Five West Hills communities will benefit from a statewide effort to support nearly 300 recreation and conservation projects through an $82 million investment.
The funding, administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, will support projects in 58 counties – including Allegheny. The program is designed to help communities improve parks and playgrounds, build and repair trails, conserve open space, restore rivers and watersheds, and grow local economies through outdoor recreation.
Locally, projects in Crafton, Ingram and McKees Rocks boroughs will benefit, as will a project in Moon Township and another at Settlers Cabin Park, part of which is in Robinson Township.
Crafton Borough will receive $249,000 to rehabilitate the community pool. Work will include renovating the bathhouse and concession stand; constructing a pavilion; installing an ADA pool lift, water slide, climbing wall and utilities; and improving ADA access, landscaping, project signage and other related site improvements.
Ingram Borough will receive $96,000 to rehabilitate Ingram Park. Work will include construction of pedestrian walkways; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing; and ADA access, landscaping, project signage and other related site improvements.
The McKees Rocks community will receive $56,000 to prepare a comprehensive recreation, park and open space plan for the borough.
The Hollow Oak Land Trust will receive $253,200 to help acquire nearly 16 acres in Moon Township that will be used for open space and passive recreation. A portion of the funding also will be used to protect more than 86 acres in the township in the form of a land donation.
Last, the Allegheny Land Trust will receive $659,100 to put toward the acquisition of approximately 30 acres in Collier Township for an addition to Settlers Cabin County Park. The 1,600-acre park is spread across three townships – Collier, North Fayette and Robinson. About one-quarter of the park’s acreage lies in Robinson.
Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said the statewide investments open the door for more people to enjoy Pennsylvania’s parks, rivers and trails, no matter where they live.
“When we invest in outdoor spaces close to home, we invest in people,” she said. “These places bring families together, give kids room to play, help neighbors connect and make our communities healthier and happier.
“Strong local parks and trails don’t just improve daily life, they help our towns and cities thrive for generations to come.”
The state has more than 6,400 local parks, 124 state parks, over 14,000 miles of trails and more than 84,000 miles of waterways that have attracted more than 38 million visitors per year.
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