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Council approves resolution to apply for DCNR grant for Freedom Memorial Park phase 1
Summary
Council authorized submission of a DCNR grant application for Phase 1 of Freedom Memorial Park improvements, a project estimated at $746,420 that would require a 50% local match of $373,210; council approved a resolution to apply and staff will pursue complementary DCED funding to cover the match.
Millersville Borough Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing the borough to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for funding to complete Phase 1 of the Freedom Memorial Park master plan.
Borough Manager Rebecca described the Phase 1 package as focused on a new restroom, upgraded playground equipment for ages 2–5, ADA access and safety surfacing, and related site adjustments. The total estimated cost for Phase 1 is $746,420. The DCNR grant requires a 50% local match; the borough’s share would be $373,210 if awarded. Rebecca said the borough plans to apply next to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) greenways, trails and recreation program to help fund the local match.
"The phase 1 part of the project total would be $746,420," Rebecca said, and explained DCNR is a strict 50/50 match program. She added the borough is not contractually committed to proceed with construction if match funding is not secured: "If we go for this specific grant... and they give it to us, but then we can't get additional funds from DCED or another grant program to help cover the costs, we don't have to follow through with the DCNR grant. We can politely decline."
The borough further noted the park commission contributed to the plan and that the borough already maintains a park fund designated for upkeep; staff said having a maintenance fund strengthens grant applications. The DCNR application deadline referenced in the meeting was April 2; staff said follow-up applications to DCED close in May and award decisions would be timed into 2025 for planning in 2026.
Council President moved the resolution to apply for DCNR funding; Marion seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded oppositions.
Staff said they are collecting required letters of support from the county planning commission, the borough planning commission and the park commission and will finalize the application before the stated deadline. The resolution directs staff to submit the DCNR application and pursue matching funds; any final acceptance of a grant award would return to council for authorization before construction.
