Ciresi announces nearly $800K in grants for local parks
Rep. Joseph Ciresi September 6, 2022 | 4:16 PM
POTTSTOWN, Sept. 6 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today announced an investment of nearly $800,000 in state funding from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to create new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources and invest in local communities.
The money is part of a $90 million grant round that is the largest single investment in Pennsylvania recreation and conservation in agency history, surpassing the previous record of $70 million in 2021. Under the administration of Gov. Tom Wolf, DCNR has awarded more than $430 million in grants to more than 2,300 projects across the commonwealth.
The local projects awarded are:
- Pottstown Borough – $85,200 – Rehabilitation and further development of Chestnut Street Park and South Street Park.
- Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee – $100,000 – Funding for the 2023 Pottstown Regional Park improvement mini-grant program, which helps municipal park improvements in the Pottstown area.
- Royersford Borough – $172,500 – Rehabilitation of Chestnut Street Park.
- Trappe Borough – $369,500 – Expansion of Trappe Borough Hall Park to include a rain garden and stormwater playground.
“These neighborhood parks are an important asset for the local community, and the redevelopment projects will greatly improve their potential in serving the outdoor recreation needs of residents,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery.
Pottstown’s Chestnut Street and South Street parks provide a high-quality recreation area close to home for many neighborhood residents, Ciresi said. They serve as safe places for neighbors to gather, children to play and exercise, and residents to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The proposed redevelopment plan will significantly upgrade these parks with new play equipment, site amenities, and improved ADA access. Chestnut Street Park would also get a walking path, while a new entrance and path would be put in for South Street Park.
Royersford’s Chestnut Street Park will be modernized with accessible pathways and street parking, safety fencing, improved drainage, eco-friendly landscaping, and replacement of aging equipment, he added. These upgrades bring Royersford Borough closer to achieving its goals in the Royersford Open Space Plan Update and the Royersford Comprehensive Plan.
Trappe Borough’s project, to be located in the back of its municipal building, will include a demonstration rain garden for the community and a stormwater playground garden for recreation. This project has integrated stormwater controls to address issues that the area, including two municipal playgrounds, have with runoff that make it unusable for days at a time after heavy rains.
“Thank you to the hard work of area local officials and Governor Wolf for reflecting the value of our communities in these substantial awards. It shows that our region is one continually worth investing in,” Ciresi said.