HARRISBURG – State grants totaling over $450,000 were awarded to two projects to improve outdoor recreation spaces in Carbon County today, according to Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-122) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29).
“I’m happy to see these competitive state grant dollars return to Carbon County,” said Heffley. “Christman Field has served hundreds of families during Little League and softball seasons. The field’s popularity shows the need for upgrades, and this funding will significantly help. In addition, Memorial Park is an integral part of Jim Thorpe Borough, and I’m glad to see the consistent work towards its improvements.”
“This highly competitive state funding will be a significant boost for two local parks that bring our communities together,” said Argall. “The last few years have demonstrated more than ever why it is so important to have quality outdoor spaces for us all to enjoy.”
Phase three of a project to improve Memorial Park in Jim Thorpe was awarded $250,000. Funds will be used to construct two basketball courts, fencing, and outdoor lighting. ADA adjustable basketball hoops will be installed as well, to allow children and others to enjoy the new courts.
“Jim Thorpe Borough is very happy and excited about this award for phase three of our Memorial Park rehabilitation construction project,” said Maureen Sterner, the Borough Manager for Jim Thorpe. “Our basketball courts are one of the most actively used items in the park. These funds will assist us to continue with our phased project and allows us to make Memorial Park even more accessible for all ages and abilities. Our recreation engineers, Barry Isett and Associates, have exceeded our expectations with their grant writing assistance and park planning. We look forward to beginning this next phase!”
A project to make major upgrades to Christman Field, which serves as the main local field for Little League and softball teams in Franklin Township, received $212,093. Planned upgrades include a new Little League field, t-ball field, parking lot, walking trail, and more.
“We appreciate and are grateful for this funding, and we want to thank Sen. Argall and Rep. Heffley for their support,” said Fred Kemmerer Jr., Chairman of the Franklin Township Board of Supervisors. “The Franklin Township Little League is one of the cornerstones of our municipality. These funds will help us make needed upgrades to Municipal Park and the little league facilities, which will continue to give the youth of our community and surrounding communities a place to call their own. This is a huge project that our community is very excited about.”
Both grants were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority today via the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program, which funds projects to develop, rehabilitate, and improve public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trail, and rivers. This program is funded through unconventional gas well impact fees.
CONTACT: Jim Brugger (Argall)
Huntre Keip (Heffley)