Park upgrades and environmental projects across Lehigh and Northampton counties are moving forward following the announcement of $6,513,300 in state grant funding.
The funding is part of a larger statewide initiative, with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration awarded nearly $82 million to recreation and conservation projects across Pennsylvania, supporting more than 295 initiatives in 58 counties, according to an article by Lehigh Valley Live.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will administer the funding through its Community Conservation Partnerships Program, with communities using the grants to improve parks and playgrounds, expand trail systems, conserve open space and restore watersheds.
In the Lehigh Valley, Salisbury Township received the largest award at $3 million for the development of Laubach Park, which will include new basketball courts, ball fields, pickleball courts, a pavilion, concession stand, comfort station, pedestrian walkways, parking areas, wetland features and a boardwalk, along with new playground equipment, a splash pad, ADA access and landscaping.
Whitehall Township was awarded $292,300 for the development of the Ironton Rail Trail, including rehabilitation of 5.9 miles of trail and related accessibility and site improvements.
Bethlehem City received $250,000 to develop the South Bethlehem Greenway, which will add a new trail segment, amphitheater, rain garden and lighting, while Upper Macungie Township was awarded $250,000 to further develop Grange Park with new walkways and site enhancements.
Hellertown Borough secured $280,000 for further development of Tumminello Park, including construction of a pedestrian bridge and walkways.
Wildlands Conservancy received multiple grants, including $125,000 for the installation of riparian forest buffers and meadows in the Lehigh River Watershed, $160,000 for restoration of unnamed tributaries in Lehigh and Northampton counties, and $120,300 for restoration of the Black River in Lower Saucon Township.
Easton City was awarded $500,000 toward the acquisition of 17.57 acres to support the development of the Easton Highline, providing approximately 1.14 miles of elevated trail, while Nazareth Borough received $350,000 for land acquisition to support passive recreation and open space.
Additional planning-focused grants include $75,000 for Lower Macungie Township to prepare a Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plan, $50,000 for Upper Macungie Township to develop a master site plan for Lone Lane Park, $75,000 for the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission to update the Livable Landscapes Plan, and $55,000 for South Whitehall Township to update the master plan for Covered Bridge Park.
Further park improvements include $150,000 for Upper Milford Township to rehabilitate Lenape Park, $250,000 for North Whitehall Township to upgrade Municipal Park, $280,700 for Coopersburg Borough to improve Stone Park, and $250,000 for Wind Gap Borough to rehabilitate Wind Gap Park.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn highlighted the community impact of the investment, saying, “When we invest in outdoor spaces close to home, we invest in people. These places bring families together, give kids room to play, help neighbors connect, and make our communities healthier and happier.”
State officials noted that the grants support Pennsylvania’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry, which has grown by 10% and added nearly 4,000 jobs since Shapiro took office, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, and follow a $13 million increase for DCNR in the 2025–26 state budget.
This funding strengthens park amenities, trail networks and natural areas that attract campers and travelers, helping drive tourism, longer stays and sustained growth in outdoor recreation across the region.