Green Tree council pursues park grants, seeks 'Bird Town' recognition

Green Tree Borough Council on April 1 voted to pursue a set of state grants and designations intended to bolster park rehabilitation and conservation work across the borough.

The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing application to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a park rehabilitation and development grant focused on Park Edge Park, a motion that carries a 50% local match. Conservation-and-recreation committee chair Panza told council the park is "in desperate need of rehabilitation," and members said work could complement existing efforts to remove non‑native plants and improve green spaces.

Why it matters: Councilors said the applications open access to matching state funds and expert planning. Panza also moved adoption of a separate resolution to apply for a comprehensive parks and recreation planning grant to hire consultants who will assess recreational assets and recommend priorities and infrastructure needs.

Supporters at the meeting included residents who said the resolutions align with community priorities. Samantha Salipek, speaking on behalf of Democrats for Green Tree, urged passage and thanked council for advancing environmental measures.

Council members noted some projects already underway will dovetail with the Bird Town initiatives and that designation could help secure additional funding. The votes on the resolutions were taken by roll call and passed without opposition.

Next steps: Staff will finalize grant applications and, if awards are received, return to council with any required matching‑fund authorizations and grant agreements.