(11/26) Carroll Valley’s expansive public recreation facilities are about to receive yet another enhancement. The borough was recently awarded a $276,000 Statewide Local Share Account grant to increase ADA accessibility and security and install two pickleball courts and a butterfly garden at Carroll Commons Park.
Borough Manager Dave Hazlett commended Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-33, and Rep. Dan Moul, R-91, for championing the grant application.
"We are very appreciative of the continued support from our state elected officials," Hazlett said. "We value Sen. Mastriano and Rep. Moul’s commitment to ensuring we can provide various recreational opportunities to our residents."
Hazlett said Carroll Commons, located near the borough office on Fairfield Road, is one of the borough’s most visited outdoor spaces. He said this grant helps the borough fulfill requests from residents and officials to have more amenities in the park. He predicts citizens will volunteer to build the butterfly garden.
"We really are looking to build someplace in the park that can provide people with an opportunity for a little bit of reflection," Hazlett said.
Moul commended the borough for advocating for citizens’ wishes.
"This is a great project that will directly support the expansion of the existing park in the borough," Moul said. "I was excited to advocate for this park project, which will provide the borough the ability to improve the park’s safety while providing additional recreational and environmental opportunities in a manner consistent with the wishes of its residents for all to enjoy."
Mastriano concurred with his colleague.
"I am happy to support this project, which is a priority of Carroll Valley Borough as they seek to provide additional recreational offerings and safety for their community," Mastriano said. "These improvements directly respond to residents’ desires and will establish Carroll Commons Park as a core community gathering place for the region."
Hazett said the borough’s partnership with GMS Funding Solutions has resulted in half a million dollars in grant funding in 2024. The borough continues to work towards creating a new park along Route 16, near Frontier BBQ.
When Hazlett announced the grant on the borough’s Facebook page, many residents expressed excitement. However, as expected, there were some naysayers. Hazlett said the most popular request was for a dog park, which could be in the borough’s future plans.
"One thing at a time," Hazlett said. "We are trying to do lots of things for the community."
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