Seven recreation and conservation projects in Schuylkill County will receive $2,071,200 in state funding, supporting park improvements, a new dog park, site planning and the preservation of more than 3,200 acres.
State Reps. Tim Twardzik, Jamie Barton, JoAnne Stehr and Dane Watro, along with state Sen. Dave Argall, announced the grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program.
The largest award provides $1.5 million to The Nature Conservancy for a conservation easement covering 3,252 acres in Branch, Reilly, Tremont and Washington townships. The remaining six awards total $571,200 for park improvements and site planning.
“These grants will support projects that improve parks, expand recreational opportunities and preserve open space across Schuylkill County,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement.
Schuylkill County Recreation and Conservation Grant Awards
Delano Township: $67,500 for Trenton Park
The grant will support new walkways, a parking area and playground equipment at Trenton Park.
Frailey Township: $80,000 for Good Spring Park
Funding will support new walkways, a parking area, fencing and landscaping at Good Spring Park.
North Manheim Township: $216,100 for Recreation Area Improvements
The North Manheim Township Recreation Area will receive a new dog park, pavilion, walkways, fencing and landscaping, along with improvements to provide access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Orwigsburg Borough: $65,000 for Louis Fanelli Jr. Park
The award will support new walkways, a parking area, playground equipment, ADA access and landscaping at Louis Fanelli Jr. Park.
Schuylkill County: $99,400 for Sweet Arrow Lake County Park
Funding will support a new pedestrian walkway, playground equipment, ADA access and landscaping at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park in Pine Grove.
Shenandoah Borough: $43,200 for Site Development Planning
The borough will use the grant to prepare a site development plan for the Pumping Station Plant in East Union Township.
The Nature Conservancy: $1.5 Million for Land Conservation
The award will support a conservation easement covering 3,252 acres across Branch, Reilly, Tremont and Washington townships.
About the Community Conservation Partnerships Program
The Community Conservation Partnerships Program assists local governments and recreation and conservation organizations with projects involving parks, recreation and land conservation.
DCNR administers the program using a combination of state and federal funding.