29-01-2025
Beaver County receives several state grants for parks, green spaces
HARRISBURG ― A wave of state grants will benefit various projects planned for community spaces around the Beaver Valley.
On Jan. 28, officials announced the Commonwealth Financing Authority Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program was funding several projects in communities such as Aliquippa, Rochester, Hopewell Township and others with plans to renovate their public spaces. The focus of these grants will be expansions to recreational greenspaces in the region and funding renovations at community parks.
'I'm very pleased to announce state funding to help local communities pay for these worthy projects,' said Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47, New Sewickley Township. 'Creating useful open space and upgrading playgrounds for children expands opportunities for state fun, exercise and outdoor recreation.'
'Some of the funds will be used to transform abandoned lots in Aliquippa and Rochester Borough into recreational greenspaces,' said state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-16, Harmony Township. 'Other funds will support playground improvements in Hopewell. All the projects are going to give residents new outdoor spaces to enjoy.'
According to the local representatives, the following projects were awarded funds:
$100,000 to Primary Health Network to transform a 1-acre section of blighted land along Virginia Avenue in Rochester into a recreational greenspace with a pergola, community gardens, a central water feature, walking trails, sidewalks and ADA-accessible playground equipment.
$90,872 to Hopewell Township for playground improvements at Woodlawn Park, including removing an abandoned building and installing new playground equipment and surfacing.
$86,730 to Hopewell Township to remove aging playground equipment at the Sharon Grange Park in Aliquippa and install new equipment.
$75,000 to Koppel for its community park project.
$47,500 to hydroponic farming company GetBlok Farms LLC to transform two abandoned lots into a multi-purpose open greenspace in downtown Aliquippa for passive recreation, hosting vendors and produce pickup.
$44,470 to Patterson Township for community park improvements.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority is an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, which administers the state's economic stimulus packages. The Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program was started in 2012 to plan, acquire, develop, rehabilitate and repair greenways, recreational trails, open spaces, parks and beautification projects.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Beaver County receives several state grants for parks, green spaces
