Ciresi brings home $437,500 in state grants for park improvements and stormwater repairs

HARRISBURG, Sept. 20 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi announced today that he secured $437,500 in state grants that will be used for ADA accessibility and safety improvements at Chestnut Street Park in Royersford, upgrades to Pottstown’s Chestnut Street and South Street parks, and repairs to a collapsed stormwater arch in Pottstown.

“This funding will help improve quality of life in our district by making our neighborhood parks more modern and accessible,” Ciresi said. “The improvements that this funding will make possible will help boost property values in our district, making our communities highly desirable places in which to reside and so increase the economic power of our municipalities.”

The state funds have been granted to the following projects:

  • $140,000 to repair and reroute a stormwater arch collapse under a commercial building at 1200 High St., the former Pottstown Hospital building that has been repurposed into office space.
  • $125,000 to improve safety and reduce stormwater issues by replacing one play structure at South Street Park and two play structures at Chestnut Street Park with accessible play sets. Funds will also be used to correct stormwater issues. Site amenities at the parks will be expanded to include benches and trash and recycling receptacles, while Chestnut Street Park will have its play area expanded and have a new walking path installed.
  • $172,500 for accessibility, safety, and stormwater improvements at Royersford Borough’s Chestnut Street Park. Renovations to the park will include accessible pathways and street parking, fencing for the safety of playing children, new drainage to prevent flooding, eco-friendly landscaping, and the replacement of old play equipment.

The grant awards for parks in Pottstown and Royersford are in addition to funding announced by Ciresi earlier in September.

Repairs to the collapsed stormwater arch at 1200 High St. were identified as an “Immediate Priority Repair” in Pottstown’s 2021 Storm Sewer Arch Inspection Report. The report was funded by a state grant in August 2020, while $500,000 for the repair project was announced in April 2022

“I am glad to see more state grants to address the long-overdue needs of Pottstown’s stormwater arches,” Ciresi said. “I will continue fighting for funding to repair and maintain that system, ensuring a safe and stable foundation for Pottstown’s residents and ongoing revitalization.”