East Vincent Township is advancing a set of grant applications aimed at improving and guiding the future of Park on the Ridge, with officials pursuing both near-term upgrades and longer-term environmental planning for the site.
At the April 7 Board of Supervisors meeting, members unanimously approved three resolutions tied to the park, including two applications for a shared construction project and a third focused on conservation planning.
Paired Grants Target Park Improvements
The township’s largest proposed effort centers on a package of improvements at Park on the Ridge, including resurfacing tennis and other courts and constructing a comfort station.
The township's engineer Mike Kissinger said the project is estimated at approximately $500,000 and would be funded in part through a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant requiring a 50 percent township match.
Supervisors also approved a second application through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Act 13 program, which carries a smaller local match. Township officials said the intent is to pursue both grants for the same project, with the possibility that one award could offset the match required by the other.
Township Manager Bob Zienkowski said the township’s share, if needed, would come from the municipal complex fund balance, which holds nearly $2 million.
Construction would likely not begin until after grant decisions are finalized, with discussion indicating the work would fall into a future budget cycle.
During the discussion, supervisors also raised questions about the park’s playground. Zienkowski said some existing equipment does not meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards and should be replaced as soon as possible. Kissinger noted that playground upgrades could be pursued separately, potentially using COSTARS purchasing agreements rather than grant funding.
Conservation Planning Effort Takes Shape
In addition to the construction-focused applications, the board approved submission of a Schuylkill Highlands grant application of up to $15,000 to support conservation planning at the park.
Elaine Milito, vice chair of the township’s Environmental Advisory Council, outlined a concept that includes restoring a stormwater meadow, expanding the vegetative buffer along a stream that flows to French Creek — an exceptional value waterway — and creating informal walking trails providing access to the creek.
Milito said volunteers have already completed some initial work on the property, including establishing a small “pocket forest,” but that more complex improvements will require professional guidance.
Milito said the group believes the grant’s required 25 percent match could likely be met through volunteer labor and public works staff time, potentially avoiding a direct township cash contribution.
Township officials emphasized that the grant would fund planning only and would not commit the township to implementing all elements of the concept. Supervisor Craig Damon said the board would review the plan before deciding which changes to pursue, noting that some existing uses, including overflow parking, may need to remain.
This article was generated with AI assistance. All content was reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by John McGuire.
