Three community projects across Beaver County in Pennsylvania have been awarded a combined $237,500 from the state Department of Community and Economic Development to strengthen outdoor recreation opportunities in their municipalities.
The funding was distributed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the DCED’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grant program, which allocates money generated from unconventional gas well impact fees under the Act 13 of 2012 Marcellus Legacy fund, according to an article by Beaver County Times.
In Ambridge, officials received a $42,000 grant to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed wellness and recreation center.
Borough Manager Mario Leone, Jr. said the borough plans to build the facility on a former steel mill brownfield site along New Economy Drive.
The long-term vision is to transform the once-industrial property into a hub for recreation serving both residents and the surrounding region.
Earlier this year, U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio visited Ambridge to deliver $1 million in federal funds to assist with construction costs, according to previous reporting from The Times.
The proposed center would include basketball, pickleball and volleyball courts, batting cages, basketball shooting machines, a mini shooting gallery for volleyball, futsal and basketball, a turf field and additional multipurpose fields.
Center Township was awarded $120,500 to build a 2,400-square-foot pavilion at Center Municipal Park.
According to the township’s grant application, the pavilion will serve as a new outdoor gathering space and central location for community events. Construction is expected to begin this summer and wrap up by winter.
Township officials noted that public interest in pavilion rentals has increased as park upgrades have been completed, including a new play structure, a walking trail, and updated basketball, tennis and pickleball courts. The new pavilion will complement two others set to open for rentals later this year.
Monaca received $75,000 for phase two improvements at Antoline Park. Borough Manager David Kramer, Jr. said in an email to The Times that the upgrades will include adding a pavilion, installing new fencing along the hillside and around the park’s new pickleball and basketball courts, and constructing two bocce ball courts.
Antoline Park already features four rental pavilions and free amenities such as playground equipment, an outdoor fitness facility, pickleball and basketball courts, cement cornhole boards and ladder toss games.
The borough also hosts events including an Easter egg hunt, outdoor movie nights, a back-to-school event and the annual Fall Fest celebration.
State Sen. Elder Vogel praised the funding, stating, “These grants will greatly strengthen the recreational opportunities Beaver County has to offer,” Vogel said.
“Our residents and tourists will benefit from these necessary revitalization efforts and continue to experience our county’s great outdoors.”
Rep. Rob Matzie added, “Improving existing infrastructure, along with the construction of new projects, helps to support more opportunities for growth and for a better quality of life in each of our communities.”
The investment underscores growing demand for accessible, multi-use recreational spaces, a trend that directly supports increased RV travel as more families seek well-equipped community destinations for extended outdoor stays.