Bethlehem (December 30, 2021) – State Senator Lisa M. Boscola announced today that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has awarded a total of $616,200 in Recreation and Conservation grants in the 18th Senatorial District through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) to aid local projects throughout the 18th Senatorial District.

“Community parks and the preservation of open space play an invaluable role in the quality of life of a community.  Through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, the Commonwealth is able to partner with local governments to improve community parks and preserve open space that improves the quality of life of our region,” Boscola said.  “The Lehigh Valley is blessed with wonderful community parks and natural spaces.  This state investment will assist in the further development of local parks and preservation of natural spaces that will not only benefit our residents, but also visitors to our communities,” Boscola added.  

The following projects were approved for funding:

  • Bethlehem Township, $200,000, Further Development of Housenick Memorial Park, Bethlehem Township, Northampton County. Work to include construction of internal loop trail and stormwater management measures; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
  • Easton City, $100,000, Rehabilitation of Centennial Park, Easton City, Northampton County. Work to include renovation of basketball courts; construction of stage and pedestrian walkway; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, fencing, community garden and lighting; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
  • Hellertown Borough, $200,000, Further development of Dimmick Park, Hellertown Borough, Northampton County. Work to include construction of basketball court, pedestrian walkway, parking area and stormwater management measures; installation of fencing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
  • Hellertown Borough, $40,000, Prepare a Greenway Plan and a Master Site Development Plan for the Saucon Creek Corridor in Hellertown Borough, Northampton County.
  • Lower Saucon Township, $76,200, Rehabilitation of Polk Valley Park, Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County. Work to include renovation of internal loop trail; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

The C2P2 program is administered by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to provide financial and technical assistance to local governments, rail and trail organizations, land trusts and other non-profits for park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.  The Recreation and Conservation grant program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93) which includes Key-Community and Key-Land Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF).