Berks recipients awarded $3 million in grants for recreational and environmental projects

Two dozen municipalities and organizations in Berks County have been awarded a total of a little more than $3 million in grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for recreational, environmental and infrastructure projects.

Funding for these projects comes from impact fees from natural gas wells. The money provides communities throughout the state with support in improving recreational spaces and addressing necessary environmental and infrastructural upgrades.

Here’s the list of local recipients:

• Fleetwood — $232,687 for a new bandshell and other improvements at Fleetwood Park.

• Recreation Commission of the Antietam Valley — $215,000 for improvements and watershed restoration at Carsonia Park.

• Berks County — $205,973 for improvements at the Angora Fruit Farm.

• Berks County Conservancy — $200,000 for master plan implementation at Angelica Park.

• Lower Alsace Township — $200,000 to help complete rehabilitation of the Stony Creek streambank.

• Natural Lands — $193,700 for the Schuylkill Highlands Big Woods Trail.

• Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association — $188,000 to make trails at the sanctuary more accessible.

• Berks Nature — $162,821 to install a pedestrian bridge at Rustic Park.

• Kutztown — $150,000 for improvements to Kutztown Park Playground.

• Natural Lands — $150,000 for additions to French Creek State Park.

• Reading — $177,449 for improvements to the Schuylkill River Trail and to fund a wastewater treatment study.

• Muhlenberg Township — $160,000 for improvements at Jim Dietrich Park and Laurel Run.

• YMCA of Reading & Berks County — $125,000 for the replacement of its roof.

• Laureldale — $121,146 to upgrade facilities at its community park and create a walking path at Dominic Manzella Park.

• Topton — $100,000 for improvements to the Topton Community Park Playground.

• Longswamp Township — $94,710 for the construction of a soccer field and to upgrade playground equipment.

• Reading Skatepark Association — $90,000 for the development of a skatepark.

• Diakon Lutheran Social Ministry — $89,000 for development of a walking trail.

• Wyomissing — $60,000 for renovations at Berkshire Heights Playground.

• Schuylkill River Greenway Association — $55,000 for a feasibility study for the Schuylkill River Trail Reading to Hamburg gap.

• Berks County Community Foundation — $55,000 for the 18th W.O.N.D.E.R. project.

• Amity Township — $30,000 for the rehabilitation of a pavilion at Lake Drive.

• Exeter Township — $30,000 for its comprehensive parks, recreation and open spaces plan.

• Douglass Township — $11,360 for the completion of a park walking trail.

State Sen. Judy Schwank and state Rep. Mark Rozzi said in a joint press release Tuesday that they are happy to see local projects included in this latest round of funding.

“We’re fortunate to have outdoor spaces throughout Berks County that can be enjoyed by people of all ages,” Schwank said.

Rozzi added that well-maintained recreational areas are an important component of an active and healthy community.

“These projects will be of great benefit to nearby residents,” he said.

Source: Berkshire mont