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2007 - 2008 Open Space Priorities Quick Reference Sheet – Projects
Pending
The Borough of Pottstown is excited about the prospects of utilizing
and leveraging the Open Space funding that has been made available through the
County to address many of the existing needs that confront the Borough. A total
of $1,471,412 has been earmarked for both acquisition of new Open Space and for
much needed improvements to preserve and enhance the existing Open Space contained
within the Borough of Pottstown. As you are aware, the Borough with County Open
Space assistance has acquired the Pottstown Metal Weld Property. This important
acquisition is seen as one of the key connectors of the John Potts Park Master
Site Plan. The Master Site Plan envisions connecting the active amenities of
Memorial Park with the passive features, river and trail that comprise the Riverfront
Park. The County contributed $488,700 towards the purchase of this property;
therefore, the remaining balance of funding available through Open space is $982,712.
The
following is a brief summary of the ways in which the Borough would propose to
utilize the remaining County Open Space funding in conjunction with other potential
funding sources. The anticipated timeline for completing these projects is 2007
and 2008.
Priority 1 Open Space Funds:
- Park Infrastructure, Drainage System @ Memorial
Park $250,000
Proper Solar orientation of the existing ball fields @ Memorial Park
leveraged with a pending grant request to DCNR of $250,000.
Status – DCNR
has approved a grant to the Borough in the amount of $229,000. This project is
one of the top priorities listed in the John Potts Park Master Site Plan. In
a typical year, the park is breached by the Manatawny Creek on average once every
two years, resulting in annual losses to park infrastructure estimated at $40,000
per occurrence. It is believed that the installation of proper drainage will
help us to improve the overall quality and safety of the park infrastructure.
It is also the intent of this project to create a stream bank buffer zone to
further mitigate the flooding that occurs at the park.
This project is currently
being planned for spring of 2007; there remain several required approvals in
order to meet our goal for the spring of 2007.
In conjunction with this project,
the Borough is currently seeking additional funding to help improve the flow
of the Manantawny that meanders through the park and empties into the Schuylkill
River. The goal of this project is to further reduce and mitigate flooding by
removing/eliminating some of the barriers and impediments within the river that
have disrupted the rivers flow. The intent of this project is to reduce flooding
in the park and for the nearly businesses and residents that are affected when
the banks of the Manatawny are breached. Although this project in the early stages
of development, Senator Rafferty, Congressman Gerlach, and Representative Quigley
have demonstrated both their support and resources to assist with this project.
Priority 2 Open Space Funds
- Fountain of Youth Spray Park, @
Memorial Park $132,712
The balance of funds that are available through the County Open
space program will be used to assist with the landscape and development of the
proposed spray park that is earmarked to open Memorial Day 2007.
Funding will be leveraged with funds that have already been raised through
grants and private donations. To date $185,000 has already been raised in support
of this project. The total estimated cost for the project is $350,000. The Pottstown
Area Health and Wellness Foundation have already committed $150,000 towards this
project. Locally, we have raised $40,000 to date. The pending approvals by the
County and Borough Council should place us very near our projected fundraising
goals.
This project is currently being planned for spring of 2007, there remain
several required approvals and some additional funding in order to meet our goal
for the spring of 2007.
History- the Borough of Pottstown was forced to close the Gruber Community Pool
in April of 2000 when faced with 1.6 million dollars in repair costs. The closing
of Gruber Pool left the residents of the Borough without a safe, sanitary, and
viable alternative to obtain relief from the substantial summer heat. Most notably
affected by the closure were families of low to moderate income who simply could
not afford the higher prices of the private swimming clubs. The private clubs
were also not in a position to absorb the nearly 1,500 patrons that called Gruber
home. Since the closure, area residents have found other creative means of finding
aquatic relief such as swimming in the Man tawny Creek and the ornamental fountain
at Borough Hall. We are seeking Open Space funds to complete this project. Primarily
those items related to landscaping, tree planting and beautification of the park.
Additionally, the land will need to be raised approximately 8 feet in order to
get the park out of the flood plain. The park will also meet ADA requirements
and provide a safe alternative for residents. We are ready to move forward with
this project pending County and Borough approval. The Borough in August of 2005,
directed the parks and recreation department to prepare grants and secure the
necessary funding to make this project happen. The requested dollars from Open
Space will ensure that we complete this goal.
Pending Grant Application – A Grant Application to the Schuylkill River
Greenway Association in the amount of $50,000 is pending approval. It is expected
that this grant announcement will be made in the fall. Should this application
receive approval, the need for County funds will be reduced in accordance with
the grant award.
Priority 3 Open Space Funds
There are seven parks that have been identified
for upgrades, Walnut Street Park, Terrace Lane Park, South Street Park were selected
to be totally revamped because they are currently the most outdated parks and
present the largest risk to public safety. West Street, Maple Street Park, Potts
Drive Park, and the swing set at Brookside Park were also selected because they
are the closest parks to meeting ADA standards and ASTM regulations. (Maple Street
Park is only in need of a Macadam trail to the play structure and a fencing system
that separates the street from the playground.)
All of the parks that have been identified were
also selected due to their location within the Borough. At least one park is
situated in the Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern quadrants of the Borough
which will ensure walking accessibility to all residents of the Borough. There
will be public meetings this fall to allow local residents to assist
in the design and planning of the parks that are scheduled to be refurbished.
Anticipated
timeline fall 2007/ spring 2008.
Priority 4 Open Space Funds
- Green Infrastructure/Greenscaping
of the Metal Weld Property $250,000
The Pottstown Carousel Committee is currently leasing this property from the
Borough. At present the Carousel committee is in the process of raising the 2.7
million dollars that are needed to renovate the existing buildings that are contained
at this location. The money provided through the County will assist with turning
the macadam lot into a viable green space.
Funding to be leveraged with a variety
of sources, private donations, fundraiser's and grant applications.
As you can see from the extensive list of projects that
are pending, our park system and park infrastructure will be receiving a long
overdue face lift. These opportunities
have been made available through a variety of funding sources; including
but not limited to, the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, The County
Open Space Program, DCNR, and the Pottstown Borough Council. Over the course
of the next few years, the hope is that together we can take a proactive
step towards improving the quality of life for all Borough residents.
If you
have any questions or would like more detail on any of the projects, please do
not hesitate to call me at 610-970-6607.
Respectfully,
John M. R. Reber, Director
Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department
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