Park improvements and environmental projects in Lehigh and Northampton counties received $6,513,300 in state grants announced Monday, Jan. 12.
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration awarded nearly $82 million in funding statewide for recreation and conservation projects, distributing grants to more than 295 initiatives spanning 58 counties.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will administer the funding through its Community Conservation Partnerships Program. Communities will use the grants to improve parks and playgrounds, develop and maintain trails, protect open space and restore watersheds.
Among the Lehigh Valley recipients, Salisbury Township was awarded the largest grant of $3 million for extensive improvements to Laubach Park. Easton was awarded $500,000 toward acquisition of 17.57 acres in the city and West Easton Borough for conversion of an unused rail line into 1.14 miles of elevated trail, similar to New York City’s The High Line. Wildlands Conservancy, an Emmaus nonprofit, received $405,300 for stream improvements in the Lehigh River watershed.
The grants support the commonwealth’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry, which has expanded by 10% and created nearly 4,000 jobs since Shapiro took office, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The latest funding round follows a $13 million increase for DCNR in the 2025-26 state budget.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn emphasized the community impact of the investments.
“When we invest in outdoor spaces close to home, we invest in people. These places bring families together, give kids room to play, help neighbors connect, and make our communities healthier and happier,” Adams Dunn said.
The $82 million will be allocated across multiple categories: $31.3 million for 140 park, recreation and conservation projects; $16.2 million to conserve 4,818 acres of land; $13.1 million for 53 statewide and regional conservation organizations; $9.5 million for 22 community and watershed forestry projects; $8.2 million for 29 trail planning and development projects; and $3.2 million for 16 river conservation projects.
Notable projects statewide receiving funding include $750,000 for improvements to the Great Allegheny Passage in Allegheny County, $1.5 million to acquire 671 acres for passive recreation in Lawrence County, and $640,000 to rehabilitate Green Park in Bedford with new courts, a pavilion and a concession stand.
The Keystone Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund and other sources provide funding for the program.
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