BELLE VERNON – Mayor Gerald Jackson II and Borough Council President Joseph Minniti have announced the Borough will receive a $225,000 grant from Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which is funded by impact fees on natural gas drilling in the Commonwealth.
The Grant from GTRP will be used to fund a multiphase revitalization of Brewer Stadium, turning the old stadium into a multipurpose park that can be used for a variety of different activities and events.
“The field is no longer used by any sports team and has become essentially an open field that has been the target of vandals. The borough would like to turn it into a park that has a walking trail, a dog park, working restroom facilities and a pavilion,” Mayor Jackson said in making the announcement.
“Quietly behind the scenes, I have been working with Borough Council to provide ways to enhance our community by providing access to recreational opportunities,” said Mayor Jackson. “We have been focusing on a number of issues including blight, which has its own financial and legal roadblocks,” Mayor Jackson said.
“As a council, we have been working to make improvements in the community without any cost to the taxpayers and this is a terrific example of that,” Minniti said. “We hope this is the first of a few announcements regarding improvements to many of our community assets.”
Both Mayor Jackson and Minniti expressed their thanks to the recreation board led by Walt Ziemba for their work. They also offered their gratitude on behalf of council to State Representative Ryan Warner and State Senator Pat Stefano for their help in securing this grant for the borough.
“The Brewer Field site has so much potential to provide an array of great recreational opportunities for people of all ages and interests in Belle Vernon and the surrounding areas,” Rep. Warner said. “I was very happy to advocate for this grant, knowing just how much it would benefit the health and quality of life in our community.”
“Revitalizing this once-vibrant athletics stadium into a multi-purpose community park is an excellent step forward for Belle Vernon Borough and the surrounding area. The project creates new opportunities for recreation, wellness and community, and will thus enhance the quality of life for Fayette County residents and visitors alike,” said Sen. Stefano.
Borough officials are planning to begin work once design plans and additional paperwork is completed.