Burns’ support leads to $151K playground rehab
Burns credited for being ‘always willing to help’ Dale Borough
Rep. Frank Burns October 14, 2026 | 9:37 AM
JOHNSTOWN, Oct. 14 — The Nathaniel Street Playground in Dale Borough is looking shabby, according to borough Councilman River Dorn. It needs some repairs and upgraded equipment, and it lacks a parking area and a gathering spot such as a pavilion.
So, plans are in place for a renovation, complete with a jungle gym, pavilion, fencing, and parking area with ADA-accessible spaces. Dorn sees it as becoming a nice, safe place for kids and families.
"We're excited about it," Dorn said.
Especially since news came recently that state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, secured a state grant of $151,420 to fund the rehab.
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“It was super easy working with (Rep. Burns). He’s a down-to-earth kind of guy, and he’s always willing to help.” – Dale Borough Councilman River Dorn
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Dorn said he and Burns discuss the borough's needs regularly. They meet every couple of months and talk shop when they bump into each other in public.
So, after Dale's borough engineer completed plans for the playground renovations, they asked Burns to support their efforts for a state grant, and Burns stepped up.
"It was super easy working with [Rep. Burns]," Dorn said. "He's a down-to-earth kind of guy, and he's always willing to help."
Burns said he understands how much smaller municipalities such as Dale depend on the state for projects and purchases. Without state aid, many projects either wouldn't happen or would end up costing local taxpayers.
"I'm always happy to help our local officials navigate the maze of state grants, and I voice my full-throated support whenever I can," Burns said. "In cases like this, it's a quality-of-life issue. Our local parks and green spaces are important to our quality of life in Cambria County, so I'm thrilled to see the Nathaniel Street Playground getting its much-needed makeover."
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“I’m always happy to help our local officials navigate the maze of state grants, and I voice my full-throated support whenever I can.” – Rep. Burns
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