Two parks in Berks County and a swimming pool in Fleetwood have been awarded nearly $730,000 in state grants, state Sen. Judy Schwank said today.
The money, from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, will help to expand French Creek State Park, upgrade Pendora Park and rehabilitate the Fleetwood Community Swimming Pool.
“Berks County presents many wonderful options for outdoor enjoyment and these new state investments will ensure that these destinations exist for many new generations of residents and visitors,” Schwank said. “Getting back to nature will be better and easier for many more thanks to the commonwealth’s support.”
The 11th Senatorial District’s grants are part of $33 million in new grants awarded through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program. Statewide, 219 grants have been awarded to communities and non-profit organizations for recreation and conservation projects.
The grant awards follow Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation plan, which keeps the commonwealth eligible for federal land and water conservation investments.
The following Berks County projects received grants:
-Natural Lands Trust Inc., $316,000 for the purchase of 53 acres along French Creek State Park and Geigerstown Road in Union Township.
-Reading City, $250,000 for the rehabilitation and continued development of Pendora Park, including an upgrade of the spray park, new playground equipment, ADA access, landscaping and related improvements.
-Fleetwood Borough, $164,000 to renovate the Fleetwood Community Swimming Pool’s large pool and its bathhouse and concession stand, install a portable pool lift and improve ADA access.
From office of Sen. Judy Schwank
