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County applies for state trail grant to build accessible walking loop at Clermont Road campus
Summary
The commissioners approved a $64,387.24 grant application to DCED’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to build a 0.6–0.7 mile accessible walking trail linking memorials and the Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and committed a 15% restricted‑fund match.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted May 23 to submit a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) grant application to build a walking trail at the county’s Clermont Road campus.
Facilities manager Brent Therm told commissioners the application is for $64,387.24 and carries a 15% local match drawn from a restricted (non‑general) fund. Therm described the proposed trail as “approximately 6 tenths of a mile long” that will link the Cumberland County Law Enforcement Memorial, the Cumberland County Volunteer Fire Association First Responder Memorial and the Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the project will create an accessible outdoor loop for county employees, public safety staff and nursing‑home residents, add interpretive signage and native plantings, and plant a Liberty tree descendant as a landmark. The trail is described as phase 1 of a larger plan that could connect to the Army Heritage Trail and local golf-course trails.
Details and vote: Therm told the board the grant requires a $100 application fee and a 15% match; the commissioners confirmed the match will come from a restricted trust rather than general tax dollars. After discussion about the correct project budget figure, a commissioner moved and another seconded a motion to approve submission of the application in the amount of $64,387.24 and to authorize related resolutions and letters of commitment; the board approved the measures by voice vote.
What’s next: Staff will submit the GTRP application with the county’s matching commitment and handle any additional paperwork required by DCED. If funded, project phases and additional connectivity will be brought back to the board for further approvals.
Context: Project proponents emphasized universal accessibility and resident‑focused seating, and built in a short tree‑service preventive maintenance plan for the planted Liberty tree to increase chances of survival.
