Friel announces state grant for Independence Park in E. Vincent Twp.
Rep. Paul Friel January 28, 2025 | 3:14 PM
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Paul Friel is proud to announce that Independence Park in East Vincent Township was approved today for $100,000 in state grant funding under the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
East Vincent Township is proposing development of Independence Park to provide the community with new recreational opportunities, including at the adjacent Southeastern Veteran's Center. The proposed project will include adding bocce ball courts, shuffleboard courts, benches, and shade trees.
“Independence Park is a great community resource,” Friel said. “When public entities work together to improve our quality of life, it’s meaningful projects like this that get recognized for their value. Thank you to East Vincent Township for its work securing funding and creating something truly special.”
Additionally, the project will construct a 10-foot-wide path extending along all seven courts and a 5-foot-wide, ADA-compliant concrete path from the northeast entrance at Dunlap Road to the new courts. This path from Dunlap Road will provide a secondary entrance to the park for pedestrians and create a framework for future park connection to the Southeastern Veteran's Center.
These grant dollars will assist the township in funding the construction and engineering costs for this project.
Natural gas drilling fees under the Marcellus Legacy Fund supply the CFA funding for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects.
Friel said any business, organization or public entity seeking funding from a state program is encouraged to contact his office for help applying.