DCNR Awards Over $1M to Erie, Warren County Projects that will Enhance Recreational Spaces

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has awarded a total of $1,189,000 in funding to projects throughout Erie County that will enhance recreational spaces. 

The DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program grants will allow organizations to enhance and conserve the community's recreational spaces, promote outdoor activities, and help improve the overall quality of life for residents. 

The funding includes: 

• $200,000 to Summit Township for the rehabilitation of Picnicana Park.
• $65,000 to the City of Erie for the development of the Erie County Conservation District Park.
• $60,000 to Wesleyville Borough for the rehabilitation of Morrison Park.
• $207,700 to Albion Borough for rehabilitation of Albion Borough Park. 
• $160,900 to Asbury Woods Partnership, Inc. for payment towards the acquisition of approximately 13.89 acres 
• $50,000 to Erie Bird Observatory to coordinate and fund expanded birding opportunities 
• $292,000 to Fairview Township for the further development of Pleasant Ridge Park 
• $57,400 to Millcreek Township to prepare the Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plan 
• $52,400 to Wales Sno-Drifters, Inc. to purchase equipment to maintain and construct appox. 50 miles of snowmobile trails 
• $43,600 to Washington Township to prepare a Watershed Conservation Plan for the Edinboro Lake Watershed

Additionally, $500,000 was awarded to five projects in Warren County. 

The funding includes: 

• Cambridge Springs Borough – $122,500 for upgrades to Cambridge Springs Recreation Park.
• Marienville Trail Riders Snowmobile Club – $39,400 to maintain and construct roughly 200 miles of trails in six counties including Forest and Warren counties.
• Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission – $100,000 to coordinate and fund the 2025 Northwest Pennsylvania Greenways mini grant program.
• Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism – $50,000 to prepare an updated river management plan for 107 miles of the Allegheny River from Kinzua Dam to Emlenton Borough.
• Warren City – $184,900 for upgrades to Point Park.

More information on the grant program can be found here.