Athens Township officials hope the local community will rally behind a project to expand Round Top Park.
The township's parks and recreation commission seeks letters of support to be included in an application for a $470,000 matching grant through the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, according to township officials. Letters of any length are welcome from everyone who supports the park, officials said.
The planned $814,000 project will enlarge the park's lower level picnic area near the pond. Proposed enhancements include three new pavilions with parking areas, a new composting toilet and a playground area. The plans also include a walking trail around the pond and a handicap accessible fishing pier.
The commission will supplement any grant funds received for the project with money from the parks department's budget. The improvements are expected to take up to six years to complete, and the commission hopes to do much of the work with township laborers and volunteers.
The commission is also asking the public for donations, as in-kind donations will help to offset the matching funds required to receive the grant. In-kind donations include money, materials, equipment and volunteer time. Volunteers will be needed for site clearing, preparation and various other manual tasks.
To learn more about the project, contact the Athens Township Municipal Building at (570) 888-2325 or park commissioner Richard Bean at (570) 888-0310. Letters of support may be mailed to Athens Township, 45 Herrick Avenue, Sayre, PA 18840. Letters should be received by April 1, officials said.
Amanda Renko can be reached at (570) 888-9652; or email: arenko@thedailyreview.com.