Nov 22, 2012 2 min read

Cross Creek Township will receive a $91,000 state grant toward continued development of Cedar Grove Park.

“Dedicated citizens, businesses and township officials worked together to make this happen,” said state Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg. “There’s a lot of competition for state grant money and a lot of communities that want parks, but not all of them put in the time and the effort that the friends of Cedar Grove Park did. This is a big win for them.”

Local officials had to raise matching cash and “in-kind” donations to get the grant and township Manager Rachel Blosser, who solicited donations and volunteer help, said the state contribution is “greatly appreciated.”

The money will be used to build a pavilion, walkways, water and sewer service and a storm-water management system.

Local advocates have raised almost $39,000, including $17,000 this year through a purse auction and “Murder Mystery” dinner. Businesses and individuals have pledged thousands more in time and materials.

Blosser said construction should begin next year and the project should be completed in a year.

“Parks are community focal points, where people can gather, have fun and continue local traditions,” Solobay said. “And, as in this case, planning and building the park can be a unifying event.”