READING, Nov. 28, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank announced today that several Berks County municipalities have been awarded state grants toward improvement projects in local parks and greenways.

“Our local parks and green spaces are precious community resources, so it’s important that we ensure that they are around for generations to come,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “These state grants will help fund improvement projects that will make these parks and greenways more accessible to the public and will help protect and conserve our natural resources.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administered the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation (Key 93) Funds, which are part of the Community Conservation Partnerships Program. This program provides financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts and other nonprofits for the planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.

Berks County received $217,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of Antietam Lake Park, Lower Alsace Township, including the construction of an environmental education center, parking area, pedestrian walkways, installation of site utilities, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements.

Fleetwood Borough received $40,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of Community Park, including the installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

Kutztown Borough received $100,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of Kutztown Park, including the construction of a pavilion/comfort station, installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

Natural Lands Trust, Inc. received $135,000 toward the acquisition of approximately 59 acres located along Mullen Hollow Road in Robeson and Union townships for open space, passive recreation and stream protection.

Reading City received $100,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of Kieffer Park, including the construction of ball field and pedestrian walkways, installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, lighting, site amenities, ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements.

Schuylkill River Greenway Association received $55,000 to prepare a feasibility study to determine the type, size and location of a pedestrian bridge over State Route 724, and identify design solutions to mitigate river debris accumulation at the existing river bridge over the Schuylkill River.

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