Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Friday joined Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and Limestone Township officials in celebration of the Wolf Administration’s recent investment to support rehabilitation and further development of Nippenose Valley Park.
“This grant represents the Wolf Administration’s continuing support of DCNR’s commitment to local parks and playgrounds offering outdoor exercise and recreation to all ages,” Dunn said. “Not only is this project unique in its location -- adjoining a former school converted to an assisted living facility -- but it offers numerous opportunities for multi-generational recreation, while showing what happens when state, county, and township governments work together.”
[Note: DCNR is accepting applications for the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants to support local recreation projects through April 11. Click Here for more.]
Announced in December 2017, funding will support development of play equipment with required safety surfacing, ADA access, landscaping, project signage and other related site improvements.
Dunn joined Sen. Yaw and others in a tour of the playground and nearby Nippenose Valley Village, a retirement community outside Williamsport. DCNR has awarded a $50,000 Keystone Fund grant for playground and other improvements, which will be matched by private owners of the facility and Limestone Township.
“Well-maintained, accessible parks add value to our communities,” Sen. Yaw told the gathering. “DCNR's decision to fund the Nippenose Valley Park project through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program will allow the township to restore this space, while improving recreation and providing enhanced outdoor opportunities for area visitors. “I commend the state and Limestone Township officials on this exciting partnership.”
The former Nippenose Valley Elementary School closed in 2013. The building and grounds were purchased and refurbished as a personal care home. The playground area was leased to Limestone Township and future plans could include development of trails and walking paths around the building and grounds.
“We are excited to join in this public and private partnership with DCNR, Limestone Township and Lycoming County,” said Limestone Township Supervisor Chris Lorson. “Projects like this provide recreation opportunities and employment opportunities. We are honored to have the support of Secretary Dunn, Gov. Wolf, and Sen. Yaw for this very important project.”
The Nippenose Valley Park grant is among DCNR’s 2017 grants announced late last year in Pittsburgh. A total investment of $44 million for 266 projects across Pennsylvania is designed to create new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources and help revitalize local communities.
“Grants such as this help achieve something that’s very important -- they supply much-needed recreational opportunities to area residents and outside visitors, as well,” Dunn said. “Retirement village residents and their visitors now have an open invitation to step outside and enjoy some healthy exercise.”
Grants are administered by DCNR through its Community Conservation Partnerships Program. Funding comes from the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; and the ATV/Snowmobile Fund, generated through fees for licenses; and federal monies.
DCNR is accepting applications for the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants to support local recreation projects through April 11. Click Here for more.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
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