Work to improve trails and parks in Berks County received new state investments of about $490,000 on Jan. 28, state Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Mark Rozzi have announced.
The investments, from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, are called Community Conservation Partnership Program grants, or C2P2, and target Hopewell Big Woods, Green Hills and Carsonia Park.
“More people will be able to enjoy the beauty of these Berks County places with the help of these new state investments,” said Schwank. “Outdoor experiences make our lives richer. Fresh air, challenging hiking trails and being close to water can broaden our horizons and help to give us new perspective.”
DCNR announced $28 million in C2P2 grants, including the following Berks County investments:
$72,000 will be allocated for the development of Gateway to the Hopewell Big Woods Rustic Park, Birdsboro. Work will include construction of a pedestrian footbridge and walkway, ADA access, landscaping, a project sign and other related site improvements.
Green Hills Preserve will receive $35,000 for the acquisition of approximately 1.9 acres in Robeson Township for critical habitat and expansion of the Green Hills Preserve, National Lands Trust Inc.
Green Hills Preserve will also receive $103,000 for the acquisition of approximately 34 acres in Robeson Township for open space, critical habitat and expansion of the Green Hills Preserve, National Lands Trust Inc.
Carsonia Park will receive funds for development ($250,000) and acquisition ($27,700) for the rehabilitation and further development of Carsonia Park in Exeter and Lower Alsace townships. Work will include construction of basketball and multi-purpose courts, a baseball/multi-purpose field and stormwater management measures, as well as a pedestrian walkway, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
“Carsonia Park is one of Berks County’s historic places, and DCNR’s decision to deliver $278,000 in grants will greatly help its supporters begin to bring it back to life,” Rep. Rozzi said. “The park opened in 1896 and was an amusement park for many years. Restoring this space will deliver wonderful amusement to its visitors for generations to come.”
Schwank and Rozzi noted that competition for the C2P2 grants was fierce.
DCNR said it received 430 grant applications seeking more than $92 million. Grants were awarded for municipal and regional community recreation and park projects, land acquisition, rivers conservation efforts, and planning.
