Lower Burrell approves funding to study improvements at city parks

Lower Burrell Council has approved the development of a plan to rethink most of the city’s parks.

City parks include Braeview Fireman’s Park, Burrell Lake Park, Kotecki Memorial Park, Kinloch Fireman’s Park and Veteran’s Central Park.

The city received a $20,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to develop the plan.

Council approved hiring Environmental Planning & Design of Pittsburgh, which submitted one of four proposals reviewed. The contract is for nearly $35,000, said Amy Rockwell, Lower Burrell city administrator.

“Environmental Planning & Design offered a proposal best suited for our city needs, and they designated a significant number of hours for funding and recreation,” she said.

The recommendation to council for the firm was made by a study group assembled by Rockwell, which includes members from the school district, community groups, county planning, city employees and elected officials.

The city will provide $5,000 for in-kind services and $10,000 from its park funds to pay for most of the remainder of the study.

The study will include an inventory of public and private recreational areas and city parks as well as interviews with residents and others to determine what people want to see in their parks.

“This is the opportunity for residents to participate in the planning for the growth of their community spaces,” Rockwell said.

This study process will take under a year to complete, she said.

Councilwoman Rosina Albanese said the plan lays out what city parks can look like in one year, five years and later. “The plan will provide a vision of quality of life in our town,” she said.

Additionally, the plan opens the door to a slew of grants to pay for upgrades and changes to parks, she added.

At the end of the study, the city will hold public meetings to introduce and adopt the plan. Once the plan is official, the city can apply for state grants to pay for improvements and facilities in the parks.