Improvements To Recreation Complex On The Way

Improvements are coming at the Sinnemahoning Valley Recreation Complex in Grove Township, thanks in large part to a state grant announced last week.

A portion of the $20,000 allotment will be used to replace aging playground equipment. Mary Hardinger, director, said the new facilities will be modeled after the playground at the Woodland Elementary School in Emporium.

But Hardinger has a broader vision of the park as an even more appealing recreational facility for children and others in the Sinnemahoning area.

"I see this as a new beginning," she told the Endeavor. "But, for now, there's a lot of work to be done."

On the drawing board are construction of a pavilion and concession stand, repairs to outhouses that were damaged by flooding, and paving in the parking area. Handicapped accessibility, landscaping and signs are also part of the plan.

Hardinger said she would also like to see improvements made to the ballfield so that organized softball and baseball can be played there.

A construction timetable will be announced. Hardinger said the park will remain open to the public while the work is progressing.

The grant is part of the Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) $23 million "Community Conservation Partnership Program." Its twin goals are community revitalization and protection of natural resources.

Among other allotments were:

-$150,000 to prepare a watershed conservation plan for the Sinnemahoning Creek watershed in Cameron, Elk, Potter, McKean, Clearfield and Clinton counties.

-$26,000 for further development of the Thunder Mountain Park in Benezette Township, Elk County.

-$50,000 for the Audubon Society of Western Pa. to design and produce a birding trail guide covering 19 counties in western Pennsylvania.

-$75,000 for improvements to the former Centertown Park in Galeton.

-$75,000 for rehabilitation and further development of the ClarionLittle Toby Rail Trail in Elk County.