lower Paxton Township connecting the Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area to a municipal park, enhancing recreation opportunities and protecting forested habitat.
- Dauphin Borough – for the rehabilitation and further development of Lions Club Park. Work will include construction of pedestrian walkways, a pavilion and parking area, installation of play equipment, ADA access, landscaping and other improvements.
- Dauphin County – to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 411-acre Detweiler Park in Middle Paxton Township.
- Dauphin County – for the rehabilitation of Wildwood Park in Harrisburg. Work will include renovation of pedestrian walkways, construction of comfort station, installation of interpretive signage and kiosks, ADA access, landscaping and other improvements.
- Dauphin County Conservation District – for construction of approximately 11.5 acres of riparian forest buffers along waterways in the Susquehanna River Watershed. Work will include landowner outreach and engagement, buffer plantings, post-planting establishment and other improvements.
Perry County
- Marysville Borough – for the rehabilitation of Marysville Borough Pool Complex. Work will include construction of a pavilion, along with ADA access, landscaping, signs and other improvements.
- Spring Township – for development of Lynn Sheaffer Dum Memorial Park. Work will include construction of a multi-purpose field, pedestrian walkways, access drive and parking area, as well as installation of play equipment and other improvements.
- Wheatfield Township – for rehabilitation of Wagner Park, including construction of pedestrian walkways, bridge and parking area, as well as ADA access and landscaping.
“It’s important that tax and fee dollars return to our communities to support projects in our area,” said DiSanto. “These grants will enable substantial improvements to local parks and expand access to outside recreation, which enhance the overall quality of life in our region.”
The Community Conservation Partnerships Program is administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and is supported by the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93), the Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener I) and several federal funding sources. Most grants require a minimum cash or noncash matching contribution from the applicant that is equal to 50 percent of the project cost. More information about the Program can be found at www.dcnr.pa.gov.
CONTACT: Chuck Erdman 717-787-6801 cerdman@pasen.gov