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West Chester parks and recreation outlines summer events and applies for park grants including $225,000 DCED opportunity
Summary
Parks and recreation staff reported a busy summer calendar, further progress on court projects and plans to apply for a DCED Gateways, Trails and Recreation grant of up to $225,000 to support John O' Green park improvements, with an expected 85% grant share and at least a 15% local match.
West Chester—s parks and recreation staff reviewed recent programming, field and court projects, event plans and grant applications during the council meeting.
Keith Carouse, recreation staff, said the borough—s annual Easter egg hunt drew more than 400 people despite bad weather and noted the borough added a sensory-sensitive area this year, organized with Faith on the Spectrum. Carouse said the borough purchased a new projector jointly with West Goshen to improve movie-night screenings and has a full slate of summer events, including the Turkset Music Festival on June 8, which received more than 30 electronic press kits and will feature seven bands.
Carouse gave an update on Hoops Park tennis courts and the sport court schedule: the staff hopes to install the sport court in a window of suitable weather (three consecutive days above 50 degrees plus three curing days) expected around late June or early September depending on conditions.
Grants and capital projects: staff discussed several grant opportunities. The borough will apply for a DCED (Department of Community and Economic Development) Gateways, Trails and Recreation grant for John O' Green improvements, seeking a maximum award of $225,000 with an 85% DCED share and a required local match of at least 15%; staff said the borough—s portion would be calculated on the final project cost. Proposed John O' Green work includes playground relocation, shade structures, exercise equipment, basketball-court rehabilitation and additional vegetation. Staff cautioned that environmental covenants on the park may require DEP involvement and limit excavation.
Separately, the borough applied for a People, Arts and Community grant with a maximum award of $30,000 and no local match; the council approved pursuing that grant 3-0. Staff said the borough already budgeted $65,000-$70,000 for North Side Park refurbishment and would scale the project depending on grant award.
Staff said they will consult nearby neighbors on park planning and continue to coordinate design work with Pennoni engineering as necessary.
