$250,000 improvement project slated for Aspinwall Park

More pickleball courts are coming to Aspinwall.

But it’s going to take a while.

A large-scale park refurbishment is being financed with a $100,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Plans include adding four pickleball courts, constructing a pedestrian walkway and a multipurpose court, installing fencing, improving accessibility under the Americans With Disabilities Act, completing landscaping, adding signs and making other improvements.

“Aspinwall’s parks are gems,” said District 33 State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel. “They significantly improve the quality of life for residents in the region, and I’m pleased to announce this grant for much needed improvements and will continue to advocate for this park system in Harrisburg.”

Steele announced the award Oct. 6.

Aspinwall Park, located at Fifth Street and Field Avenue, is owned and managed by the borough.

The park’s field has existed in the borough since the 1900s.

Council President Tim McLaughlin said the park project improvements will include refurbishing the existing hockey/basketball areas.

Borough Manager Melissa O’Malley said Oct. 23 that the total cost of the project is $250,000, and construction is expected to begin in 2025.

“The borough with the help from the local pickleball group Neighborhood Pickleball are saving money and applying for additional grants to fulfill our portion of the match,” O’Malley said.

Borough officials described the current court area in the park as dilapidated.

“The existing pickleball and multi-use court are heavily used and in desperate need of updating,” O’Malley said.

The new multipurpose court will accommodate dek hockey, court soccer and basketball.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Refurbishment of the baseball field in Aspinwall Park is expected to be part of a $250,000 improvement project that will add four pickleball courts, a pedestrian walkway and a multipurpose court, as well as improve accessibility under the Americans With Disabilities Act. The project is not expected to begin until 2025.

McLaughlin said residents can expect modern upgrades that will make the park accessible to all.

“It will be an ADA compliant pathway from Field Avenue to the courts,” McLaughlin said.

The vibrant Aspinwall mural painted by artist Alison Zapata will remain, he said.

The mural is inside the children’s playground pavilion that features a splash pad and playground equipment.

Steele spearheaded the grant efforts and hopes the park improvements will be enjoyed by residents.

“By investing in Aspinwall Borough, we may enhance our community,” Steele said.

A timeline on when the project will begin and be completed was not made available.

The park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays from Sept. 1 through May 31, and 11 a.m to 10 p.m. June 1 through Aug. 31.