COATESVILLE, PA — Coatesville has secured $908,900 in state funding to expand accessibility, recreational facilities, and stormwater infrastructure at Chester Ash Memorial Park, advancing the third phase of a redevelopment project at the city’s largest and most heavily used public park.
The grant, awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program, will finance additional improvements to the 9.3-acre property following the completion of two earlier construction phases.
The new funding will support an accessible playground, a loop walking trail, an upgraded multi-use sports field, and pathways designed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards.
Plans also call for a new park entrance from South Fourth Avenue, additional seating, fencing, railings, improved lighting, signage, and utility upgrades.
Stormwater infrastructure is another component of the project. The city plans to install drainage beneath the multi-use sports field and create a community wet meadow to address longstanding drainage problems.
The investment extends a redevelopment effort that reached a major milestone in July 2026, when Ash Park reopened following completion of its first two phases.
Those improvements included three renovated basketball courts, a splash pad replacing the park’s long-closed swimming pool, upgraded horseshoe pits, expanded recreational areas and a pavilion equipped with seating and restrooms.
City Manager James Logan described the response to the reopening as reinforcing the importance of continuing the project.
“With this new funding, we can continue building on that momentum, creating even more opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and spend time together,” Logan said.
State Sen. Carolyn Comitta and state Rep. Dan Williams supported the funding effort, while Pennsylvania-based economic development consulting firm ECON partners assisted Coatesville with grant development.
The project is guided by a master plan developed with community input and collaboration among the city, Natural Lands and other public and private partners.
The third phase places particular emphasis on making recreational facilities accessible to residents with disabilities while addressing infrastructure needs that affect the park’s long-term use.
Coatesville stated that additional information about construction plans and the implementation schedule will be released as the project advances.
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