The City of Reading has announced it has been selected as one of 54 projects across 24 states to receive a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP), administered by the National Park Service (NPS). The $1,962,038.30 grant, the largest single grant investment ever from the ORLP, will support the revitalization of the Hillside Pool property.
The City of Reading submitted a concept plan to transform the long-closed Hillside Pool site into a vibrant community space. The plan calls for removing the derelict pool and replacing it with a modern splash pad, shaded cabanas, and numerous upgrades to create a family-friendly atmosphere. Additional improvements include new operational, concession, and restroom facilities, on-grade parking, and full ADA accessibility.
“Investing in parks and recreation has been a key priority for me and my administration, as these spaces are vital to reducing youth violence and building a stronger community. The revitalization of the Hillside Pool property will turn it into a family-friendly destination, enhancing the quality of life for all residents. We are grateful for the support of the National Park Service, City Council, and our partners for helping make this project a reality” said Mayor Eddie Morán.
The total funding for the project will reach $3,962,038.30, combining the ORLP grant with investments from Mayor Morán’s administration and City Council through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The City will now focus on fully developing the engineering design and anticipates completing construction by Spring 2026.
The City of Reading thanks its dedicated staff, the Trust for Public Land, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation for their assistance in the grant application process.
Update: A previous version of this article stated the total amount award to the City of Reading was $672,000 and total funding for the project as $2,672,000, which was initially announced by the city. The article has been updated to reflect the correct amount award to the city as $1,962,038.30 and total project funding as $3,962,038.30.
