Opportunities endless at Cheswick's Rachel Carson Park, officials say

Rachel Carson Park in Cheswick has no permanent restrooms, no direct riverfront access and really not much other space for people to gather.

But borough officials are working to change that.

And a state grant to the tune of just over $200,000 will help park revitalization come along.

“We’re really hoping that it becomes a destination,” said Cheswick Councilwoman Shawna Almes.

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel, announced Cheswick’s award on Tuesday. The money comes from the state’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.

“In Allegheny County, outdoor recreation is vital to our community,” Steele said. “By allocating this funding, more residents have the opportunity to benefit from outdoor recreation and conservation in the Allegheny Valley.”

The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded $204,406 to Cheswick to build a pavilion and restrooms at Rachel Carson Park.

“This first round of funding will help with facilities at the park and get that park up and running and usable so the community can start enjoying it,” Steele said.

“It’s just part one — much more to come.”

Almes said Rachel Carson Park is one of the last remaining parks in the Alle-Kiski Valley that has yet to be revitalized.

“We’ve never had restrooms down there other than a Port-a-John,” Almes said. “It’s going to change how we use our park.”

Almes said the Cheswick community will have public input regarding the park projects. Possibilities include a four-stall restroom and the pavilion having a concession area and storage space.

Almes said borough residents should keep an eye out on the borough’s Facebook page, website and Savvy Citizen app to learn about the upcoming meetings, which are slated to occur in late spring or early summer.

The intention would be to start physical work on the projects next year.

“This is the perfect time to get involved,” Almes said. “We need everyone’s talent, everyone’s assistance. … These are such great opportunities to get involved and make a difference in your community.”

Steele is supportive of borough leaders’ efforts.

“I’ll fully support them in their endeavor and drive as much funding as I possibly can,” she said.

Park planning considered

Cheswick also was awarded more than $23,800 for parks and recreation planning. That work will look at the borough’s three parks — Rachel Carson, MacLean and Memorial Park, where the gazebo is off Pittsburgh Street — and other areas to maximize recreation in the borough, Almes said.

“It’s looking at all the borough’s assets and asking, ‘How can we use that optimally?’ ” Almes said.

Borough officials also hope this isn’t the last grant funding to come for along the riverfront.

Cheswick and Tarentum teamed up to apply for a $25,000 planning grant for riverfront development. Cheswick is eyeing that grant for boat access to the Allegheny River.

Those awards are anticipated to be announced within the upcoming months.

Rachel Carson Park, for example, is situated on a great spot along the river and could become “a highlight in the entire region,” Steele said.

A recent tour by Steele, Cheswick officials and representatives from the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Fish and Boat Commission opened eyes as to what the park could be, Steele said.

A goal is to draw people into the riverfront parks, thereby having them explore the communities in the Lower Valley, bolstering economic growth and development, Steele said.

“The first step to revitalization in the Allegheny Valley is the riverfront,” she said.