Smith, Dush Applaud $100,000 in Development Funding for Polk Township Recreation Park

HARRISBURG, Pa. – State Rep. Brian Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana) and Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) confirmed today that a state grant totaling $100,000 has been awarded for the development of Polk Township Recreation Park in Polk Township, Jefferson County.

“I am confident that Polk Township will properly invest this funding to create a truly unique recreational experience for residents and visitors of all ages,” said Smith. “This funding also provides a significant boost as part of our ongoing efforts to improve the overall quality of life across our region and to make our local communities even better places to live, work and raise a family.”

Polk Township proposes to create this recreational park by constructing a paved entrance drive, ADA parking area, and two public-use pavilions with picnic tables and other amenities. Plans also include the installation of a VersaCourt playground that will contain multi-use areas for basketball, pickleball, shuffleboard, and many other recreational activities. The township has also committed to the construction of an approximate 600-foot ADA walking path to safely connect all park features.

“I am greatly pleased to see this guaranteed funding returning to our district in a manner that will greatly benefit our young people, parents, and senior citizens,” said Dush. “Securing this $100,000 grant is another positive example of what can be accomplished when community and state government leaders work together to achieve a shared objective. I commend Polk Township on qualifying for this financial support that will allow them to meet and exceed the expectations of the local residents they serve.”

Smith and Dush advocated for this funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenway, Trails and Recreation Program, which funds projects for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open spaces, and parks.