Local parks could see projects completed through Pennsylvania Parks Fund

A new grant program from the Pennsylvania Parks Fund could provide some TLC to local spaces.

The program provides participating parks with a grant up to $50,000, said PPF Project Director Justin Spencer. Participating parks submitted a grant proposal which can be found online at PennsylvaniaParks.org.

Spencer said PPF created the program so donors know which parks will benefit, what will be funded and how much each park can receive.

People can donate online at PennsylvaniaParks.org. Fundraising runs through the end of February 2025, and the grants will be disbursed to parks in April 2025, Spencer said.

In the Alle-Kiski Valley, participating parks include Bairdford Park in West Deer, Plum Creek Park, Springdale Veterans Memorial Park, the Indiana Township Town Hall Parklet, Applewold Playground, Gilpin-Leechburg Joint Recreational Authority, Riverside Park in Arnold and Spring Valley Park in Clinton Township.

Westmoreland County participating parks include Burkey Park in Bolivar, Hunker Borough Park, Mill Creek Memorial Park in Ligonier Township, North Belle Vernon Community Bank Park and the South Greensburg Park.

“I wanted to create a grant process that was easy for the parks and great for the donor,” Spencer said. “I believe the new set up accomplishes just that. The new set up makes it easier for PPF to collect donations from the public, businesses and foundations. It also helps donors keep track of what their donations will be used to fund.”