Senator Santarsiero and Rep. Labs Announce $190,000 for Peace Valley Park Acquisition

BUCKS COUNTYNovember 13, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Shelby Labs (R-143) announced today $190,000 in state funding for Bucks County to expand Peace Valley Park through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

The county will use the funds to acquire 2.6 acres of land along Chapman Road in New Britain Township, which will become part of the county’s Peace Valley Park.

“We are fortunate to have so many great county parks here in Bucks, and the acquisition of additional land for Peace Valley Park will enhance the recreational opportunities for the community to enjoy all of the park’s offerings,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “Additional open space in our communities is beneficial for our environment and for our residents who hike, bike, boat and congregate in these parks.”

“Having community spaces like Peace Valley Park is vital for families and citizens of all ages,” said Rep. Labs. “This funding will assist with its expansion which will ensure this community landmark is more accessible to everyone.”

Diane Ellis-Marseglia, Chair of the Bucks County Commissions said, “Bucks County is blessed to be home to some of the most remarkable natural attractions in the Commonwealth, and we are committed to working constantly toward improving and protecting them. We are grateful for the support we have received from DCNR in advancing this important project, and we are excited to see it become reality.”

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation assists local governments and recreation and conservation organizations with funding for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation.

Additional information about the Community Conservation Partnerships Program can be found on the DCNR website.

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Senator Santarsiero and Reps. Brennan & Davis Announce $62,000 for Heritage Conservancy

BUCKS COUNTYNovember 13, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) along with Representatives Tim Brennan (D-29) and Tina Davis (D-141) announced today $62,000 in state funding for the Heritage Conservancy through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

Heritage Conservancy will use the funding to convert 6.5 acres of lawn to pollinator meadows.  One acre will be located at the site of Aldie Mansion in Doylestown, one and a half acres will be located at Mill Creek Elementary School in Bristol Township and one acre will be at the Bristol Marsh Nature Preserve.  The remaining three and a half acres will be made available to landowners on whose properties Heritage Conservancy holds conservation easements on.

“The conversion of lawns to pollinator meadows in our area will be highly beneficial for wildlife and our natural environment,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “The commitment of Heritage Conservancy to preserve and expand these habitats will produce both ecological benefits and excellent educational opportunities within the community.”

“I’m thrilled to see the Heritage Conservancy’s vision for transforming these 6.5 acres into sustainable green spaces take shape, especially with two key sites in my district — Mill Creek Elementary School and the Bristol Marsh Nature Preserve,” said Rep. Davis, whose district includes Bristol Township. “This grant will not only enrich the local environment but also foster a deeper connection between our communities and nature. By working with landowners and conservation partners, we’re ensuring a cleaner, greener future for our children and generations to come.”

“I’m excited to see this type of conservation effort underway in our community! As many homeowners know, traditional grass lawns are often expensive and difficult to maintain. Converting them to meadows and riparian forests is a win for bees, wildlife, and maintenance costs,” said Brennan. “Kudos to the Heritage Conservancy for taking on this project.”

In collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders, Heritage Conservancy is excited to lead this effort to convert lawns to pollinator meadow on multiple properties throughout Bucks County” said Joe Ganguzza, Grants Manager for the Heritage Conservancy. “We look forward to building on our past successes of pollinator meadow conversion and expanding throughout the Bucks County area. This project will have vast ecological and community benefits, providing much needed wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, and boundless educational opportunities for students and the community.”

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation assists local governments and recreation and conservation organizations with funding for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation.

Additional information about the Community Conservation Partnerships Program can be found on the DCNR website.

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Senator Santarsiero Announces $250,000 in Funds for Community Conservation Partnerships in Bucks County

BUCKS COUNTY − October 5, 2023 − Today, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $250,000 in state funding for two municipal park improvement projects through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

Doylestown Township will be awarded $200,000 for further development of Central Park. These funds will go toward the construction of pedestrian walkways, basketball and pickleball courts, ADA accessibility, landscaping, and other improvements.

Another $50,000 in funds will be awarded to Solebury Township for the preparation of a comprehensive park, recreation, open space, trail, and greenway plan.

“Abundant parks and open space are one of the things that make the 10th District so special,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “Continued investments in outdoor recreation are vital to the continued health and wellbeing of our environment and our communities.”

The Community Conservation Partnerships Program is designed to assist local governments and recreation and conservation organizations with funding relating to parks, recreation, and conservation. The grant program is run by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

For more information on the DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants, visit their website.

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