Washington Township receives recreation grant to upgrade park
Washington Township has been awarded a $49,000 state grant to upgrade the township’s community park.
The grant, awarded through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program, will be used by the township to renovate a comfort station, construct a walkway, install utilities and complete landscaping.
“We were very grateful to receive this grant,” township Supervisor Walter Stout said. “This will enable us to bring our restroom facility into ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance.”
The grant also will allow the township to extend a water line to the park from Route 221. “We’ll have fresh water at the park,” he said. The park now relies on water from a well.
The six-acre township park on Garner Run Road has two ball fields, a basketball court, lighting, a playground, walking track, restroom and a pavilion seating about 75 people.
The state grant program provides financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations and other nonprofits to plan, acquire and develop park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.
Funding comes from a variety of state sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and the Environmental Stewardship and Watershed Protection Act.
“Green space and recreation opportunities can contribute to a happier quality of life, and the grant will help the township enhance those prospects for residents,” said state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, who announced the grant award.