HARRISBURG — Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and Rep. Mike Armanini (R-75) today confirmed that $335,000 in state funding has been awarded for two Elk County community park improvement projects.
“The 25th Senatorial District has so many assets, attractions and activities that make it a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Dush said. “I am pleased to see this highly competitive state funding coming home as a continuing investment in our local economy-essential community recreation areas.”
“As Sen. Dush accurately labeled them, these are true investments…ones which our friends and neighbors enjoy and cherish as part of our communities,” said Armanini. “I look forward to realizing the return we’ll get as these projects come into fruition.”
The City of St. Mary’s was awarded a grant totaling $250,000 for the complete replacement of Leathers Playground. The city proposes the demolition and removal of existing play equipment that was “deemed dangerous and unusable,” and non-compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). New ADA-compliant playground equipment was selected with community input so visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy the park.
The Borough of Ridgway was awarded $85,000 for the addition of the Lyle G. Hall Community Pool splash pad at John J. Collins Memorial Park. Upon completion, the 40×40 cast-in-place concrete splash pad will greatly enhance opportunities for infants, toddlers and special-needs children to safely play in the water, learn and grow throughout the summer months.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded both grants on Jan. 16 through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which is funded by natural gas impact fees authorized under Act 13 of 2012.
CONTACT: Ty McCauslin, Communications Director at 717-787-7084 or tmccauslin@pasen.gov.