The City of Allentown’s plans for a skate park at Jordan Park are getting a financial boost from the state.

The city is receiving a $300,000 matching grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR). It is part of $50 million for 280 projects across the state announced yesterday by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.

The grants are administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Funding comes from:
• The Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax;
• The Environmental Stewardship Fund;
• The ATV/Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses;
• Federal monies including the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

According to the governor, “Many of the projects being funded -- improvements to local parks, trails, and river access -- bring opportunities for outdoor recreation closer to home, and are the features that help attract families, visitors, and businesses that provide jobs to communities. This $50 million in grants will support communities throughout Pennsylvania working to protect and improve natural amenities for our citizens.”

“I want to thank Governor Wolf and the department for approving our grant application,” Mayor Ray O’Connell said. “The skate park is a perfect addition to the 15 exercise stations installed in the park just two years ago. Jordan Park will be serving residents of all ages.”

“Designs for the skate park at the site of the former clay tennis courts were completed using community input,” said Allentown Department of Parks & Recreation Director Karen El-Chaar. “I know city youth are going to love it.”

Work will include construction of an ADA accessible skate park, pedestrian walkways, stormwater management measures, landscaping and other site improvements. Fencing and signage will also be installed.

Design for the skate park is being done by Grindline Skateparks of Seattle, WA.

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