Park upgrades and safer sidewalks coming to Aspinwall, Etna thanks to state grant

Safe sidewalks and park amenities in Aspinwall and Etna will be supported by a state grant, officials announced recently.

The boroughs will share a nearly $515,000 grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

Friends of the Riverfront also will receive money to improve accessibility along the Three Rivers Water Trail.

“The borough is thrilled to receive this grant to update our playground amenities at Fireman’s Memorial Park,” Manager Melissa Lang-O’Malley said.

The park in upper Aspinwall, atop a hill with a sweeping view of the Allegheny River below, is used by residents daily, she said.

Money was made available through the Multimodal Transportation Fund and the Greenways, Trails and Recreation program.

Both initiatives target recreational trails, green space and transportation.

Aspinwall will receive $52,800 for new playground equipment to replace a unit that is not ADA accessible.

Money also will be used to rehab the volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and basketball courts, as well as purchase new picnic tables, grills and trash bins.

In Etna, nearly $451,000 will be used to boost the streetscape along Bridge and Butler streets with new sidewalks and upgrades to curbs, benches, light poles and trees.

“Bridge Street is very much a gateway to the heart of Etna’s main street, and this grant will allow the affirmation of that from the pedestrian perspective,” said Thomas Sabol, a partner with developer, the AM Group.

Friends of the Riverfront is set to receive $22,200 to support a management plan for the Three Rivers Water Trail.

Money will target four key areas along the water trail, including accessibility, maintenance, expansion and promotion.

Courtney Mahronich Vita, director of trail development, said the money will advance the group’s work with riverfront communities across the Allegheny Valley.

“It will connect our communities to the rivers, provide them access to the economic and health benefits of the trails and generally enhance quality of life,” Vita said.