Murrysville receives nearly $300K grant to help fund amphitheater at community park

The plan to continue developing Murrysville Community Park got a shot in the arm on Friday with the announcement of a sizable grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

The municipality will receive $299,800 for the development of an amphitheater, parking area, pedestrian walkway and more at the park off Wiestertown Road.

“I’m excited,” said Murrysville recreation director Carly Greene. “Music’s my thing, so we’ll now have a dedicated space for the Concert in the Park and eventually for a concert series.”

The grant was announced Nov. 15 by former Murrysville mayor and State Rep. Bob Brooks.

“Our municipal parks, open spaces and greenways offer a variety of recreational opportunities that improve the quality of life for our residents,” Brooks said. “The funds from these grants will help enhance the quality and variety of outdoor experiences our area has to offer.”

Greene said the amphitheater represents the last large-scale project in the third phase of park improvements.

“It’s nice, it’s high-quality and it’ll add to the aesthetics out there,” Greene said. “And council wants it used. They don’t want it just sitting there, so there will be opportunities for rentals as well.”

The amphitheater will be located near the intersection Wiestertown and Farm roads.

“There will be pedestrian access near the Miracle Field from inside the park,” Greene said. “We’ll make it a nice usable facility and the sound will be directed away from homes and the active area of the park, which is why we chose that corner.”

Brooks also announced about $20,000 in grant funding that will go to Lower Burrell officials to prepare a comprehensive recreation, park and open space plan.