South Heidelberg Township has been awarded a $350,000 state grant to support improvements to Heidelberg Run West Park, including new athletic courts, an accessible walking trail, and upgrades to landscaping and stormwater management.
The funding, announced October 7, comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program and will support the first phase of a larger revitalization project at the township’s nearly 30-acre park.
“This grant award is a significant investment in the future of Heidelberg Run West Park and the families who rely on it for recreation,” said Sean McKee, township manager. “The improvements planned through this project will make the park more accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for residents of all ages and abilities.”
The first phase will include the construction of pickleball, basketball, and multi-sport courts, along with an ADA-accessible walking trail loop connecting existing and new recreational amenities. Additional improvements will address stormwater management, landscaping, and other park features.
The project is part of a three-phase master plan developed following the township’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Study, which began with a DCNR grant awarded in 2023. The two-year planning process included feedback from residents and community members and identified Heidelberg Run West Park as a priority for recreational improvements.
The township estimates the total cost of the first phase at approximately $1.1 million. In addition to the $350,000 DCNR award, officials have applied for a $250,000 grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program. Awards from that program are expected to be announced in November.
If the additional funding is approved, the township would have $600,000 in grant funding toward the project. The remaining costs would be covered by approximately $300,000 in recreation impact funds and $200,000 from the township’s general fund.
The project’s timeline will depend on additional grant funding and permitting requirements.
If the township receives the second grant, permitting would move forward in 2027, with construction potentially beginning sometime in 2028.
If the additional funding is not awarded, the South Heidelberg Township Board of Supervisors would need to decide whether to reduce the project’s scope and proceed in 2027 or postpone the project for approximately one year while seeking additional grant funding.
McKee said the planned improvements are intended to expand recreational opportunities and make the park more accessible to residents of different ages and abilities.
“We are grateful to DCN for recognizing the importance of this project and helping us bring long-envisioned improvements to one of our community’s most treasured recreational assets,” McKee said.
The Community Conservation Partnerships Program supports recreational development and natural resource conservation projects across Pennsylvania. This year’s funding round included approximately $81 million for 306 recreation and conservation projects statewide.
