Two Clarion County recreation projects Sept. 20 received funding approval totaling more than $265,000 through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The funding comes from Act 13 impact fees and is set aside for greenways, trail and recreation projects.
Clarion Blueprint Community, Inc. was approved for $242,396 in financing for its Clarion Multigenerational Community Park and Playground Project along Second Avenue in Clarion and the Allegheny River Trail in Clarion County, Inc., was approved for $22,950 to help develop its master plan for Fox-Hunt Park in Foxburg.
State Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-63) and state Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21) announced the grants last week.
Clarion Borough Council Member Brenda Sander Dede, also a member of the Blueprint committee, said during a Sept. 20 borough council session that work at the park is coming along well.
“Everyone should go by and see it,” Dede said of the park. “It’s beautiful.”
The Allegheny River Trail in Clarion County Inc. grant will be used for a park master plan for the four-acre Fox-Hunt Park on the north side Foxburg’s business district. As part of the planning, organizers seek to offer extensive outreach to the community about the features desired for this park and its access to the Allegheny River.
Fox-Hunt Park is named in honor of Samuel Mickle Fox and his heirs, who originally owned all of the land in the area from north of Emlenton to south of Foxburg, as well as the Hunt Brothers, the last owners of the 1.94 acres purchased by ARTinCC with the cooperation of the Hunt family. The group had a groundbreaking ceremony at the park last year.
Hutchinson added, “This grant will help with the development of a sound master plan for Fox-Hunt Park, ensuring public input in determining the best use of the land and the best way to incorporate river-related recreation.
“Likewise, the development of community parks is important to providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and social interaction, but it’s expensive. I am very happy to announce this state assistance to help create a new park in Clarion.”
According to its website, the Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
The Clarion County awards were part of 130 CFA projects announced by Gov. Tom Wolf.
“These projects will improve communities and enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvanians,” said Wolf. “They are the kind of improvements and upgrades that continue to make our commonwealth a truly great place to live, work and play.”
The 130 Act 13 projects approved today are in 40 counties. The total funding amount is more than $18.2 million.
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