Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Trust for Public Land Celebrate $2.6 Million Federal Awards for Local Parks in Reading and Scranton

​The City of Reading will use its nearly $2 million grant to replace the Hillside Pool and the City of Scranton will use its $672,000 grant to enhance Weston Fields.

Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today joined the Trust for Public Land (TPL) in celebrating the announcement of the National Park Service's (NPS) $2.6 million investment in Hillside Pool in Berks County and Weston Field in Lackawanna County through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program.

Through the ORLP program, the NPS awarded $254.68 million to 54 communities to invest in locally led park projects across 24 states. This is the largest-ever investment in the Land and Water Conservation Fund's ORLP Program.

"These projects address a variety of needs in Reading and Scranton. Not only do they provide outdoor recreation opportunities, but they prioritize accessibility, sustainability, green infrastructure, and community safety," said Secretary Dunn. "By providing technical assistance and support to communities across the Commonwealth, we are helping all Pennsylvanians achieve greater access and enjoyment in outdoor spaces."

The City of Reading will use its almost $2 million grant to replace the dilapidated Hillside Pool with a modern splash pad, shaded cabanas, and numerous upgrades to create a family-friendly atmosphere. Additional improvements include new operational, concession, and restroom facilities, on-grade parking, and full ADA accessibility.

The City of Scranton will use its $672,000 grant at Weston Fields to improve the basketball courts, create a new parking lot and wellness loop, and install a new playground area, skate park, and splash pad.

"TPL worked closely with DCNR to identify and support communities well-positioned for expanding outdoor recreation opportunities across the Commonwealth, and we're thrilled that this partnership led to successful ORLP funding applications in Reading and Scranton this year," said Owen Franklin, Vice President of the Great Lakes Region for Trust for Public Land. "The Hillside Pool revitalization and Connell Park improvements will provide communities in need with vibrant outdoor recreation spaces, expanding accessibility and increasing the quality of life for residents."

"Investing in parks and recreation has been a key priority for me and my administration, as these spaces are vital to reducing youth violence and building a stronger community. The revitalization of the Hillside Pool property will turn it into a family-friendly destination, enhancing the quality of life for all residents. We are grateful for the support of the National Park Service, City Council, and our partners for helping make this project a reality," said Reading Mayor Eddie Morán.

"The City of Scranton continues to invest in our recreational spaces to transform parks and neighborhoods. The improvements planned at Weston Field made possible through this ORLP grant and matching Community Development Block Grant funds will help us build an intergenerational and more accessible park," said Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti.

In the United States, more than 100 million people, including 28 million children, do not have access to a park within a 10-minute walk of their home. To that end, DCNR supports community park projects, like the Reading and Scranton projects, across the Commonwealth in service of its goal for a park within 10 minutes of every Pennsylvanian.

For more information about recreation and conservation, visit the DCNR website​.

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MEDIA CONTACT:Madalyn Neff, DCNR, 717-585-3136
Rebecca Bullis, TPL, 908-329-0321​​