ureau
B itors
Vis k s Par ighlands Lake H Twin e: Laurel c Sour
CORE OBJECTIVE 4: CONNECT WITH PARKS AND NATURE
Improving Quality of Life Through Park and Trail Investment Parks and trails are often cited as some of our most beloved community
of upgrades for Northmoreland Park, located in Allegheny Township.
assets. From serene lakes, to tree shaded trails, and sunny open spaces,
Phase I is set to begin early this year and includes improvements to
these in-demand assets draw locals and visitors alike. Not only do they
current baseball fields, and the addition of two new baseball fields,
provide opportunities for people to be physically active and connect
complete with ADA-accessible parking. Phase II is scheduled for 2021
with each other and nature, they also provide economic and environ-
and includes upgrades to current soccer fields, the addition of new
mental value to the entire region. In Chester County, PA for example,
soccer fields, and installation of a splash park area. Also part of Phase
natural infrastructure and protected open space saves an average of
II, walking and hiking trails around the lake will be improved, and an
$134 million in stormwater maintenance and pollutant removal costs
ADA-accessible boat launch will be constructed at the lake.
annually and adds $1.65 billion of value to the housing stock. “We know people have a desire for better park facilities and that they Responsible for overseeing ten parks and five trails within the county,
are willing to travel farther for them. Right now, none of our County
the Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and Recreation is taking the
parks are set up to host sports tournaments, accommodating people
lead to make these assets more welcoming and accessible for all.
from farther distances. We hope that with the Northmoreland Park
According to Malcolm Sias, Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks
upgrades, we might see this as an option. By improving and expand-
and Recreation Director, “We know park and trail use in Westmoreland
ing our parks, we are opening ourselves up to these types of events,
County has increased and will continue to increase as we enhance and
potentially drawing people in from outside the area—and that’s pretty
expand these facilities. On a given nice weekend, our parks and trails are
impactful,” said Sias.
busy—we can see that people really love them. That’s why it’s important for us to continue to make sure that people not only have access to
With the completion of the Mammoth Park Giant Slide Complex set
adequate facilities, but that these facilities are accessible for all.”
for early 2020, a robust improvement plan laid out for Northmoreland Park’s future, and countless upgrades being made to park and trail
In 2019, the Bureau completed the fourth phase of the Westmoreland
facilities, Westmoreland County is enhancing and maintaining what res-
Heritage Trail, made significant progress on the construction of the new
idents hold dear, and showcasing its recreational offerings to visitors.
Mammoth Park Giant Slide Complex, and enhanced Cedar Creek Park. The Bureau also created a master plan in 2019, laying out two phases
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