18 Lehigh Valley conservation, recreation projects awarded more than $6.3M in state grants

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Eighteen Lehigh Valley conservation and recreation projects have been awarded more than $6.3 million in state grants.

The allocations were part of an $82 million statewide effort to protect national resources and expand outdoor access.

“The outdoors are for everyone,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a Monday news release.

"Whether you enjoy spending time at a local park, out on the water or on a trail — every Pennsylvanian deserves access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces close to home."

The funding is administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program, or C2P2.

It’s aimed at helping communities improve parks and playgrounds, build and repair trails, conserve open space, restore rivers and watersheds and grow local economies through outdoor recreation.

Across the Valley, $6.51 million was awarded, according to the DCNR.

“These investments open the door for more people to enjoy the parks, rivers and trails that make Pennsylvania special — no matter where they live,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.

“When we invest in outdoor spaces close to home, we invest in people. These places bring families together, give kids room to play, help neighbors connect, and make our communities healthier and happier.

"Strong local parks and trails don’t just improve daily life, they help our towns and cities thrive for generations to come.”

Lehigh County

Eleven Lehigh County projects totaling $4.6 million were funded:

• $75,000 to Lower Macungie Township to prepare a comprehensive Recreation, Park & Open Space Plan
• $280,700 to Coopersburg for rehabilitation and further development of Stone Park in the borough and Upper Saucon Township. Work will include renovation of a pavilion, installing utilities, ADA access, landscaping, project sign, construction of pedestrian walkways, entrance drive and parking areas, and other related site improvements. 
• $75,000 to Lehigh Valley Planning Commission to prepare an update to the Livable Landscapes Plan for Lehigh County
• $250,000 to North Whitehall Township for rehabilitation and further development of Municipal Park. Work will include construction of a comfort station, dugouts, pedestrian walkways, entrance drive and parking areas; installation of bleachers, utilities and fencing; ADA access; landscaping; project sign; and other related site improvements. 
• $3 million to Salisbury Township for the development of Laubach Park. Work will include construction of basketball court, ball fields, pickleball courts, pavilion, concession stand, comfort station, pedestrian walkways, parking area, wetland area and boardwalk; installing play equipment with required safety surfacing and splash pad; ADA access; landscaping; and project sign.
• $55,000 to South Whitehall Township to prepare an update to the Master Site Development Plan for the 112-acre Covered Bridge Park.
• $250,000 to Upper Macungie Township for further development of Grange Park. Work will include construction of pedestrian walkways, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. 
• $50,000 to Upper Macungie Township to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 45-acre Lone Lane Park.
• $150,000 to Upper Milford Township for rehabilitation and further development of Lenape Park. Work will include construction of pedestrian walkways, installation of playground equipment with required safety surfacing, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
• $292,300 to Whitehall Township for development of the Ironton Rail Trail in Whitehall Township. Work will include rehabilitation of 5.9 miles of trail from the Whitehall Township/North Whitehall Township line to Hockendauqua and South Front streets, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
• $125,000 to Wildlands Conservancy to install 12 acres of riparian forest buffers and 5 acres of meadows in the Lehigh River Watershed. Work will include landowner outreach and engagement, watershed forestry plantings and post-planting establishment, project sign and other related site improvements.

Northampton County

Six Northampton County projects totaling $1.75 million were funded:

• $250,000 to Bethlehem for the development of the South Bethlehem Greenway. Work will include the construction of a tenth of a mile of trail from New Street to Third Street, amphitheater, rain garden and lighting and ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
• $500,000, to Easton toward acquiring 17.57 acres in Easton and West Easton to provide 1.14 miles of trail for the development of the Easton Highline. 
• $280,000 to Hellertown for the further development of Tumminello Park. Work will include construction of a pedestrian bridge and pedestrian walkways and ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
• $350,000 to Nazareth toward acquiring 41 acres in the borough and Upper Nazareth Township for passive recreation and open space.
• $120,300 to Wildlands Conservancy for restoration of the Black River in Lower Saucon Township. Work to include dam removal, streambank stabilization, installing riparian forest buffer, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
• $250,000 to Wind Gap to rehabilitate Wind Gap Park. Work to include construction of pavilion, installing utilities, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

And one project funded across Lehigh and Northampton counties:

• $160,000 to Wildlands Conservancy to retore 2,000 feet of three unnamed tributaries in the Lehigh River Watershed across both counties. Work will include dam removal, streambank stabilization, installing instream habitat structures and riparian forest buffer, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. 

“Because of our investments, communities across Pennsylvania will be able to improve parks, build new trails, and help more people enjoy the benefits of nature, in cities and rural towns alike,” Shapiro said.

“My administration, through the work of DCNR and Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, is working to protect and conserve the natural places that truly make Pennsylvania a world class destination and the ultimate Great American Getaway.”

For more information, go to the DCNR’s website.