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Just over $400,000 in state grants for parks and recreation is coming to Lycoming County for three projects in Greater Williamsport.
Funds administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources were approved after representatives of the county, South Williamsport and Williamsport sent in applications during the past year to support upcoming or ongoing projects, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township.
"This funding will assist with the completion of park and other land and water conservation projects," Yaw said. "Even more importantly, these dollars will generate additional revenues through increased economic, tourism and recreation activities locally."
Susquehanna River Walk extension
The design phase of an extension to the Susquehanna River Walk will be covered with $75,000 in state funds, according to Mark Murawski, transportation supervisor for the county.
"This was a great Christmas present Harrisburg provided us," Murawski said. "You're going to see more river walk coming in the next few years."
The funds will be used primarily for the design work of the project and another $2 million will need to be acquired at a later date to begin and complete the construction work, according to Murawski.
The future costs of the river walk potentially could be paid with grant funds as well, in addition to county gas impact funds. Murawski added that the current river walk was roughly 95 percent paid for through grant funds.
The upcoming project will extend the riverwalk 2.4 miles from Maynard Street to the Susquehanna State Park.
"I think it's a really exciting recreational asset for this region, and the county is very pleased with the ability to make the river walk even bigger and better," Murawski said.
South Williamsport Community Park
Renovation to the South Williamsport Community Park now will be made possible through $75,800 in grant funds and a partnership with STEP Inc., according to Michael Miller, South Williamsport borough manager.
"It is a high level of interest for our residents," Miller said, adding that the park renovations are part of an effort to bring in varying age groups in the community. "We're trying to address all ages and demographics."
The work on the park will include renovations to the parking lot, construction of a pedestrian walkway and installing fitness stations.
Additionally, Miller said the park is a destination for many people in the county, not just residents of South Williamsport.
"It's a smaller part of our budget, but it's a major interest to our people which is why it's great to bring that support in," Miller said.
Brandon Park
Set to receive the largest portion of grant funds, Brandon Park will get $250,000 for further development to the park including increased lighting, a natural play area for kids and pedestrian walkways, according to John Grado, director of Community Development.
The total project is estimated to be roughly $500,000, according to Grado. The remaining funds will be taken out of the Community Development Fund, he said.
A recent survey showed that lighting and security were key aspects of the park where residents wanted to see improvement, Grado said. He added that construction on the parking lot would increase handicap parking and connecting the pedestrian walkways to the parking lot would make more of the park handicap accessible.
The children's nature play area will be located where the park pool previously was located and filled in, according to Grado.
Renovation to the tennis courts and increased stormwater control measures also will be included in the upcoming development. Grado added that the current project is set to be completed by June 2018.
In addition to Lycoming County, state funds also were approved for park and recreation projects in Bradford County, set to receive $141,000, and Union County, set to receive $250,000 for further development of Kidsburg Park in Lewisburg.