Conklin: More than $2 million awarded to local outdoor projects

Grants made possible in part due to 2022-23 state budget

STATE COLLEGE, Sept. 7 – Knowing well how important outdoor recreation is to the quality of life and tourism industry in Centre County, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, today announced more than $2 million in state grants for seven projects across Centre County.

“One of the reasons I supported this year’s state budget wasn’t just because it made a historic investment in education, but also because it used part of the state’s surplus to invest in the outdoors and the places we call home,” Conklin said. “In Centre County we’re blessed with some of the premier outdoor spaces and parks in Pennsylvania, and these state investments will help make sure our recreation areas and parks remain accessible for folks to enjoy.”

Projects awarded in Centre County include:

  • Centre County, $200,700, Further development of the Wildlife Center, Huston Township, Centre County. Work to include construction of pedestrian walkway, boardwalk trail, observation areas and stormwater management measures; installation of interpretive signage; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
  • Centre Region Parks & Recreation Authority, $75,000, Further development of Whitehall Road Regional Park, Ferguson Township, Centre County. Work to include construction of pavilion; installation of utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements
  • Nittany Valley Joint Recreation Authority, $1,310,213, Rehabilitation and further development of Kepler Community Swimming Pool, Spring Township, Centre County. Work to include renovation of bathhouse, concessions and parking area; construction of wading pool; installation of filtration and recirculation systems and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
  • Philipsburg Borough, $111,300, Development of Cold Stream Campground, Philipsburg Borough, Centre County. Work to include construction of pedestrian walkways, campsites, parking area, access drive and stormwater management measures; installation of utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
  • Rush Township, $50,000, Rehabilitation and further development of Municipal Park, Rush Township, Centre County. Work to include construction of pedestrian walkways; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing and fencing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
  • Spring Township, $24,800, Prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 27-acre Community Park and Sports Complex in Spring Township, Centre County. Work to include an electronic written report and site development drawing.
  • State College Borough, $250,000, Development of Action Sports Park, State College Borough, Centre County. Work to include construction of pedestrian walkway, skatepark and stormwater management measures; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

Visit the DCNR website for a complete list of grants by county.

This latest round of grants was made possible in part by the state budget passed in July, which directed a portion of the state budget surplus toward outdoor recreation, without any increases in taxes. That same support also secured funding for the creation of three new state parks to be announced this fall.