WEST CHESTER, PA — Pennsylvania has awarded $751,400 in state grants to expand recreational facilities at two Chester County parks, directing funding to sports court development in West Whiteland Township and additional improvements at Bacton Hill Park in East Whiteland Township.
The awards, announced October 7 by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, are part of an $81 million statewide investment supporting 306 recreation and conservation projects across 60 counties.
West Whiteland Township received $541,600 for development of the Exton Park Sports Courts, accounting for approximately 72% of the combined local allocation.
East Whiteland Township received $209,800 for Phase 2B development at Bacton Hill Park, advancing another stage of improvements to the municipal recreation property.
Both awards were made through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which provides funding for municipal parks, recreation facilities, trails, land conservation and related infrastructure.
State Rep. Kristine Howard, a Chester County Democrat, confirmed the two local awards, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public recreational facilities.
“Our parks are vital and invaluable community resources,” Howard said. “I want to thank DCNR for their commitment to constantly improving our parks and preserving our green spaces here in Chester County and across our commonwealth.”
The grants represent finalized state funding commitments rather than pending applications, providing financial support for projects in the Exton-Malvern corridor.
The Chester County allocations are part of a broader state funding round that includes $35.5 million for 154 local park and recreation facility projects, the largest category of awards.
Another $13.1 million will support 44 statewide and regional conservation and recreation organizations, while $12.9 million will finance 30 land conservation projects involving 6,254 acres.
Trail planning and development projects received $10.7 million across 34 awards. The state also allocated $4 million for community and watershed forestry, $2.4 million for river conservation and $2.2 million for ATV and snowmobile facilities and trails.
Gov. Josh Shapiro characterized the statewide investments as part of an effort to expand public access to outdoor recreation while supporting local economies.
“Our investments are helping Pennsylvania communities improve their parks, build new trails, and help more people enjoy the benefits of nature in every corner of our Commonwealth,” Shapiro said.
The administration estimates Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry generates $20.4 billion in economic activity and supports more than 177,000 jobs, with $9.5 billion in wages and salaries.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said the funding is intended to strengthen community recreation infrastructure and expand opportunities for residents to use public outdoor spaces.
The latest awards bring Community Conservation Partnerships Program investments under the Shapiro administration to approximately $315 million across more than 1,100 park and recreation projects statewide.
Funding for the current round comes from the Keystone Fund, Environmental Stewardship Fund and other sources.
For West Whiteland and East Whiteland townships, the awards establish state financial support for the Exton Park sports courts and the next phase of Bacton Hill Park development, adding to Pennsylvania’s investment in municipal recreation infrastructure.
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