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West Chester parks director outlines PROS plan, funding gap for John O'Brien splash pad
Summary
Parks director Keith Kurowski reviewed the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan process, reported grants sought and a roughly $33,000 shortfall for a planned splash pad at John O'Brien Park; he cited pending county reviews and potential Friends of Parks fundraising.
Keith Kurowski, director of West Chester Parks and Recreation, told the public works committee on Oct. 7 that the borough’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan is complete and will follow required county review steps before borough adoption.
Kurowski said components of the PROS plan must be reviewed by county grant administrators (VPP) and the Chester County Planning Commission; he said the county reviewer needed after the Oct. 9 vacation return for follow-up. The plan must complete those county-level steps before returning to the borough for formal adoption.
Kurowski said a splash pad at John O’Brien Park (North Side) is envisioned as a two-phase project. Phase 1 — the splash pad alone — has an estimated cost of about $118,000; the borough currently has $85,000 budgeted, leaving an uncovered shortfall of about $33,000. Kurowski said he is applying for a PECO Green Region grant (approximately $10,000 potential) and exploring other funding sources, including the Friends of West Chester Parks and Recreation, which he said may consider a targeted fundraiser.
Phase 2 (North Side work excluding the splash pad) was estimated at about $305,000; Kurowski said the borough applied for $250,000 through the DCED Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program and would be responsible for the remaining local share if the grant is awarded.
Kurowski described a three-year planning approach: year one for concept and grant applications, year two to refine scope and procure bids, and year three for construction. He also said the South Side Park has required less maintenance historically and that the North Side’s water-play features previously caused ongoing repair costs.
Kurowski said the Friends of Marshall Square Park completed a civil war monument project without borough funding but with borough approval. He asked for continued coordination with public works on maintenance needs and said grant outcomes will determine project timing.
No committee vote was taken; Kurowski said staff will continue to apply for grants and report back.
