$1M Grant To Help Fund New Doylestown Township Rec Center

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — State Senator Steve Santarsiero officially presented the
township with a ceremonial check for $1 million this week toward the construction of the township’s new Community and Recreation Center.

“The center is going to be a very important focal point and I was happy to get that money for the township,” said Santarsiero. “And it’s not necessarily the end of the story. We can still work on getting more funding moving forward.

“I know from my time as a supervisor in Lower Makefield that a community center really does play an important role in the community. And the fact that this is going to be a place where people of all ages will come and congregate and use the facilities is a really great thing.”

Santarsiero, working with Governor Wolf, helped secure the grant through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The grant award was announced in June.

RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate
substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.

“We have applied for another grant, by the way,” Chairperson Barbara Lyons told Santarsiero as she accepted the ceremonial check.

“You know, I think I heard that,” he said.

The Community and Recreation Center is slated to be built next to the township building at the site of the current tennis and basketball courts.

“I am very excited for the township and very appreciative of Senator Santarsiero’s efforts,” said Lyons. “The community center will serve not only Doylestown Township but the greater central Bucks community. We believe in Doylestown Township that a hearty parks and recreation system results in a hearty and healthier community overall.”

The new facility will include a gym, three multi-purpose rooms, and a large patio that overlooks Central Park. The plan also includes the transformation of Field 1 in Central Park into tennis, basketball, and pickle ball courts.

“I am very grateful for that $1 million grant and I’m looking forward to working with the senator and with others on getting more grants,” said Supervisor Jennifer Herring. “Our staff is working very hard to make sure that not only do we have the recreation center that the community deserves, but that we are being as fiscally responsible as possible.”

According to Herring, the center will be home to programs designed to enhance the lives of people of all ages with sporting events, educational opportunities and entertainment.