The City of Williamsport has been awarded $224,100 from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for the further development of Shaw Place Park, according to a news release from Mayor Derek Slaughter.

Work is expected to include site improvements and the construction of a pump track. The proposed pump track will include a beginner, intermediate and advanced track.

The city, with the use of ARPA funds, has already completed a number of improvements at the park, the news release said. The addition of the pump track will provide a way for children and adults to become and stay active.

The pump track will be an inclusive, accessible space providing opportunities for individuals to explore recreational activity and fitness.

The competitive grant was awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including: the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund subject to National Park Service approval; the federal Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program and the Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program.

The city intends to complete the improvements in the summer of 2024, the release said.

“This project further demonstrates the city’s commitment to provide both passive and recreational opportunities and incorporate new assets that align with current recreational trends,” the news release said.

“Investing in the city’s recreational areas has been a top priority for my administration,” Slaughter said, according to the news release. “In the fall of 2020, the idea of the pump track was released to the public to gauge their interest in building this type of amenity. There was tremendous support for this concept. My administration will continue to make investments in our city to enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

Slaughter noted the role of Gov. Josh Shapiro, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, state Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, and Delta Development Group in securing funding to improve city parks and open spaces.