Harrisburg – State Senator John DiSanto (R-15) today announced the awarding of state grants for two key parks projects in Dauphin County.
Dauphin County will receive $200,000 for the construction of a connector trail in Detweiler Park in Middle Paxton Township. There is currently no trail access from the new entrance and facilities to the future commerce/indoor program area of the park.
The county has recently begun developing the park according to the 2021 Master Plan with a major investment in the creation of the first dedicated accessible public entrance, restroom, event lawn and pavilion. Completion of the connector trail will allow visitors to move easily between facilities within the main public activities area and provide the first section of the meadow loop trail. The total project cost is $250,000.
The City of Harrisburg will receive $125,000 to rehabilitate Reservoir Park with recreational upgrades and updates to amenities. This phase of the project will construct an intergenerational recreation area, including tot play structures and adult fitness equipment. Additional improvements include the construction of walkways, including the conversion of Reservoir Drive into a pedestrian walkway, as well as stormwater management and landscaping upgrades. The total project cost is $348,237.
“Our parks are valuable community resources, offering opportunities for recreation, exercise and social engagement,” DiSanto said. “I am glad to announce these state grants to allow two important parks projects to move forward.”
The grants were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority under its Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. The program is funded through the state Impact Fee, which is paid by the state’s unconventional natural gas producers.
CONTACT: Chuck Erdman cerdman@pasen.gov