Luzerne Times

Rep. Alec Ryncavage and Sen. Lisa Baker have announced a $125,000 grant allocated for improvements to Ashley Borough Centennial Park. This funding is provided through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP).

"I am committed to investing in every corner of my community," Ryncavage stated. He emphasized the importance of parks and green spaces, noting that Centennial Park has been a priority since 2018. Ryncavage and Baker previously secured $95,000 for the park, and with the new grant, a total of $220,000 has been accrued for the park's development.

Ashley Borough plans to use the funds to demolish and reconstruct portions of the park, enhancing amenities such as drainage systems, rain gardens, playground areas, inclusive playground equipment, benches, picnic tables, fencing, landscaping, and basketball courts. These updates aim to make the park accessible to people with disabilities, addressing a current lack of accommodations.

"This funding is vital to the community effort to make the park more enjoyable and more accessible for every resident," Baker commented. She acknowledged the planning and cooperation that such projects require and expressed gratitude towards local officials and residents who appreciate the community's recreational and relaxation needs.

The initiative is financially supported by the Marcellus Legacy Fund, fueled by Pennsylvania's natural gas industry. The GTRP is financed by Act 13 of 2012, focusing on enhancing parks, trails, and recreational areas throughout the state.