Valley communities awarded recreation project funding

West Newton’s Vine Street Park will receive funding for a new playground.

From neighborhood playground upgrades to river and trail planning, communities across southwestern Pennsylvania are set to see new investment in outdoor spaces following a major state funding announcement earlier this month.

Nearly $82 million in new state funding will support more than 295 recreation and conservation projects, including several in the Mon Valley.

The funding, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, will support projects in 58 counties aimed at improving parks and playgrounds, building and repairing trails, conserving open space, restoring rivers and watersheds, and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities. The grants are awarded through DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

In a statement announcing the awards, Shapiro emphasized access to outdoor spaces across the state.

“The outdoors are for everyone — whether you enjoy spending time at a local park, out on the water, or on a trail — every Pennsylvanian deserves access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces close to home,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said. “Because of our investments, communities across Pennsylvania will be able to improve parks, build new trails, and help more people enjoy the benefits of nature, in cities and rural towns alike.”

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said the investments strengthen communities by improving access to nearby outdoor spaces.

“These investments open the door for more people to enjoy the parks, rivers, and trails that make Pennsylvania special — no matter where they live,” Dunn said. “When we invest in outdoor spaces close to home, we invest in people. 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.”

Statewide, the funding includes $31.3 million for park, recreation and conservation facility projects; $16.2 million to conserve 4,818 acres of land and expand public access; $13.1 million for statewide and regional conservation and recreation organizations; $9.5 million for community and watershed forestry projects; $8.2 million for trail planning and development; and $3.2 million for river conservation projects.

Several local projects will directly benefit communities in the four-county region.

In Westmoreland County, West Newton Borough received $60,000 for further development of Vine Street Park. The project includes construction of a pedestrian walkway and parking area, installation of playground equipment with required safety surfacing, ADA access, landscaping and other site improvements.

Washington County projects include $89,000 for rehabilitation of Washington Park in Washington City, with work to renovate comfort stations, construct a concession stand, install utilities and improve ADA access.

West Brownsville Borough was awarded $100,000 to rehabilitate and further develop Blainesburg Community Park, including a renovated basketball court, new pavilion, pedestrian walkway, parking area and playground equipment. West Pike Run Township also received $100,000 to develop Crescent Height Park with similar improvements.

A regional forestry project will also impact Allegheny, Fayette and Westmoreland counties.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy was awarded $250,000 to coordinate urban and community forestry efforts across southwestern Pennsylvania, including tree planting and community engagement.

In addition, the Port of Pittsburgh Commission received $86,200 to prepare a recreational impact study of the Allegheny River from Kinzua Dam in Warren County to the Point in Allegheny County, a project that also includes Westmoreland County.

Pennsylvania currently has more than 6,400 local parks, 124 state parks, more than 14,000 miles of trails and over 84,000 miles of waterways, attracting more than 38 million visitors each year.

Funding for this grant round comes from the Keystone Fund, Environmental Stewardship Fund and other sources.