Burns called ‘spokesperson’ for Ebensburg ballfield grant
$42,000 awarded to fix drainage problem that made fields unplayable
Rep. Frank Burns June 15, 2026 | 9:38 AM
EBENSBURG, June 15 – The flooding situation at two ballfields in Ebensburg Memorial Park – where pooling rainwater was high enough to cover your shoes, making the ground unplayable – has been rectified by a $42,000 state grant facilitated by state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria.
Because of the chronic drainage issues, Rebecca Williamson, the borough’s recreation director, said that the McDonald’s T-ball field used by 10 teams with 80 kids was so bad that last year’s games had to be played at other locations. Meanwhile, the First Energy adult field used by the Ebensburg Softball Association and the Bishop Carroll girls’ softball team “took quite a bit of manpower” to be brought up to standard for its games.
“Last summer, they were under water,” Williamson said bluntly. “There was no crown left on the infield, the sand was thrown in the outfield allowing water to accumulate. The grant will allow us to properly crown (slope) and add drainage to the fields, using a baseball field sand mix. And then add a slight grade so the water runs off.
“Being that we facilitate recreational sports in the Ebensburg area, it’s important that these kids have a good place to play,” Williamson added. “Now, they won’t have to relocate out of town to play their games.”
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“(Frank) was a spokesperson for Ebensburg on how important this grant was for our community.” – Rebecca Williamson, Ebensburg recreational director
“I talked to some people in Harrisburg, my connections who were going to the meeting where the grants were going to be voted on. I told them how important this was.” -- State Rep. Frank Burns
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Williamson said Burns “was a spokesperson for Ebensburg on how important this grant was for our community,” before the Local Share Account grant was awarded in December.
“Frank reached out to me. He had heard that I applied. He asked the importance of this grant, why I felt passionate,” Williamson said. “He then agreed to (get involved).”
Burns recalled that conversation – and how he then took the ball and ran. Throughout the process, Burns said he was in contact with people from the youth league as well, blending their input and concerns into his advocacy message.
“I told (Williamson) I was going to advocate for this grant,” Burns said. “I talked to some people in Harrisburg, my connections who were going to the meeting where the grants were going to be voted on. I told them how important this was, advocating on behalf of Ebensburg to get this funded.”
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