Washington Township in Berks County has been awarded a $199,000 state grant to support improvements at Washington Township Park, according to an announcement from state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24).
The funding was awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), which supports projects aimed at improving public parks, recreational facilities and conservation areas.
The Washington Township project will include the construction of pedestrian walkways and installation of new playground equipment with required safety surfacing. Additional improvements will focus on accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landscaping, project signage and other related site enhancements.
The grant was among several awards announced by Pennycuick for communities in Berks and Montgomery counties, supporting efforts to preserve open space, improve parks and playgrounds, and expand recreational opportunities.
“Investing in our outdoor spaces and recreational facilities is so important to our communities, in addition to protecting our watersheds and natural areas,” said Pennycuick. “I was happy to support these grants to ensure our open spaces are available for use now and for future generations to enjoy.”
In neighboring Montgomery County, additional grants were awarded for projects in Lower Salford Township, Pottstown Borough, Towamencin Township and Trappe Borough, as well as a regional park improvement mini-grant program.
The C2P2 program provides financial assistance to municipalities and organizations for recreation and conservation initiatives. Projects can include developing or rehabilitating parks, improving accessibility, protecting natural resources and expanding public access to outdoor spaces.
According to Pennycuick’s office, the program has helped permanently protect more than 440,000 acres across Pennsylvania since its inception. Approximately 40% of local parks have received funding, and more than 90% of Pennsylvania residents live in a municipality that has benefited from at least one DCNR grant project.
Additional information about the state’s park rehabilitation and development grants is available through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program.
