Plymouth Township Seeks Grant for Park Upgrades

With an eye on being fiscally responsible while beautifying its natural resources, the Plymouth Township Council has applied for grant funds to undertake improvements at the largest township park.

The governing body, during its meeting Monday, approved resolutions to request a pair of grants to cover the bulk of the costs of upgrading the 67-acre Harriet Wetherill Park. The township applied for a $235,295 watershed restoration and protection grant, as well as a $91,375 greenways trails and recreation grant. Each grant is available through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Both funding sources carry a 15 percent match, which would limit the local cost to only $35,295 and $13,706, respectively.

Township Manager Karen Weiss said the township should find out this fall if either or both of the grants were approved. Funds are being sought to construct a nature center courtyard, equipped with pavers and improved stormwater drainage. The township also applied for a grant to cover the bulk of the streambank and riparian buffer restoration of Plymouth Creek at Harriet Wetherill Park.

If grants are approved, Weiss said the upgrades would likely begin in 2019. Park improvement plans have continued for more than 20 years, she said.

Last year a pavilion and playground were added at the park, which also features paths leading to meadows, wooded areas, a butterfly garden and a scenic natural area for passive recreation.