PA invests $1.6 million in Berks recreation and conservation projects

Nine projects in Berks County are receiving a combined $1.6 million investment in new state funding that will help create recreational opportunities, expand outdoor access and protect natural resources.

The funding is distributed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which supports projects that encourage Pennsylvanians to connect with the outdoors.

The following are the Berks recipients:

• South Heidelberg Township will receive $350,000 for the development of Heidelberg Run West Park. Work will include the construction of pickleball, basketball and bocce courts, an internal loop trail, lighting and other related site improvements.

• Student Conservation Association will get $250,600 to coordinate urban and community forestry in Reading, engage communities in planting trees and coordinate a workforce development program for young adults.

• Wyomissing will receive $250,000 for the restoration of 1,600 feet of Wyomissing Creek within Wyomissing Park. Work will include streambank stabilization and riparian buffer restoration, construction of pedestrian boardwalks and trails, installation of pedestrian bridges, ADA parking and other related site improvements.

• Stroud Water Research Center will receive $249,900 for the installation of about 25 acres of riparian forest buffers and the establishment of about 20 acres of recently planted buffers along waterways in the Schuylkill River Watershed in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties.

• Washington Township will get $199,000 for the rehabilitation of Washington Township Park. Work will include construction of pedestrian walkways, installation of playground equipment and other related site improvements.

• Shoemakersville will get $100,000 to further the development of Shoemakersville Park. Work will include construction of a pavilion, a pedestrian walkway, parking and other related site improvements.

• Cumru Township will get $81,800 to prepare a comprehensive recreation, park, open space and greenway plan.

• Schuylkill River Greenway Association will receive $69,300 for the development of the Schuylkill River Trail in Robeson Township. Work will include rehabilitation of approximately 1.15 miles of trail from Seyfert Drive to New Gibraltar Road.

• Berks Nature will receive $43,100 for the development of the Solution Trail in Cumru and Lower Alsace townships. Work will include construction of approximately 1.3 miles of trail, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

State Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock issued a release celebrating the investment.

“This funding is an investment in the spaces and resources that make our communities across Berks County vibrant,” the Muhlenberg Township Democrat said. “By supporting trails, parks, conservation efforts and opportunities for young people, we’re improving quality of life today while laying the groundwork for healthier, more connected communities in the future.”

State Rep. Manuel Guzman said in a statement he was proud to have helped secure nearly $700,000 for projects in his district.

“These investments will support trail improvements, park development and other projects that protect and enhance our community’s green spaces,” the Reading Democrat said. “It’s rewarding to see the hard work and advocacy behind these efforts have turned into clear results, with this funding coming directly to our community.”