Freeman announces state grants for Easton, Hellertown parks
Rep. Robert L. Freeman December 30, 2021 | 10:16 AM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, today announced the awarding of $340,000 in grants for recreational projects in Easton and Hellertown.
“These grants help local communities plan and develop recreation areas and conserve open space," Freeman said. "Parks, trails and other recreational facilities are important for a community's quality of life. They promote green space, safeguard the environment, and offer a place for exercise and relaxation."
Easton received $100,000 for the rehabilitation of Centennial Park. The grant will be used to renovate the basketball courts, build a stage and pedestrian walkway, and install playground equipment with safety surfacing, fencing, a community garden, and lighting, as well as address ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other site improvements.
Hellertown received $240,000. Of that, $200,000 will be allotted for the further development of Dimmick Park with the construction of a basketball court, pedestrian walkway, parking area and stormwater management measures. Other site-related improvements will include fencing installation, ADA access, landscaping and signage. The other $40,000 will be used to develop a greenway and master site development plan for the Saucon Creek corridor in the borough.
Freeman said the grants are part of the Community Conservation Partnerships Program within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which uses a variety of state and federal funding to help local governments and recreation and conservation organizations with projects related to parks, recreation and conservation, including the planning, acquisition and development of public parks, recreation areas, motorized and non-motorized trails, river conservation and access, and protection of open space. More information can be found here.