Pittsburgh, November 14, 2017 — Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Representative Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny) announced today that the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved $225,000 in funding for the Borough of Wilkinsburg for the rehabilitation of Whitney Park.
“I’m commend the Commonwealth Financing Authority for making a great investment in a community asset,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “The improvements in access to the park were especially encouraging in this grant application, and I’m glad I could help Wilkinsburg get this project rolling.”
“I want to thank the CFA for choosing to invest in a park in my district,” said Representative Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny). “The local neighborhood association takes care of much of the maintenance in Whitney Park, but this is a major redevelopment that the park needs and I’m proud to have helped fund.”
The park covers 1.6 acres and includes a playground, basketball court and a baseball field.
This grant will fund the first phase of the park rehabilitation: improving the entry of the park and playgrounds. Wilkinsburg’s plan for the park includes three new playground areas, resurfacing the parking area, replacing sidewalks and providing ADA accessible parking and routes through the park.
Phase one will also include new decorative walkways to create a plaza and rain garden.
CFA’s grant of $225,000 is only a portion of the full budget for Phase One, the total cost of which is over $300,000.
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