$1.1 Million in State Funding Awarded to Centre County Recreation and Conservation Projects

Five recreation and conservation projects in Centre County will receive a combined $1.1 million in state grants, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced this week.

The grants are among $52 million awarded to more than 225 projects statewide this fall through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

“These projects will fund critical improvements to local parks, river access and trails across the Commonwealth, which will bring outdoor recreation amenities closer to home and improve access in our communities,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in a statement.

In Centre County:

• Ferguson Township will receive $386,000 for the next phase of Cecil Irvin Park near Pine Grove Mills. Work will include construction of pedestrian walkways, the buildout of a walking loop trail connecting with the first phase of the park and overlooking a grass and wildflower field, ADA accessible pathways, an entry plaza, pavilion, access drive, parking area, stormwater management measures, installation of a kiosk and utilities, landscaping and other site improvements.

• Penn State will receive $358,600 for the Musser Gap Greenway recreational trail in Ferguson Township. Work on the greenway will include rehabilitation of 0.36 miles of trail from the northern terminus of the trail to Whitehall Road Regional Park (which is expected to open next year), stormwater management measures, ADA access, landscaping and other site-related improvements.

• College Township will receive $153,000 for rehabilitation work at Spring Creek Park in Houserville. The project will include the renovation of basketball courts, tennis courts and walkways, installation of fencing, ADA access, landscaping and other site-related improvements.

• ClearWater Conservancy will receive $142,800 for a payment toward a conservation easement on approximately 259 acres along Sinking Creek Road in Gregg Township for critical habitat protection and passive recreation.

• ClearWater Conservancy also will receive $69,500 in support of the Centred Outdoors program to connect citizens with the natural environment through targeted outreach and programming, facilitate equitable access to the program and expand partnerships with the healthcare community.

Statewide, initiatives awarded funding in this round of grants include 23 trail projects, protection of 6,835 acres of open space, 13 projects for river conservation, 13 community and watershed forestry projects and 99 projects to develop or rehabilitate recreation, park and conservation areas and facilities.

“Our local parks and natural spaces are hometown treasures in our neighborhoods — in urban cities and rural towns alike,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement “Communities across Pennsylvania should know that my administration is ready to work with you to protect and invest in your local treasures.”