BUCKS COUNTY – November 14, 2019 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of $152,800 in grant funding through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Community Parks and Recreation Grant program for New Britain Civic Association and Sellersville Borough for improvements to Covered Bridge and Lenape Parks.
New Britain Civic Association was awarded $30,300 to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 14-acre Covered Bridge Park in New Britain Borough and the abutting 5.8-acre Orchard Park in Doylestown Township.
Sellersville Borough was awarded $122,500 for the rehabilitation of Lenape Park. Work will include the renovation of pedestrian walkways and parking area, construction of stormwater management measures, installation of fencing, accessibility compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landscaping, project signage, and related site improvements.
“The vital, often overlooked, work being done by municipalities and non-profits, like Sellersville Borough and the New Britain Civic Association, to maintain and improve our local parks is a testament to their commitment to building a more vibrant community for all,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “These projects will improve park safety and accessibility so that residents can enjoy all the recreational amenities offered.”
“Covered Bridge Park is such a beautiful location and this grant will help to make an already wonderful place into yet another shining spot in New Britain for our families to enjoy,” said Rep. Polinchock (R-144), who represents New Britain.
“As President of the New Britain Civic Association, I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the DCNR Grant Process,” said David Holewinski, who also serves as Mayor of New Britain Borough. “This Grant will allow the Civic Association to move forward with the Master Site Development Plan and continue to improve the family gathering destination and the recreation facilities at Covered Bridge Park which provides both to New Britain Borough and the surrounding communities.
“This grant will be a great help to the efforts of the Borough to design a long-term vision for Orchard Park and to work in harmony with the New Britain Civic Association to ensure optimal and complementary use of Covered Bridge Park and Orchard Park,” said Samantha Bryant, Manager for New Britain Borough. “Providing well designed spaces for passive and active recreation for our residents and the surrounding community is important to New Britain Borough, which this grant will help advance.”
“Sellersville Borough is pleased to be receiving this $122,500 DCNR grant, which will enable us to make needed repairs to our Lake Lenape hike and bike trail,” said David Rivet, Manager for Sellersville Borough. “This trail connects to the trail in neighboring Perkasie Borough and is heavily used by residents of both boroughs as well as visitors. The handicapped accessibility improvements included in the project will expand the park’s usage allowing for more people to enjoy its scenic beauty. Improved stormwater management measures will decrease the amount of time it takes for the water to leave the trail after a high water event. Construction will take place in 2020.
“Sellersville Borough would like to thank State Senator Steve Santarsiero and Representative Craig Staats as well as the staff at the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for their support in making this grant a reality.”
The Community Parks and Recreation Grants, which are administered by the DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC), provide funding and technical assistance support for local recreation and park improvement projects. To learn more about Community Parks and Recreation Grants, visit the DCNR website.
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