City grant to fund park trail
A $125,000 grant will allow Washington officials to complete the second phase of a rehabilitation project at Washington Park.
“This will allow us to continue work at the park,” said Mayor Scott Putnam Thursday, noting North Franklin Township also received a state grant for a bridge improvement project on Franklin Farms Road. “Our area has been very fortunate.”
The grant is from the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation program.
Funding for the first phase of park upgrades was awarded in January from the Department of Community and Natural Resources in the amount of $176,000 for several improvements, including play equipment and safety surfacing, fencing, landscaping and lighting.
The second phase includes the creation of a walking trail to surround the pond, located off Park No. 2 Road, with exercise stations, benches and trail signs. The trail will be accessible from a new parking area that complies with federal Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines and connect to existing trails.
According to Lynn Galluze, city computer systems coordinator, a request for qualifications from contractors and engineers will be advertised in the next month or two and construction will commence in the spring.
“The trail is part of the park’s master plan and will help increase use of the park and give even more reason for people to want to move here,” stated State Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-North Strabane Township, in a press release.
Washington Park is home to several baseball and softball fields, including Lew Hays Pony Field, a pool, pavilions, tennis courts and the Vernon C. Neal Sportsplex.
The grant, administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, is derived from Act 13 Marcellus Shale impact fees.