A Menallen Township park is about to get a major upgrade. The first two phases of upgrades to Dunlap Creek Park – including the construction of an eight-foot wide perimeter loop walking trail – will get under way this summer after the Fayette County commissioners authorized the bidding process. “This walking trail has a lot of interest in Fayette County and especially from those that live in the area,” said Commissioners Vince Vicites.
“We’ve been able to get two sections of it funded, and we’re trying to get the third section funded.” The county was awarded $171,000 and $200,000 grants through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), both of which required a 50/50 match. County Chief Community Development Specialist Arthur Cappella said the local match for the first phase was later raised by $18,000 to $189,000.
The commissioners also applied for a DCNR grant for the third phase which would require a $143,113 local match. At their May meeting, the commissioners also authorized submitting additional grant applications for the third phase of the project in the amount of $249,000, in case the county does not receive the DCNR grant. The project is part of the county’s master plan, which prioritizes expanding recreational opportunities at the three county-run parks.
“We’ve done some upgrades already to Jacobs Creek in Bullskin and we are going to try to do the same in Dunlap Creek, and then also eventually Masontown German Park,” .