HARRISBURG, PA - Noting that parks, open space and recreation areas help improve Pennsylvanians' quality of life and the vitality of its communities, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Michael DiBerardinis has announced more than $23 million in grants to undertake 286 local park, recreation and conservation projects in 57 counties across Pennsylvania.

"Think about what makes the community where you live great, and your local parks, greenways, trails, open spaces and waterways will probably come to mind," Secretary DiBerardinis said. "These grants allow us to partner with communities so that they can expand and improve these wonderful assets that make the places we call home vibrant and attractive."

Statewide, the grants will fund a variety of sound land use planning, acquisition and development projects, including the upgrading or building of
178 playgrounds, parks and athletic fields; 27 acquisition projects resulting in the purchase of nearly 1,370 acres for community parks, open space and greenways; construction of nine recreation or environmental education centers and 15 skate parks; preparation of 37 plans or studies for parks or greenways development; 50 projects culminating in the study or development of trails; and about two dozen significant regional and statewide projects.

The largest grant - $700,000 - went to the Sports and Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County for the further development of North Shore Riverfront Park. This round, DCNR received a total of 405 applications for community conservation and recreation programs requesting more than $55 million in grant assistance.

"These partnerships built around sustainability and quality of life represent some of the best models of state government helping local communities meet their hopes and aspirations," DiBerardinis said.

"Unfortunately, we are only able to address about half of the need. Our ability to support these important projects would receive a welcome boost from Governor Rendell's Growing Greener proposal when it is placed on the ballot and approved by voters."

The Governor's proposal outlines a comprehensive program to revitalize Pennsylvania's economy and create jobs by preserving farmlands and other precious open spaces, improving the environment and rejuvenating older communities through the expansion and renewal of the state's current Growing Greener program.

For more information and a complete list of the grants by county, call (717) 783-4734, or visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us, and select "grants."

For more information on Growing Greener, visit www.growinggreener2.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A complete list, by county, of communities receiving grants, grant amounts and a brief description of the project along with a project contact name and number is available at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.
(Under "DCNR in the News" choose Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grant List).

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

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