2 Penn Hills parks to be upgraded with help from state grant

About $237,000 in state grants have been allocated for projects in Penn Hills’ Community and Universal parks, officials announced Dec. 14.

Grant funding is through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and made available through the Community Conservation Partnership Program.

“Penn Hills Park and Universal Park are both very valuable assets in the municipality,” said state Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Penn Hills. “This grant money will allow Penn Hills to rehabilitate and improve these parks, including making them (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, so they can be utilized and enjoyed by the entire community. I was proud to support this grant application.”

Uses for the funds include new playground equipment with safety surfacing at Community Park and pavilion and pedestrian walkways and parking areas at Universal Park. Both parks will see enhancements for ADA access, landscaping, project signs and other related site improvements.

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn believes parks should be available and accessible by everyone.

“Local parks help create and sustain lifelong outdoor enthusiasts, which is why DCNR is happy to support these projects and other local park projects across the commonwealth,” Dunn said via press release. “Access to high-quality local facilities is a key aspect of the department’s goal to expand opportunities to enjoy nature for all Pennsylvanians. We look forward to seeing the impact these improvement projects have in the Penn Hills community.”

Mayor Pauline Calabrese said she is excited to see how the projects take shape next year. She also commended DeLuca and Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills, for their support.

“This announcement is another reason for Penn Hills to celebrate the New Year and the many plans we have to move our community forward,” Calabrese said. “This investment is focused on improving existing green space, installing new play structures, and making our parks accessible for all.”

More information is available at dcnr.pa.gov.