NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA – A major upgrade is coming to Brian Gregg Park in Newtown Borough thanks to a $92,000 grant awarded to the borough.

The grant, announced this week by State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Perry Warren, will fund half of the project cost of $185,000, which will include new accessible pathways to the open space and playground areas of the park. In addition, a new ADA accessible entrance to the park will be created at Congress Street, complete with a new crosswalk and accessible parking.

The funding will also pay to revitalize existing tot lot equipment and to install a new playground structure. The new structure will represent an upgrade from the current structure and will provide access to exercise and play for an array of children by addressing diverse learning, social and physical modalities.

“It is with excitement and gratitude that Newtown Borough accepts the DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant,” said Josh Phillips, Newtown Borough Councilor. “Through this award of $92,000, Newtown Borough is able to enhance the open-space experience for all Borough residents and visitors to our beloved Brian S. Gregg Park. Newtown Borough is fortunate to partner with the state in providing this outdoor experience to its residents and visitors.”

Phillips also gave a shoutout to the borough’s recreation board for its work on the project, borough manager Craig Totaro for “his work and diligence” in securing the grant for the borough, and the borough councilors for supporting and allocating resources for the project.

The current play structure at Brian Gregg Park. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The park is named in memory of Newtown Borough Police Officer Brian Gregg, who was killed in the line of duty in 2005 while serving the community.

“Officer Brian Gregg gave his life protecting others, and his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by the Newtown community,” said Senator Santarsiero. “Reinvesting in Brian S. Gregg Park is a meaningful way to honor his legacy while creating a safe, accessible space for families to gather, play, and reflect. I’m proud to support improvements that both remember a fallen officer and strengthen the community he served.”

“Officer Brian Gregg was a beloved and respected Newtown Borough police officer,” said Representative Warren. “Brian S. Gregg Memorial Park, located next to the Chancellor Center in Newtown Borough, is a fitting tribute to Officer Gregg. This state investment will help continue Officer Gregg’s legacy and ensure that the park continues to serve members of the community for years to come. From new pedestrian walkways and modern play equipment with safe surfacing to ADA access and landscaping, these improvements will make the park more welcoming and accessible to all.”

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is Pennsylvania’s leader and chief advocate for conservation and outdoor recreation. Its mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment.

The DCNR Recreation and Conservation grant program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93) which includes Key-Community and Key-Land Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF); the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF); the federal Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program Fund (PRT); the Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program (HA); the ATV Management Restricted Account Fund (ATV), and the Snowmobile Management Restricted Account Fund (Snowmobile).