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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The contributions of the following persons were vital to the successful development of this MiniComprehensive Recreation, Park, and Open Space Plan. They are commended for their interest
in the project and the input they provided throughout the planning process.
Buffalo Township Supervisors
Daniel C. Przybylek
Albert "Ouch" T. Roenigk
Gary L. Risch, Sr.
Greg A. Furer
John K. Haven
Study Committee
Jennifer Burkett
Greg Furer
Colleen Hart
Patty Hettich
Alan Lee
Alice Massart
Ken Simpson
John Haven
Daniel C. Przybylek
Gary Pinkerton
This project was funded in part by grants from:
The Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund,
administered by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR); and
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development,
Land Use Planning Technical Assistance Program
Additional financial support provided by
The Local Government Academy: Promoting Excellence in Local Government
DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION
Executive Summary
The Summary highlights the key findings of the inventory, results of the public participation
process, and recommendations for the future of recreation, parks, and open space.
Chapter 1: Community Background
This section provides a brief review of Buffalo Township land use, population, and
transportation as they relate to recreation. A full community background can be found in the
Buffalo/Clinton Multi-municipal Comprehensive Plan.
Chapter2: Inventory and Assessment
This chapter provides an inventory and assessment of the recreation opportunities, parks, and
open spaces in Buffalo Township and surrounding areas.
Chapter 3: Public Participation
Public input was a key component in the development of this Plan. This chapter describes the
public participation process and summarizes the results of each venue of participation.
Chapter 4: Recommendations
This chapter provides specific recommendations based on the inventory, analysis, and public
input.
Chapter 5: Potential Funding Opportunities
Chapter 5 provides a listing of multiple opportunities for funding parks and recreation
development and programs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Community Background ...........................................................................................1
Buffalo Township Profile ..........................................................................................................1
Chapter 2: Inventory and Assessment .........................................................................................5
Overview of Existing Parks .......................................................................................................5
Hierarchy of Parks .....................................................................................................................5
Local Recreation Facilities ........................................................................................................8
Spatial Analysis .......................................................................................................................19
Community Parks...............................................................................................................19
Neighborhood Parks ..........................................................................................................19
Sports Complexes...............................................................................................................19
Comparison to the National Recreation and Park Association Standards........................20
Spatial Analysis Conclusion ..............................................................................................21
Regional Recreation Facilities .................................................................................................22
Pennsylvania State Parks...................................................................................................22
Regional Parks in Butler County .......................................................................................23
County Parks in Surrounding Counties .............................................................................23
Regional Trails...................................................................................................................24
Private Recreation Facilities in Buffalo Township..................................................................27
Recreation Program Providers .................................................................................................27
Chapter 3: Public Participation..................................................................................................31
Steering Committee .................................................................................................................31
Key Person Interviews .............................................................................................................32
Individual Interviews .........................................................................................................32
Group Interviews ...............................................................................................................33
Recreation Survey....................................................................................................................34
Chapter 4: Recommendations ....................................................................................................39
Supporting Data for the Recommendations.............................................................................44
Parks and Recreation Administrative Plan........................................................................44
Grant Sources and Funding Strategies..............................................................................45
Chapter 5: Potential Funding Opportunities ............................................................................49
CHAPTER 1: COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
Buffalo Township Profile
Buffalo Township is the southeastern-most municipality in Butler County, Pennsylvania. It is a
growing Township as persons who work in the City of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas look for
more rural locations in which to live. State Route 28 provides a direct transportation link into
Pittsburgh. The Township is located about twenty miles northeast of the City of Pittsburgh.
According to the Multi-municipal Comprehensive Plan for Buffalo and Clinton Townships,
Buffalo Township has experienced a continued increase in population since 1990. Estimates
show this trend continuing through 2020. The 2000 census shows a population of 6,827 in
Buffalo Township that is expected to grow to 10,741 by 2020. This is an increase of 57% in
twenty years. The Plan shows households growing at a rapid rate as well. The projections show
an increase of about 1,000 households by 2020.
As both population and the number of households increase in the Township, plans must be put in
place to accommodate the growing demands for parks and recreation. This Plan considers that
future growth in its analyses and recommendations.
The Population Distribution Map shows that the greatest density of population is along State
Route 356 traveling from southeast to northwest across the center of the Township. Additional
areas of population are located along Ekastown Road and in the north central area of the
Township. The Buffalo Township Land Use Concept Plan from the Comprehensive Plan
projects “Near Term Residential Growth” in the southeast quadrant of the Township.
A Land Use Concept Map is located in the Multi-municipal Comprehensive Plan for Buffalo and
Clinton Townships. The Population Distribution Map can be found on the next page.
Major transportation corridors in the Township include State Route 356, diagonally bisecting the
Township from southeast to northwest. Route 28 travels from the City of Pittsburgh and cuts
through the southeast corner of the Township. Ekastown Road travels diagonally from Clinton
Township in the northwest part of Buffalo Township to the south central boundary with
Allegheny County. State Route 228 meanders west to east through the Township.
The Natural Features Map depicts a number of steep slopes, streams, and wooded areas
throughout the Township. It also shows a significant Land Conservation Area throughout the
Buffalo and Little Buffalo Creeks watersheds along with Biological Diversity Areas. The
Audubon Society has preserved a large portion of these areas in the Todd Nature Reserve.
A map of natural features can be reviewed in the Multi-municipal Comprehensive Plan for
Buffalo and Clinton Townships.
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2
Insert - Population Density Map
3
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CHAPTER 2: INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT
Overview of Existing Parks
There are four parks and a trail located in Buffalo
Township. One of the parks is a sports complex
used for baseball and football, two are school
parks, and one is a neighborhood park in a
residential development. The Butler-Freeport Trail
is the Township’s major recreation facility.
Freeport Community Park, located in South
Buffalo Township also serves Township residents,
as will Clinton Township’s planned Spring Valley
Park.
Outdoor Recreation Facilities in
Buffalo Township
Butler-Freeport Trail
Earl H. Bauman Memorial Park
(at Lernerville Speedway)
Buffalo Elementary School
Freeport High School
Sarver’s Mill Park
Hierarchy of Parks
The recommendations of this study, with regard to parks, are based on the premise that in order
to provide the optimal level of service to area residents, recreation providers must understand
and take into consideration the different ways in which people use recreation facilities. The
function or use of a park depends on its size, location, and available facilities.
Parks can be organized into a “hierarchy” which defines their functions and the types of
activities they should be expected to accommodate. The National Recreation and Parks
Association (NRPA) defines a hierarchy in the Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway
Guidelines. The classifications are described in the following tables.
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Park Classifications
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
LOCATION
CRITERIA
SITE CRITERIA
Neighborhood Park
Neighborhood remains the basic
unit of the park system and
serves as the recreational focus
of the neighborhood
1/4 mile to 1/2 mile
distance and
uninterrupted by nonresidential roads and
other physical barriers
5 acres is considered
minimum size. 5 to
10 acres is optimal
School Park
Depending on the circumstances,
combining parks with school sites Determined by
can fulfill the space requirements location of school
district property
for other classes of parks, such
as neighborhood or community
Variable; depends on
function
Community Park
Serves a broader purpose than
neighborhood park; focus is on
meeting community based
recreational needs, as well as
preserving unique landscapes
and open spaces
Usually serves two or
more neighborhoods
and 1/2 to 3 miles
distance
As needed to
accommodate
desired uses; usually
a minimum of 30
acres
Large Urban Park
Serves a broader purpose than
community parks and are used
when community and
neighborhood are not adequate
to serve the needs of the
community
Determined by the
quality and suitability
of the site; usually
serves entire
community
As needed to
accommodate
desired uses; usually
a minimum of 50
acres
Natural Resource
Areas
Land set aside for the
preservation of significant natural
resources, remnant landscapes,
open space, and
visual/aesthetics/buffering
Resource availability
and opportunity
Variable
Greenways
Effectively tie park systems
together to form a continuous
park environment
Resource availability
and opportunity
Variable
Special Use
Used to address limited, isolated,
or unique recreational needs
Variable; dependent
on specific use
Variable
CLASSIFICATIONS
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Trail Classifications
CLASSIFICATIONS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
LOCATION CRITERIA
Park Trail
Multi-purpose trails located
within greenways, parks,
and natural areas; focus is
on recreational value and
harmony with the natural
environment
Type I: Separate/single purpose hard-surfaced
trails for pedestrians, bicyclists, and in-line
skaters
Type II: Multi-purpose hard-surfaced trails for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and in-line skaters
Type III: Nature trails for pedestrians; may be
hard- or soft-surfaced
Connector Trails
Multi-purpose trails that
emphasize safe travel for
pedestrians to and from
parks and around the
community; focus is as
much on transportation as
it is on recreation
Type I: Separate/single purpose hard-surfaced
trails for pedestrians, bicyclists, or in-line skaters
located in independent right-of-way (r-o-w)
Type II: Separate/single purpose hard-surfaced
trail for pedestrians, bicyclists, or in-line skaters;
typically located within road r-o-w.
On-street Bikeways
Paved segments of
roadway that serve as a
means to safely separate
bicyclists form vehicular
traffic
Bike Route: Designated portions of the roadway
for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists
Bike Lane: Shared portions of the roadway that
provide separation between motor vehicles and
bicyclists, such as paved shoulders
All-terrain Bike Trail
Off-road trail for all-terrain
(mountain) bikes
Single-purpose use trails usually located in larger
parks and natural resource areas
Cross-country Ski
Trail
Trails developed for
traditional and skate-style
cross-county skiing
Loop trails usually located in larger parks and
natural resource areas
Equestrian Trail
Trails developed for
horseback riding
Loop trails usually located in larger parks and
natural resource areas
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Local Recreation Facilities
One of the basic needs of any community is adequate
recreational facilities that are appropriately located for
citizen use. Facilities are often provided by
municipalities, school districts, counties, states,
private businesses, and non-profit organizations.
This section of this chapter identifies individual parks
in great detail noting the number, type, and condition
of existing facilities. It includes a map showing the
locations of each recreation facility.
Facilities are evaluated based on
the following criteria
Good: Equipment given this ranking
was installed or upgraded during the
last 1-3 years. The equipment shows
no signs of significant disrepair and no
immediately visible safety hazards.
Fair: Equipment given this ranking
appears to be several years old. The
equipment shows some signs of aging
and may present minor safety
concerns.
There are a limited number of recreation facilities in
Buffalo Township. The largest of these is the BuffaloFreeport Trail. Buffalo Township owns the BuffaloPoor: Equipment given this ranking is
Freeport Trail and operates it in cooperation with the
in extreme disrepair and is in need of
immediate upgrading or replacement.
Buffalo-Freeport Trail Council. Buffalo Township
does not own any parks of its own. The Freeport
School District has several indoor and outdoor
recreation facilities located in the Township. Lernerville Speedway, a private business, provides
space on its property for a number of ballfields that are available for community use.
All local parks are depicted on a map at the end of this section.
The Butler-Freeport Community Trail is a railtrail preserving the route of Butler County’s first
railroad (1871), the Western Pennsylvania Railroad
which connected the City of Butler to the
Allegheny River port of Freeport. The trail offers a
level, natural crushed limestone surface. The trail is
enjoyed by people of all ages for walking, jogging,
hiking, bicycling, and, with the help of Mother
Nature, cross-country skiing. The trail is ADA
accessible. It was officially opened on October 4,
1992.
Butler Freeport Community Trail is a 16-mile,
breathtaking hiking and biking trail that runs
through Buffalo, Winfield, Jefferson, and Summit
Townships in Butler County, as well as South
Buffalo Township and Freeport Borough in Armstrong County. Trailheads are located in Cabot,
Herman, Sarver, Marwood, Monroe, and Freeport. An additional four miles are planned that will
extend the trail into the City of Butler. Construction is expected to begin on this section in 2008.
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The Buffalo-Freeport trail is classified as a Park Trail under the previously described NRPA
Trail Classifications. Seven and a half miles of the trail, which includes fifty-four acres is located
within Buffalo Township.
It is owned by Buffalo Township and maintained by volunteers of the Butler-Freeport Trail
Council.
Ownership – Private
Size – Approximately 15 acres
Park Type – Sports Complex
Located on the grounds of the Lernerville Speedway,
the sports complex provides facilities for Buffalo
Township’s baseball and football programs. It
consists of two little league baseball fields and a
football field. Plenty of parking is available for all
fields. A large stand of trees provides a picnic and
shaded play area. Overall, the facilities are in fair
condition.
Baseball field #1 is oriented in a southerly direction which means the sun can be in the batter’s
eyes during late afternoon and evening play, creating a potentially dangerous situation. The field
has a backstop and outfield fence. There are no bleachers, player benches, or dugouts. The base
paths are 56’, which is just short of the 60’ standard for Little League. The foul lines are just
over 200’.
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Ballfield #2 is oriented southeasterly, which is appropriate to protect against sun related hazards.
This field has a backstop, outfield fence, player benches, and equipment storage boxes; however,
there are no bleachers. The base paths are 60’ long, while both foul lines are about 200’.
The football field is oriented east-west. Proper orientation is north-south on the long side of the
field. The field is regulation size. There is a concession stand and bleachers.
The following chart describes the details of each field.
Facility
Enhancements and
Utilities
Condition
Size
ADA
No
Ballfield #1
South-North
Orientation
Backstop; outfield
fence
Fair
RF-200'
LF-200'
Basepath-56'
Ballfield #2
Southeast Orientation
Backstop; outfield
fence; player benches;
equipment storage
boxes
Fair
RF-200'
LF-202'
Basepath-60'
No
Football Field
East-West Orientation
Concession stand;
bleachers
Fair
Regulation
No
Comments
Rusted backstop;
grass growing in dirt
infield; no bleachers;
no player benches
Rusted backstop;
grass growing in dirt
infield; no bleachers;
wooden box 3' high on
backstop
Buffalo Elementary School
Ownership – Freeport Area School District
Park Type – School Park
Buffalo Elementary School Park is located on the
grounds surrounding the school. It consists of a
football field, Little League baseball field,
playground, and basketball courts. Facilities are
available for some community use. The condition of
each facility varies as described in the chart below.
The baseball field is oriented so that the batter and
catcher are facing the southwest. This creates a potentially dangerous situation for afternoon and
evening games when the sun is in the southwest sky. The field should be oriented to the
northeast from home plate to center field.
Little League Baseball
Field Southwest
Orientation
Enhancements and
Utilities
Bleachers; player
benches with
protective fencing
Football Field/Soccer
Field
Football/Soccer goals
both on field of play
Facility
10
Condition
Size
ADA
Comments
Fair
RF-197'
LF-184'
Basepath-60'
No
Dirt infield
Good
150'x330'
Playground
Basketball Courts
Swings; 2 modular
units; 2 stand alone
slides
Portable standards for
full size play; single
standards for cross
court play
A safety audit was
not conducted on
this playground
See
comments
Good
Freeport Senior High School
Ownership – Freeport Area School District
Park Type – School Sports Complex
The Freeport Senior High School complex includes sports fields typical to such facilities. A
complete inventory is shown below.
Facility
Football Field
Track
Enhancements and
Utilities
2 goal posts; crowned
surface; fence
enclosed
Rust-red colored
rubber track surface;
discus circle; shot-put
circle
Condition
Size
ADA
Comments
Fair
Regulation
Yes
Fence enclosed;
grass cut
Fair
Regulation
Yes
Fence enclosed;
grass blown onto
track surface
Baseball Field #1
North-South
Orientation
Backstop; 2 storage
boxes
Poor
RF-412'
LF-280'
Basepath-60'
Baseball Field #1
South-North
Orientation
Bleachers; wood seat
benches; backstop
with 17' overhang
Fair
RF-155'
LF-148'
Basepath-60'
Soccer Field
4 goals
Fair
open field
Backstop rusted; no
benches; needs new
infield work; outfield
mixes with senior
league outfield
Used for girls softball;
foul line ends at 155'
and 148' with no foul
poles or outfield
fence; outfield
continues further outat end of foul lines;
infield crowned with
mixed red clay
topping
Used in conjunction
with baseball fields;
goals are stored to
the west side
11
Sarver’s Mill Community Association Park
Park Type – Neighborhood Park
This is a park that is built specifically for the
residents of this residential development. It is not
available for general use by other Township
residents. The park consists of a small playground
and a swimming pool. It is in very good condition.
Todd Nature Reserve
Todd Nature Reserve is the Audubon Society of Western PA’s first reserve. It is a 462-acre
Nature Reserve located in the Buffalo Creek drainage of Sarver, PA, in southeastern Butler
County. The Reserve offers 5 miles of hiking trails abundant with the natural beauty of the
forest, streams, and a pond. Todd Nature Reserve is a significant natural resource in
Pennsylvania. It is part of Pennsylvania Audubon's Buffalo Valley Important Bird Area program,
as well as the Buffalo Creek Watershed Conservation Plan.
Management practices of the reserve are intended to promote education, nature study, and
passive recreation, while protecting its natural areas by minimizing development. Public walks
are led at the Reserve throughout the year, with most taking place in summer months. Also
during the summer, a seasonal naturalist is stationed at Todd to conduct research, provide
interpretation, provide maintenance, and oversee daily operations.
Freeport Sportsmen’s Club
Size – 98 acres
Park Type – Special Use
Freeport Community Park
Size – 104 acres
Park Type – Community Park
This community park is located adjacent to Buffalo Township in South Buffalo Township,
Armstrong County. The park offers a variety of recreational facilities that include baseball and
softball fields, a soccer complex, a large playground, a swimming pool that is no longer in
operation, a community building, picnic pavilions, and plenty of green space.
The sports fields are leased from the park owner to the local sports organizations that use them.
Buffalo Township residents participate in the sports activities that are held in Freeport Park.
While there is no empirical data to support it, anecdotal evidence suggest that a significant
number of Buffalo Township residents make use of Freeport Park.
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Maintenance and care of the fields and surrounding area is the responsibility of the lessee. These
fields are generally in good condition. The facilities that are not leased are maintained by the
non-profit corporation that owns the park. These facilities are in poor to fair condition. Some
fields are not oriented properly and some of the facilities present significant safety hazards.
The safety hazards and poor condition of facilities certainly keeps people from using this park to
its fullest potential. This Plan recognizes that Freeport Community Park is available to Buffalo
Township residents but does not recognize the Park as a significant recreational asset due to its
condition. The following chart describes each of the facilities within the Park.
No.
Enhancements
and Utilities
Condition
Size
1
All new features;
new benches,
dugouts, fencing
Good
RF- 200'
LF-200'
Basepath-60'
Well maintained;
maintained by the Little
League Association
1
All new features;
new benches,
dugouts, fencing
Good
RF- 200'
LF-200'
Basepath-60'
Well maintained;
maintained by the Little
League Association
1
All new features;
new benches,
dugouts, fencing
Good
RF- 180'
LF-180'
Basepath-60'
Well maintained; crowned
well; used for girls softball
1
New backstop;
all-grass infield;
player benches
Fair
1
Open field with 3
goals
Fair
175'x142'
Grass is high, full of clover
2
2 fence enclosed
courts; garbage
cans with liners
Poor
36'x79'
each
Grass growing in multiple
cracks; graffiti painted on
fencing
3
6 standards; 2
garbage cans
with liners
Poor
98'x50'
each
Courts side by side on
same surface; grass
growing in multiple cracks;
weeds growing all around
1
Electric; brick
building
Poor
1
4 picnic tables 15' each; 1 grill
Fair
Playground
Area [Kiwanis
built]
1
17 individual
units, of mixed
metal and
molded plastic
Fair
Military Armored
Tank
1
Facility
Ballfield - A
East-West
Orientation
Ballfield - B
NorthwestSoutheast
Orientation
Ballfield - C
SouthwestNortheast
Orientation
Ballfield - D
NorthwestSoutheast
Orientation
Soccer Field
NortheastSouthwest
Orientation
Tennis Courts
NortheastSouthwest
Orientation
Basketball
Courts
North-South
Orientation
Concession
Stands
Large Stone
Pavilion
Poor
ADA
Comments
A practice-type field; used
for T-Ball; no sideline or
outfield fencing
Old structure
22'x66'
Broken grills; high weeds
all around; quality built
structure; very unique
Pea gravel base in some
areas with mulch in
others; old and new units
intermixed and spread out
over a large area
WW II style tank; graffiti
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Little League
Concession
Stand
Batting Cage
Soccer Complex
North-South
Orientation
1
Good
1
Cement surface
1
5 regulation-size
fields side by
side; 1 junior size
field
Baseball Field
[Francis H.
Laube Field]
North-South
Orientation
1
Pool [Reid Pool]
1
Massive
electronic score
board; lights;
pitching - warmup bull pen area;
open dug outs;
bleachers
L-shaped; plastic
modular slide
unit; 2 diving
boards
New building
Fair
Flat and graded field
spread out over a large
field facing different
directions; sign with
www.freeportsoccer.com
Good
Regulation
Good
RF-300'
CF-387'
LF-346'
Basepath-90'
Quality field; Home field of
the Vikings and
Buccaneers
Poor
11'
Not in operation; also has
a kiddie pool, swing sets,
and play area
Spring Valley Park
Ownership – Clinton Township
Size – 69 acres
Park Type – Community Park
A master site plan for Spring Valley Park was
completed by Clinton Township in 2004. Construction
began in 2006.
The master plan calls for the park to be developed as a
balance between passive natural areas and active
recreation. Hiking trails will wind throughout the entire park. Due to the hilly terrain of the
park, four pods of development for active recreation have been identified.
Pod #1 is designed for parking facilities, an outdoor classroom amphitheater, restrooms, a
handicapped accessible playground and picnic area, restrooms, an interpretive kiosk, and a trail
head.
Pod #2 will include a group camping and hiker’s picnic area with a small picnic shelter, four
individual shelters, restrooms, and nature trail and mountain bike trail access.
Pod #3 will have an overlook platform with a small picnic area. It will also have an outdoor
classroom amphitheater, a themed railroad observation area, and picnic areas.
Pod #4 will be for more active sports with a practice soccer field, a casual use baseball/softball
field, a paved loop walking trail, sand volleyball court, bocce court, horseshoe pit, playground,
picnic area, restrooms, interpretive kiosk, and parking.
This will serve as an exceptional community park for the residents of Clinton Township. It is
likely that Buffalo Township residents will use the facility, as well.
14
Other Ball Fields
Oberg Softball Field – located at Oberg Industries
Buffalo Presbyterian Church Softball field
Both are available for public use by request
15
16
Insert - Local Recreation Facilities Map
17
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Spatial Analysis
A spatial analysis of existing recreation
opportunities is completed to evaluate the level of
service currently being provided. The analysis
brings together the conceptual information
described in the Classification of Parks, described
earlier in this chapter, with the specific information
about existing recreation facilities. The chart to the
right lists all existing recreation facilities that
impact the Spatial Analysis. It provides an
assessment of how current parks meet the
recreational needs of Buffalo Township residents.
Buffalo Township Parks
Community Parks
Freeport Community Park
Neighborhood Parks
Buffalo Elementary School Park
Sarver’s Mill Neighborhood Park
Sports Complexes
Freeport Area High School
(at Lernerville Speedway)
Community Parks
Freeport Park is the only community park that currently serves Buffalo Township. Many
Township residents use the park, particularly for its athletic fields; these are maintained by local
sports organizations, are in good condition, and provide very good facilities for youth sports.
However, the age, condition, and safety hazards with many of the other facilities significantly
reduce the value of this park as a viable recreation facility. Therefore, for the purposes of this
Plan, Freeport Park is not recognized as a community park that provides anything other than
athletic fields for Buffalo Township residents. Without Freeport Park, there are no community
parks serving Buffalo Township.
Neighborhood Parks
Buffalo Elementary School Park and Sarver’s Mill Park are the two neighborhood parks in
Buffalo Township. These two facilities are located directly across the street from each other.
The typical service area for a neighborhood park is about 1/4 to 1/2 mile. Since these parks are
so close together, they essentially serve the same people. The difference between them is that
the Sarver’s Mill Park is a private facility and is only available to residents of the Sarver’s Mill
development.
Sports Complexes
A sports complex is classified as a special use facility under the NRPA classification system.
There is no specified service area for such facilities. In some cases, sports complexes also
include other recreational facilities such as playgrounds, picnic facilities, and sport courts that
can expand their usage. This is not the case with either the Freeport Area High School or Earl H.
Bauman Memorial Park. Therefore, the sports complexes are not considered in the spatial
analysis.
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Comparison to the National Recreation and Park Association Standards
Determining the appropriate acreage, type, and number of recreation facilities for a community is
a function of analyzing a variety of data. There are many factors unique to Buffalo Township
that the Consultant considered: extensive natural resources, existing land use, existing parks and
their current uses, recreation trends in the region, the role of the Township, and the input
received through the public participation process.
Prior to 1995, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) provided guidelines for
determining the number, type, and acreage of facilities a typical community should have to meet
residents’ recreation needs. These guidelines identified a recommended number of certain
facilities or park types per a given population. In 1995, the NRPA published “Park, Recreation,
Open Space, and Greenway Guidelines”, which recommends a more sophisticated means of
determining the number of facilities needed for individual communities by determining an
appropriate level of service through analyses and public input.
This Plan combines both methods in identifying the number and types of facilities needed for
Buffalo Township. Charts depict the general number of facilities needed for the size of the
community to serve as a starting point. From there, the level of service method is used to analyze
and project needs for certain facilities in the region.
The following chart compares facilities currently available to Buffalo Township residents with
NRPA standards.
Facility Comparisons to NRPA Standards
Buffalo Township Population - 8000
Estimated 2020 Population - 10704
1 facility
2007
2020
2007
2020
Facility
per X
Existing
surplus
surplus
need
need
people
(deficit)
(deficit)
Basketball Courts
5,000
2
2
0
2
(0)
Tennis Courts*
5,000
0
2
(2)
2
(2)
Volleyball Courts
5,000
0
2
(2)
2
(2)
Baseball Fields+
2,500
5
3
2
4
1
Softball Fields*+
2,500
1
3
(2)
4
(3)
Soccer Fields*+
2,500
6
3
3
4
2
Picnic Shelters
2,000
0
4
(4)
5
(5)
Football
5,000
1
2
0
2
0
As suggested in the NRPA’s publication, crucial to this process is the public participation
component of this study. The recreation needs of residents are important in customizing national
standards to fit their community. The Consultant utilized NRPA’s guidelines to begin an
evaluation of and make recommendations for the region’s recreation, park, and open space
system.
20
According to the comparison to NRPA Standards, Buffalo Township has sufficient or excess
basketball courts, baseball fields, football fields, and soccer fields. However, they are deficient
in tennis courts (2), volleyball courts (2), softball fields (2), and picnic shelters (5). Public input
from this Study supports the comparison to NRPA standards.
Park Land Acreage Comparison to NRPA Standards
2007
2007
Acres/ Existing
needed Surplus
Park Type
Location
1000
Acres
acres
(Deficit)
Community Park
8
15
64
(49)
Lernerville fields
Neighborhood Parks
2
9
16
(7)
Buffalo Elementary
In considering park land, the standards would suggest that the Township is deficient in land
available in the both the Community Park and Neighborhood Park classifications. However, due
to the nature of the Township and the results of the public input, neighborhood parks are not a
priority. The Township should focus on acquisition of land for a community park and not for
neighborhood parks.
Although NRPA does not specify standards for trails, it should be noted that Buffalo Township
has a significant amount of acreage of parkland in its trail system. The 7.5 miles of the ButlerFreeport Trail that are located in Buffalo Township total about 54 acres.
Spatial Analysis Conclusion
As residential development grows within Buffalo Township there may be an increasing demand
for neighborhood facilities within residential developments. However, homeowners are more
frequently building recreation facilities, including playgrounds, swimming pools, trampolines,
and tennis courts on their own properties. This tends to diminish the need for neighborhood
parks in rural townships like Buffalo. This Plan recommends that the decision concerning
neighborhood parks be the responsibility of the residential developer or homeowner association.
Buffalo Township should not be responsible for planning, developing, or maintaining
neighborhood parks. The Township should focus its efforts on acquisition and development of a
community park and on maintenance of its existing trail system.
21
Regional Recreation Facilities
Regional recreation facilities are those parks and trails located outside Buffalo Township that
serve the entire region for recreational purposes. They are primarily resource based but also may
include facilities for community based recreation, such as ballfields and swimming pools.
Regional parks related to Buffalo Township include three Pennsylvania state parks, Butler
County’s only county park, Jennings Nature Reserve in Butler County, and six county parks in
Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties. Also considered as regional recreation facilities are
three trails located to the south and east of the Township. These parks provide a good balance of
facilities for Buffalo Township residents and adequately meet the Township’s regional park
needs. Each is described on the following pages and displayed on a map at the end of this
section.
Pennsylvania State Parks
Moraine State Park
This is a 16,725-acre park in Butler County, containing Lake Arthur, offering over forty miles of
scenic shoreline. Its tributaries include Muddy Run, Big Run, Swamp Run, Bear Run, and over
75 intermittent streams. Ranging from an average depth of 11 feet to about 36 feet deep near the
dam, the shallow waters are home to a variety of warm-water fish. The park, created by a
continental glacier and massive mineral extraction, now provides for gently rolling hills, lush
forests and Lake Arthur. Each year over one million people visit the park for swimming, fishing,
boating, boat rentals, windsurfing, sailing, hiking, biking and bike rentals, horseback riding,
group tenting, and cabin rentals. 13,600 acres of Moraine State Park is open to hunting and
trapping. In addition, the winter season offers cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, ice
boating, ice fishing, and ice skating. Moraine offers a wide variety of environmental education
and interpretive programs, through hands-on educational activities, guided walks, and evening
programs.
Allegheny Islands State Park
Allegheny Islands State Park is in Allegheny County in Harmar Township, just southwest of the
borough of Cheswick. Established in 1980, the park is composed of three alluvial islands in the
middle of the Allegheny River northeast of Pittsburgh. The islands have a total area of 43 acres,
with one island upstream of Lock and Dam No. 3, and the other two downstream. The park is
presently undeveloped with no facilities available for the public. Allegheny Islands is accessible
by boat only. Group camping (such as with Scout groups or church groups) is permitted on the
islands with written permission from DCNR. Allegheny Islands State Park is administered from
the Park Region 2 Office in Prospect, Pennsylvania.
McConnells Mill State Park
McConnells Mill State Park, in Lawrence County, encompasses 2,546 acres of the spectacular
Slippery Rock Creek Gorge. Created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago, the
gorge has steeps sides, and the valley floor is littered with huge boulders. A gristmill was built in
the 1800’s to harness the power of the water. The park offers a Class II to IV river, depending on
water level, with the spring and fall being the best time for boating.
22
Tours are available at the restored gristmill, and guided nature walks are conducted every
Saturday and Sunday during the summer season. The natural character of McConnells Mill State
Park, the scenic gorge, waterfalls, rugged hiking trails, and whitewater creek are all directly
caused by the natural geology of the area. McConnells Mill Heritage Festival is held on the third
or fourth weekend in September. The festival celebrates the operational era of the Old Mill
(1852-1928).
Regional Parks in Butler County
Alameda Park
Alameda Park of the Butler County Parks and Recreation Department operates year-round,
bringing the residents of Butler County quality, affordable recreational opportunities. The park
phone number is (724)284-5383, or you may write to Butler County Parks and Recreation
Department, 184 Alameda Park Road, Butler, PA 16001. The mission of the Butler County Parks
and Recreation Department is to provide safe, clean, and beautiful facilities, parks, and open
spaces, along with professionally managed leisure activities for all people. Services shall be
provided to enrich the quality of life for local citizens and to provide economic value through
facilities which create tourism and encourage long-term community stability and growth.
Jennings Environmental Education Center
The Center is 12 miles north of Butler, PA on PA Route 528 and provides hiking and other
nature-related activities. Jennings offers a full range of educational programs. A unique attraction
at the center is its relict prairie, which includes the spectacular and well-known prairie flower,
the blazing star. The relict prairie ecosystem is rare in Pennsylvania, and visitors should try to
visit in late July or early August when the prairie is in full bloom. Jennings is one of several state
parks specifically dedicated to provide environmental education and interpretation to the
community.
County Parks in Surrounding Counties
Brush Creek County Park
Brush Creek Park is located in the northeast corner of Beaver County and serves the citizens of
the upper three quarters of the County and the people from the surrounding communities in
Lawrence and Butler Counties. Brush Creek County Park is a nature lovers dream and offers the
following: picnic areas, a covered bridge, tennis courts, horse trails, a walking trail, and other
park amenities.
Old Economy Park
Old Economy Park is nearly 400 acres and is located in Economy Borough in Beaver County. It
has a somewhat urban setting with urban-like characteristics. The park includes a barn that can
be reserved for reunions and parties, a corn crib with electricity and charcoal grill, pavilions,
walking trails, and sports fields.
23
North Park
North Park in Allegheny County is located in Allison Park, PA and encompasses 3,010 acres
located in Hampton, McCandless, and Pine Townships. Facilities include: an 18-hole golf
course, pavilions, a 75-acre fishing and boating lake, playgrounds, ice rink, swimming pool,
tennis courts, Marshall Island Wildfowl Reserve, and a nature center.
Deer Lakes Park
Deer Lakes Park in northern Allegheny County is located in Tarentum, PA. It includes
1,180 acres located in Frazier and West Deer Townships. Facilities and features include: 3
fishing lakes, a children’s play area, Wagman Observatory, and groves and shelters. The lakes
are spring fed, and construction of dams and new settling basins have made the site great for
fishing.
Hartwood Acres
Hartwood Acres is found on 629 acres in Hampton and Indiana Townships in Allegheny County.
Preserved within the park is one of the largest and most spectacular country estates in the region.
Hartwood consists of a 1929 Tudor mansion, a cottage, stable complex, and gate lodge.
Hartwood also offers equestrian, cross-country skiing, hiking, and walking trails.
Harrison Hills Park
Harrison Hills Park is located on 500 acres in Harrison Township and Natrona Heights in
Allegheny County. Facilities and features include: Watts Memorial Overlook, 3 soccer fields,
groves and shelters, and walking, hiking, and bridle trails.
Northmoreland Park
Northmoreland Park, 548 acres in size, is the largest Westmoreland County Park. The
Northmoreland Lake is 17 acres, is stocked by the PA Fish Commission, and includes both warm
water fish and trout. The park also has a boat house, an activities center for year-round rentals, a
BMX track, five ball fields, six soccer fields, a model radio-controlled airfield, and the
Northmoreland Equine Complex.
Regional Trails
Butler-Freeport Trail
Armstrong Trail
Baker Trail
Rachel Carson Trail
24
Insert - Regional Recreation Facilities Map
25
26
Private Recreation Facilities in Buffalo Township
A number of private recreation facilities are available in Buffalo Township. They serve the
recreational needs that are typical of the private sector. These facilities and their programs are
all provided based on a fee for services or use. They include:
Buffalo Golf Course, 201 Monroe Road
Curves of Buffalo, 709 South Pike Road
Flow’s Gym, 723 Ekastown Road
Makowski’s ATA Martial Arts Academy, 121 Rock N Roll Lane
Lernerville Speedway, Inc., 278 North Pike Road
Risch’s Drive and Putt, 112 South Pike Road
Smith Game Farm, 206 Kepple Road
South Pike Cinema, Inc. 718 South Pike Road
Recreation Program Providers
In addition to the private recreation facilities listed above, there are several organizations that
offer recreational programs and activities in Buffalo Township.
Freeport Little League Baseball
The baseball organization offers youth baseball and softball programs in Buffalo Township. Of
the 198 youth registered in the 2006 baseball program, 173 were residents of Buffalo Township.
Similarly, 63 out of 67 registered in the girl’s softball program resided in Buffalo. The League
uses five baseball fields and one softball field in Freeport Park and two baseball fields at the
Lernerville Speedway.
Freeport Youth Football
The football league typically has about 160 participants. They estimate that about 80%-85% are
Buffalo Township residents. The League plays at the football field on the Lernerville Speedway
complex.
Freeport Area Soccer Association
The Soccer Association had 374 youth in their programs in 2006. They do not breakdown
participation by municipality, but by zip code. Forty eight percent of the players (182) live in the
16055 (Sarver) zip code. The Association leases fields in Freeport Park. While they have eleven
total fields, up to eight can be used at any given time. There are different size fields for players
of different ages. The smallest are for players under 6, and the fields gradually get larger until
the largest accommodate the Under-16 teams.
27
Freeport Community Tennis Association
The objective of the Association is to provide instructional and playing opportunities to the
residents of the Freeport area. While much of their efforts are focused on youth, they seek to
provide opportunities for adults as well. There are no
tennis courts available in Buffalo Township.
The Association held its first ever youth tennis camp
in the spring of 2007 with 33 youth participants. In
addition to this camp, the Association promotes
venues and programs available in the surrounding
areas. One of their hopes is to have public tennis
courts available in Buffalo Township.
They are affiliated with the United States Tennis
Association.
Butler Outdoor Club
The Butler Outdoor Club is open to all interested persons. The Club promotes outdoor education
and provides year-round outdoor activities in Western PA and the surrounding areas. These
activities are geared for all levels and are designed to provide recreation and foster a better
understanding of the outdoors. Their activities include hiking, backpacking, biking, canoeing,
sea-kayaking, cross-country skiing, down hill skiing, snow shoeing, rafting, camping, caving,
and trail maintenance. It is open to all.
Butler County and Valley Points YMCA’s
Both YMCA’s are located within a reasonable travel distance of Buffalo Township residents.
Both also provide a wide variety of facilities and activities. According to the Butler County
Family YMCA Executive Director, based on national YMCA boundary standards Buffalo
Township falls within the Butler Y’s service area.
The Butler County Family YMCA has three recreational facilities in Butler County. Their
original facility is a full service YMCA located in the City of Butler that serves residents
throughout the County. The Southwest Butler County YMCA, also a full service facility,
recently opened in Cranberry Township. The YMCA also recently acquired the former ARMCO
Park in Slippery Rock and is in the process of developing it into a YMCA Camp.
Freeport International Baseball Invitational
Each year in July, youth baseball teams from throughout the United States and from countries
around the world come to Freeport Community Parks to play over 100 games in five days. The
teams comprise two age groups, the Colt League for 15 and 16 year olds and the Legion League
for 17 and 18 year olds. Teams have attended from the USA, Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia,
Japan, the Netherlands, and many other countries around the world. Due to the tremendous
growth of this program, games are now being played at additional locations close by, including
Natrona Heights, Arnold, Kittanning, and Ford City.
28
Freeport Area School District
The School District offers twenty eight interscholastic sports in the junior and senior high
schools. In addition to their sports program, dozens of clubs, activities, and events are held each
year. These cover the gamut of interest from scholastic to arts to recreation.
Recreational Events
Many local, regional, and county-wide events provide added opportunities for the recreational
pursuits of Buffalo Township residents. Some of these are listed below.
Buffalo Community Day
Big Butler Fair, Prospect
Penn’s Colony Craft Festival, Saxonburg
29
30
CHAPTER 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Public input was a key component to the development of this Mini-Comprehensive Park,
Recreation, and Open Space Plan. This chapter describes the public participation processes that
were utilized to collect input and provides the details of each venue of participation.
Four venues were used to gather public input.
1. The Multi-municipal Comprehensive Plan for Buffalo and Clinton Townships
2. The Buffalo Township Recreation Committee, which served as the steering committee
for this plan
3. Key person interviews
4. A recreation interest survey
The following describes each.
Steering Committee
Buffalo Township created a recreation committee to serve as the steering committee for this
project. The committee was comprised of residents representing varied recreational interests
within the Township. From the beginning of the planning process, through to the final
recommendations, the steering committee played an important role in the development of this
Plan.
The steering committee:
#
#
#
#
#
Served as a sounding board for ideas as this Plan was developed
Expressed their thoughts about key parks and recreation issues that the Township faces
Assisted with the public input process
Gathered pertinent inventory information about recreation facilities
Provided feedback concerning inventory, analysis, public comment, and
recommendations
# Reviewed and commented on the draft report
The issues identified by the committee were:
1. Freeport Park will not change. There is a need for a new, centralized park in Buffalo
Township, of about 10-20 acres, clearly identified with Buffalo Township. Parking must
be provided in an adequate amount. Community days could be held here.
2. The Audubon Society has 462 acres preserved in the area. They are still acquiring more
land. They are looking to acquire a working farm for educational purposes.
3. Freeport Park is sports oriented; not much is available for youth not interested in
organized sports.
4. There are initiatives to expand summer programming for kids through partnerships with
local churches. It was noted that the Methodist Church has a paint ball course.
31
5. Key people that need to be kept “in the loop” are Gary Pinkerton, County Parks Director
and Kathy Kline, Butler Recreation.
6. The school system includes three municipalities and two counties (Butler/Armstrong).
7. There are indoor recreation facilities in the schools.
8. The Valley Points YMCA operates a kindergarten center at a school in Freeport.
9. International baseball tournaments are important activities in the area each summer.
10. There is a new initiative to develop programs that are pro-family and anti-drug by
incorporating recreation.
11. The sports inventory should include a ballfield at the Buffalo Presbyterian Church on
Sarver Road.
12. There are small parks throughout the community that need to be inventoried by the study
committee.
13. It was suggested that a trail, connecting a new centralized park with nearby housing
developments, would be of value.
14. Przybylek indicated that they had obtained matching funding, with Pinkerton’s
assistance, for development of the last section of Freeport Rail-Trail to Butler.
15. There is only one softball field for girls in the community; there is a need for more.
16. There are no tennis courts in the Township.
17. A tennis program has recently been established and the new Freeport Community Tennis
Association created.
Key Person Interviews
Key person interviews were conducted in three different ways. One method was through
contacting several persons individually to discuss the recreation Plan and gather input concerning
specific issues. Gary Pinkerton, Butler County Parks and Recreation Director; Mike Johnson,
Executive Director of the Butler County Family YMCA; and Stan Chapp, Freeport Area School
Superintendent were interviewed. A second means of interviews came through presentations to
the steering committee by two groups: one representing the Freeport Community Tennis
Association and one interested in a Buffalo Township community center. The third was through
a focus group where persons representing Buffalo Township Engineering, Buffalo Township’s
community and greenway planning efforts, the Audubon Society, and the Butler-Freeport Trail
Association made presentations about their particular group’s work.
Individual Interviews
Gary Pinkerton
Butler County Family YMCA
Freeport Area School District Superintendent
Group Interviews
In lieu of individual interviews, a focus group meeting was held. The purpose of the meeting was
to bring together individuals and groups involved in different conservation related initiatives in
Buffalo Township to exchange information and strengthen each other's efforts.
32
Representatives from each party gave brief explanations of their respective projects. These
project summaries and associated discussions are described below.
Ken Howard, Buffalo Township Engineer - Ken explained that the innovative stormwater
ordinance for Buffalo Township was nearly complete. This ordinance was required as part of the
Township's designation as a Municipal Separated Storm Sewer System (MS4) community.
Under this program, the Township must obtain a 5-year, renewable NPDES permit from
Pennsylvania DEP. Portions of the ordinance require landowners to use best management
practices (BMP's) related to stormwater runoff. The planning effort accompanying this
ordinance focused on educating residents of the perils of dumping hazardous chemicals such as
oil, etc. into storm drains.
Rick Grossman, GCCA, Consultant for Buffalo Township Recreation Plan and Buffalo/Clinton
Township Greenways Plan - Rick explained that conservation was the main focus of the
greenways plan because recreation in Buffalo Township was being addressed by their ongoing
Comprehensive Recreation Plan. Several land conservation tools are available to help integrate
development into the existing natural infrastructure. Both townships do not want to stop
development totally, but instead want development to happen in a manner that is both sensitive
to the rich natural resources of the area and consistent with rural community character. Each
community is examining how to use zoning and subdivision regulations as a means to implement
more context sensitive site development techniques.
Jim Bonner, Audubon Society - Jim explained the Audubon Society's desire to increase their
involvement in local conservation efforts, namely around the Todd Nature Reserve in Buffalo
Township. Audubon has purchased an easement on a neighboring 130-acre farm, and is in
negotiations with other neighboring landowners. Their goal is 1000 total acres of easements
including the Todd Reserve itself. Audubon is also working on a rivers conservation plan for the
Buffalo Creek Valley, which spans 170 square miles in Butler and Armstrong Counties.
Jim emphasized that the Buffalo Creek needs a Watershed Association to spearhead conservation
efforts and raise awareness among residents. The lower Buffalo Creek valley is extremely
important, both to the creek and to surrounding bird populations. This area has an extremely
high biological diversity, with 130 species of birds found within a 200-acre area. This is an
example of land whose value needs to be made apparent.
The Audubon Society is also currently working on a Birding Trail Guide for Western
Pennsylvania, including 19 counties. The Todd Reserve will be listed among the top 50 birding
spots in this guide.
Brian Shema, also of the Audubon Society, described the rivers conservation plan effort,
including the DCNR grant received for the project, and the role of GAI, the planning consultant
hired by the Audubon Society. Eighteen communities are involved. Dan Przybylek added that
Buffalo Township is already thinking of landowner conservation education classes on BMP's,
and would like to possibly offer them through Audubon's summer programs.
Brian also explained the capacity of the Todd Nature Reserve to host events. He explained that
the Harrigan property, now part of the reserve, is a better research facility suitable for small
33
events only. Rick Grossman suggested that if the Audubon Society is looking for a large
property capable of housing large events, they should consider Spring Valley Park in Clinton
Township.
One such larger effort is planned wildflower walks along the lower Little Buffalo Creek Valley
near Buffalo Golf Course. Audubon plans to work with the golf course to acquire an easement in
the wildflower areas.
Ron Bennett, Butler-Freeport Trail Association (BFTA) - Ron simply stated that he thinks more
public attention needs to be given to the trail, especially with its completion on the horizon.
Greenways are a great start to a better community, and the trail is at the center of that effort.
Recreation Survey
The steering committee and the consultant, together, developed a questionnaire that was
distributed to the general public at the Buffalo Township Community Day held at the Lernerville
Speedway on Sunday, May 20, 2007. The following are the results of that Questionnaire.
A total of 155 questionnaires were completed and returned. Throughout this questionnaire effort,
we found that some respondents chose to reply to all of the questions, while others decided on
just a select few.
Question number one [below] was answered by only 127 people, meaning that 18% did not
answer this question. This may have been due to its location on the survey sheet, as people’s
attention seemed to have been drawn immediately to question number two which contained an
eye catching box around it. In any event, the majority of respondents replied to survey questions
2 – 6 in the questionnaire.
1. Are you a Buffalo Township resident?
103 or 66.5% were Township residents
24 or 15.4% were not
2. The following questions were designed to give the public opportunity to comment on their
individualized interest in parks and recreation programming throughout Buffalo Township. A
percentage of people did not answer five of these following six questions:
•
•
34
Parks and recreation are important to me and my family.
Yes - 147 or 94.8%
No - 8 or 5.2%
There are sufficient parks in Buffalo Township.
Yes - 7 or 4.5%
No - 143 or 92.3%
•
•
•
•
There are sufficient programs available to Buffalo Township residents.
Yes - 10 or 6.5%
No - 132 or 85.1%
I can easily find information about parks and programs available in the area.
Yes - 23 or 14.8%
No - 118 or 76.1%
Should Buffalo Township work together with neighboring municipalities to provide
recreational facilities and programs?
Yes - 140 or 90.3%
No - 12 or 7.7%
Should Buffalo Township work together with the School District to provide recreational
facilities and programs?
Yes - 141or 91%
No - 12 or 7.7%
3 Buffalo Township does not currently have its own community park. Should a community
park be developed in Buffalo Township?
Yes - 140 or 90.3%
No - 12 or 7.7%
If yes, in which area of the Township should a community park be located?
Area #1: 31 or 22% (In the northwest
corner of the Township, east of route
356)
Area #2: 29 or 21% (In the northwest
corner of the Township, west of route
356)
Area #3: 21 or 15% (In the south central
part of the Township between Ekastown
Road and Route 356)
Area #4: 55 or 41% (On or near the
Freeport School District property that is
planned for development of the new high
school)
Other: 2 or 1% (one respondent said,
“On the creek”)
35
4. What recreational facilities should be acquired or developed in Buffalo Township? [This
question was designed to give the public the opportunity to choose which recreational
facilities were most important to them.]
56
Biking/Rollerblading
Trails
Baseball Fields
Recreation/Commu
nity Center
Walking/Jogging
Trails
Outdoor Swimming
Pool
Playgrounds
Picnic Shelters
99 - Playgrounds
Recreational Facilities Of Highest Interest
101 - Picnic Shelters
56 - Baseball Fields
120
39 - Tennis Courts
100
80
52 - Open Space
60
101
99
25 - Indoor Basketball Courts
40
71
70
62
56
20
52 - Outdoor Basketball Courts
0
34 - Skate Park
56 - Biking/Rollerblading Trails
70 - Walking/Jogging Trails
40 - Softball Fields
31 - Soccer Fields
62 - Recreation/Community Center
71 - Outdoor Swimming Pool
32 - Outdoor Sports Complex
2 - Other: Quad Trails, Indoor Pool at High School
5. What recreation programs should be provided? [This question was designed to give the
public the opportunity to choose which recreational programs were most important to them.]
36
Recreational Programs Of Highest Interest
94
55
59
59
59
60
66
Outdoor Youth Sports
Swimming
Fitness
Senior Citizen Programs
Special Events
Series2
Summer Playground Program
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Teen/Youth Program
People
94 - Outdoor Youth Sports
52 - Indoor Youth Sports
46 - Sports Camps
51 - Outdoor Adult Sports
37 - Indoor Adult Sports
59 - Special Events
59 - Senior Citizen Programs
43 - Educational Programs
66 - Swimming
55 - Teen/Youth Programs
50 - Arts, Music, Drama
60 - Fitness
59 - Summer Playground Program
52 - Environmental/Nature
0 - Other
6. How should expanded recreation programs, park development, and greenways be supported?
115 or 29% - Combination of grants and local funds
26 or 6% - Local tax funds
79 or 19% - Private/corporate donations
50 or 12% - Program registration fees
54 or 13% - User fees
83 or 21% - Volunteer time/donated materials
Funding
Combination of grants
and local funds
6%
12%
29%
Volunteer time/donated
materials
Private/corporate
donations
13%
User fees
19%
21%
Program registration
fees
Local tax funds
Comments:
Opportunity was also given for written public comments: Out of 155 returned questionnaires, we
received five written comments; these were written exactly as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
“Work with groups that are already investing time and money. [ex.] – Freeport to Butler
Trail Council.”
“This should have been done 30 years ago.”
“Try to incorporate Freeport Community Park”
“Rails to Trails is an excellent program”
“44 acres when Jacks Rest., get them to donate it; put in a park and pool.”
37
38
CHAPTER 4: RECOMMENDATIONS
As a result of this Study, six recommendations have been developed that will assist Buffalo
Township in meeting the recreational needs of its residents.
Recommendation #1 – Strengthen interagency cooperation
Buffalo Township has a number of businesses, agencies, and organizations whose current work
or projects lend themselves very well to meeting specific recreational demands. Some of these
organizations are already well established and provide excellent recreational programming.
Others are newly formed or in the planning stages. Township officials should work to develop
“win-win” opportunities between the Township and local recreation providers. Township
officials, perhaps through the Recreation Committee, should work diligently to ensure an open
dialogue among the agencies. The Township may need to commit start-up, one-time, or ongoing funding assistance to certain non-profit providers to stimulate their provision of
recreational services. Finding ways to encourage these recreation providers will limit the longterm financial commitment the Township will need to make for providing recreational
programming.
Strategy #1
Strategy #2
Strategy #3
Strategy #4
Strategy #5
Strategy
Hold semi-annual meetings of all recreation based
organizations to stimulate discussions among them
Develop a clear understanding of the role of each agency
in meeting the recreational needs of Buffalo Township
residents
Develop written agreements between the Township and
the organization where appropriate; for instance, a
written agreement may be needed with the school district
if school property or facilities are to be used by the
Township
As projects and programs progress, evaluate the
possibility of an intergovernmental agreement between
the Township and the Freeport Area School District
Evaluate ways to cooperate with surrounding
municipalities in the provision of parks and recreation
service
Anticipated Cost
$0
$0
$0 - $10,000
$0 - $10,000
$0
Recommendation #2 – Acquire property for a community park
The public input clearly showed that there is a need for additional recreation facilities in Buffalo
Township. In three separate questions, over 90% of the respondents to the questionnaire said:
# parks and recreation are important to them
# there are insufficient parks in Buffalo Township
# Buffalo Township should have its own community park
39
Buffalo Township’s first community park should be between twenty and eighty acres in size. It
should be suitable for development of a variety of active and passive recreation areas.
The questionnaire responses (41%) identified the preferred site (Area # 4) for the Township’s
park as a portion of the property owned by the Freeport Area School District that is designated
for the new high school. Two areas in the northwest quadrant of the Township ranked as second
and third preferences for the location of the park. The area east of route 356 and north of Buffalo
Elementary School (Area # 1) ranked slightly higher than the area west of Route 356 (Area # 2).
Strategy #1
Strategy #2
Strategy #3
Strategy #4
Strategy #5
Strategy #6
Strategy #7
Strategy
Develop a funding plan to pay for property acquisition
costs (see other recommendations that discuss funding
strategies and options)
Begin discussions with the Freeport Area School District
about use of part of the District owned property that is
designated for the new high school
Identify specific parcels for potential acquisition in the
northwest quadrant of the Township
Conduct a feasibility study of the selected property, prior
to commitment or acquisition, to assure it meets the basic
needs for desired park facilities
Acquire 20-80 acres for a community park or sign an
agreement with Freeport Area School District for use of
a portion of their property
As a long-term strategy, the Township should consider
acquisition of a second parcel of property of similar size
to the first: as the Township population continues to
grow, it is likely an additional park will be needed; it
would be wise to acquire property as it becomes
available rather than waiting as land prices increase and
appropriate property becomes difficult to find
Keep a watchful eye for properties that local owners may
be willing to sell at discounted rates in an effort to
protect them from development
Anticipated Cost
$0
$0
$0
$8,000
$100,000 –
$1,200,000
$450,000 –
$1,200,000
$0
Recommendation #3 – Develop the community park
Once a parcel of property is acquired, the next step is to develop it into a community park. A
master site plan should be created to ensure systematic and planned development of the park.
Public participation will be critical to planning the new park. According to the public input from
this Plan, facilities that should be considered are picnic shelters, playgrounds, trails, baseball
fields, and tennis courts.
Maintenance will be a key issue once the park is developed. The Township’s philosophy on
maintaining the park should be identified. All park facilities will require maintenance; however,
some require more maintenance than others. Facilities that require less maintenance include
picnic shelters, trails, rustic facilities, and open space. Facilities such as ball fields, sports courts,
40
playgrounds, amphitheaters, and those with water and electric require a higher maintenance
commitment. The park’s design should take this into consideration. Specific maintenance costs
for the park will be identified in a master site plan.
Strategy #1
Strategy #2
Strategy #3
Strategy #4
Strategy
Create a public planning committee
Develop a master site plan for the park
Secure funding for development
Develop the park
Strategy #5
Develop a maintenance plan for the park
Anticipated Cost
$0
$50,000
$0
cost will be
determined in the
master site plan
$0
Recommendation #4 – Identify the role of the newly formed recreation committee
Prior to the beginning of this Plan, Buffalo Township Supervisors created a Township recreation
committee. Article XXII Section 2204 of the Second Class Township Code describes the
allowable uses of a Township recreation board or committee.
According to the Code, the recreation board must be created by ordinance. The ordinance will
identify the rights and responsibilities of the board. The recreation board has only those powers
specifically delegated to it in the ordinance, as stipulated by the board of supervisors. The Code
also describes that the board shall consist of five or seven members who serve five year terms.
The recreation board members are to elect a chair, secretary, and other needed officers.
Strategy #1
Strategy #2
Strategy
Identify the role and responsibilities of the recreation
board
Adopt an ordinance that is consistent with Article XXII
of the Second Class Township Code
Anticipated Cost
$0
$1,000
A recommended parks and recreation administration plan is located at the end of this chapter.
Recommendation #5 – Encourage and/or implement recreation programming
The public input associated with this plan indicated that there are definite recreational program
needs for Buffalo Township residents. Generally, youth sports programming appears to be
adequate, although its need ranks high in the questionnaire. Currently, local youth sports
organizations are providing baseball, softball, football, soccer, and tennis.
The other most requested programs in the questionnaire were swimming, fitness, senior citizen
programs, special events, summer playground programs, and programs for youth and teens.
Others included indoor youth sports, outdoor adult sports, environmental programs, and music,
art, and drama.
While it should not be the responsibility of Buffalo Township to provide all recreational
programming, they should play a role in making it available to Township residents. The
41
Township recreation board would be the appropriate group for this responsibility. To ensure
adequate programming in the Township, the board could:
# Encourage local recreation providers to fulfill specific needs
# Work with outside organizations, such as the Butler County Family YMCA, to bring
programming to the Township
# Coordinate with the school district to provide programming and/or facilities for
community use
# Be an advocate for recreation in the Township
# Offer recreational programs of their own (these could include special events, summer
playground programs, and concerts)
# Cooperate with other recreation providers to provide joint programming
# Coordinate the semi-annual meeting of local recreation providers
Strategy #1
Strategy #2
Strategy #3
Strategy
Identify recreational programming as one of the
functions of the Township recreation board
Establish program priorities
Provide annual Township funding for the board to use for
programming
Anticipated Cost
$0
$0
$3,000 annually
Recommendation # 6 – Pursue development and program funding from a variety of
sources
Funding will be a key issue for many of the recommendations of this Plan. The questionnaire
responses recommend the use of grants and local funding, private contributions, and volunteers
to provide the majority of the support for both facilities and programming. Use of local tax
dollars ranked lowest in the preferred means of financial support. This means that the Township
will need to be creative in its plans for funding parks and recreation.
A description of grant sources and funding strategies is included at the end of this chapter.
Recommendation #7 – Develop a “Land Dedication or Fees in Lieu of” ordinance
One of the potential funding strategies for the acquisition and development of the new
community parks is through the “Land Dedication or Fees in Lieu of” ordinance. In this
ordinance, developers of new residential properties are required to set aside land for recreational
purposes within their Planned Residential Development (PRD). Those who do not wish to set
aside the required land could pay a fee to the Township in lieu of the land dedication. The
Township must use the funds collected through this fee to provide recreational improvements
that will benefit future residents of the Township.
A prerequisite to this ordinance is to complete a recreation plan that establishes a baseline of
recreation facilities for existing residents. That baseline is then used to project the demand for
future residents as they move into new housing in the Township. This Plan meets this
requirement. Using the acreage of the Freeport-Butler Trail that lies within Buffalo Township
(54 acres) and the Earl H. Bauman Memorial Park (approximately 15 acres) that is set aside for
community use, we have identified that the Township currently has 69 acres of available public
42
recreation land. Additionally, we have established a projection that the Township will need an
additional 49 acres to meet the future demand. The Multi-municipal Comprehensive Plan for
Buffalo and Clinton Townships provides data concerning the anticipated residential growth of
the Township. These two sets of data provide the basis for the development of the Ordinance.
Strategy #1
Strategy #2
Strategy #3
Strategy
Identify the appropriate dollar value based on the typical
formula used in these calculations (GCCA)
Write the “Land Dedication or Fees in Lieu of” ordinance
(GCCA)
Adopt and implement the ordinance
Anticipated Cost
Determine by
GCCA
Determined by
GCCA
$500
Recommendation #8 – Conduct a community center feasibility study
Construction of a community center was identified as one of the recreational needs of the
Township. While there is certainly an established desire for a community center, more planning
needs to be conducted to assure its feasibility and success. A community center requires a
significant financial investment, both in development and operations. Before the Township
commits to proceed with such a facility, a feasibility study and/or business plan must be
developed. The feasibility study should:
#
#
#
#
#
#
evaluate the community support for such a facility
determine anticipated programming and usage
evaluate the site where the facility is to be constructed
identify how the facility will be managed and by whom
identify potential opportunities and obstacles
project costs for acquisition, design, construction, equipping, staffing, and operating
the facility
# describe potential funding sources
# develop the business plan
DCNR provides grants to assist with funding community center feasibility studies.
Strategy #1
Strategy #2
Strategy #3
Strategy #4
Strategy
Bring together a group of those interested in a
community center to spearhead the planning efforts
Apply to PA DCNR for a grant for the feasibility study
(grants typically cover 50% of the cost of the study)
Hire a consultant to conduct the feasibility study
Utilize the findings of the feasibility study to determine
the next steps
Anticipated Cost
$0
$0
$25,000
$0
Recommendation #9 – Implement the recreational recommendations of the Clinton –
Buffalo Greenway Plan
43
Supporting Data for the Recommendations
Parks and Recreation Administrative Plan
Roles and Responsibilities for Administrative Bodies
Buffalo Township Supervisors

Adopt this plan as the basis for planning for parks and recreation.
Maintain ultimate responsibility for all parks and recreation operations.
Supervise the Recreation Board and their functions.
Establish a reasonable budget for parks and recreation.
Adopt a new ordinance that clearly defines the duties, responsibilities, power, and
authority of the Township Recreation Board.
Maintain the vision for parks and recreation that the Township residents have established
through this plan.
Parks and Recreation Board
This Board reports to Buffalo Township Supervisors.
The Board will focus on achieving the mission and vision set for parks and recreation in the
Township as adopted by the Township Supervisors. Once the Buffalo Township Supervisors
adopt this Mini-Comprehensive Recreation Park and Open Space Plan, it shall become the
Township’s plan for parks and recreation for the future.
The Board shall:
1. Play a lead role in keeping the Township’s vision current and focused; however, it
remains the role of the Supervisors to adopt such changes as they see fit.
2. Help the Township Supervisors maintain a focus on implementation of this Plan.
3. Work with the Township Supervisors to adopt annual goals and strategies for
implementation of the Plan.
4. Serve in an advisory role to the Township Supervisors. Supervisors may give specific
rights and/or responsibilities in which the Board may not need to make recommendations
to the Supervisors.
5. Assist the Township Supervisors in identifying and developing funding opportunities for
improvements and development.
6. Assure that a cross-section of stakeholders is represented on the Board. Interests that
should be considered for representation on the Board include:
non-athletic users
teens
seniors
families
athletic organizations
arts
44
swimming
park planning
open space
7. Promote a well-balanced variety of recreational programming for Township residents.
8. Coordinate recreation programming with other local recreation providers.
9. Advise Township Supervisors on budgetary matters that pertain to parks and recreation.
10. Serve as a community advocate for parks and recreation.
11. Coordinate the publicity of community recreation.
12. Assist the Township Supervisors in the implementation of the Mini-Comprehensive
Recreation, Parks, and Open Space Plan.
13. Assist in the application for grants.
14. Undertake fundraising efforts.
Grant Sources and Funding Strategies
Grants Sources
There are many sources of funding for parks and recreation; however, there are three primary
governmental programs that provide grants to local communities for parks and recreation
purposes. The programs and funding opportunities are listed below. Additional sources of
funding are listed at the end of this chapter.
1. PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
Maximum Grant - Approximately $100,000 (sometimes more can be available)
Local Match - Generally grants require a 50% local match.
Sources of Local Match - Generally local cash match. In-kind services are now eligible as a
match under certain conditions. DCED grants can be used as a match.
Funding Cycle - Applications are generally due in late October. Awards are announced the
following March.
Eligible Uses
a) Technical assistance
b) Feasibility studies for recreation facilities
c) Acquisition of additional park land
d) Development and rehabilitation of existing facilities
2. PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
Maximum Grant - No specified limit; could be as much as $500,000 or more
Local Match - Generally grants require some local match, although 100% funding is available.
DCED grants can be used to match DCNR grants.
Sources of Local Match - Generally local cash match. In-kind services may eligible as a match
under certain conditions. Private local investment is encouraged.
Funding Cycle - Applications are accepted at any time. Awards are generally made on a
quarterly basis in July, October, January, and April.
Eligible Uses
a) Community facility construction and/or rehabilitation
b) Some funding can be used for programming
45
3. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Maximum Grant - Determined by the County
Local Match - Determined by the County
Sources of Local Match - Generally local cash match. In-kind services may be eligible as a
match under certain conditions.
Funding Cycle - Determined by the County
Eligible Uses
a) Community facility construction and/or rehabilitation
b) Some funding can be used for programming
c) Limitations may be set by the County
Grants Strategies
Applying for a grant is not simply a matter of filling out the proper forms and submitting them.
Grants can be very competitive. Often funding agencies receive requests that amount to as much
as ten times more than the money that is available. It is, therefore, very important that you are
well prepared in submitting your application. The following outlines several steps that can
significantly improve your chances of receiving a grant.
1. Be well prepared
a. Know the funding agency - contact persons, addresses, and phone numbers.
b. Be sure you are an eligible applicant for the agency and program through which you
intend to apply.
c. Investigate each grant opportunity to be sure that what you are applying for meets the
funding criteria.
d. Be complete and accurate in your application. Do not assume that you will have an
opportunity to correct mistakes, update data, etc.
e. Submit your application several days prior to the deadline. This assures it is in on time
and shows that you are well prepared.
2. Have a vision and a plan
a. A vision shows the funding agency that you have looked to the future. It shows where
your application fits into the bigger picture in your community and/or department. A
vision can come from your Comprehensive Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan or be
a part of a broader community effort.
b. A plan shows that you have looked at the details of what you want to do. Be more
specific in your plan than in your vision.
c. Describe where your matching funds will come from. Show that you can leverage
funding from a variety of sources - local taxes, private contributions, other grants, etc.
d. Describe in detail how you will address maintenance of any facilities you are requesting
funding for. Maintenance is a key factor if an agency is to invest large dollars in your
project.
e. Show previous success you have had. Show existing projects that have previously been
funded. Indicate how your successes in other projects will impact the project you are
applying for.
46
3. Contact the funding agencies
a. Make a personal contact with the funding agency as early as you can in the process. Keep
them informed but don’t badger them. Show them your vision and how this specific
project fits into it.
b. DCED - Contact your local State Representative and/or Senator. Also contact the
Pittsburgh DCED office.
c. DCNR - Contact Regional Recreation Advisor.
d. CDBG - Make a personal visit to the Butler County Office responsible for the CDBG
Funding.
Other Funding Strategies
It is important to consider multiple funding sources for most major projects. Identify the possible
groups, organizations, or grants agencies that may have an interest in a specific project. Consider
the following potential sources of funding.

Grants Agencies – See the list of potential grants sources provided in this report. It is
wise to consider more than one grant source for multifaceted projects. Different agencies
may be willing to provide funding for different portions of your project. For example, if a
project includes construction of trails and development of a neighborhood park, there are
agencies that will fund trails and others who will fund parks. Applying to both types of
agencies for funding that meets their specific criteria enhances the likelihood of receiving
a grant.
Surrounding Municipalities – In come cases surrounding municipalities have a specific
interest in park facilities located within another municipality. In these cases there may be
interest in making a financial contribution toward the project.
Local Organizations – Often local recreation organizations are willing to raise funds to
be used for upgrades to their facilities. These funds should be considered as part of the
local match for grant funding. For example, if a football organization is already investing
$10,000 to $15,000 annually into upgrading of facilities, they may be willing to utilize
several years’ worth of that investment toward a major renovation of the football facility.
This could mean as much as fifty to seventy-five thousand dollars available to be used as
matching funds for a grant.
Funds Already Planned for Use – It is also helpful to consider funds that may already be
allocated for use in or near a park that may be used as a source of matching funds. For
instance, if a water or sewer line is being planned to run through a park, tapping into that
line could make the money spent for its installation an eligible match for a park project.
The same could be true of parking areas, roads, trails, trailheads, and other projects.
Creativity – Creativity is key to finding and leveraging funding sources against one
another. The intent is to reduce the local share as low as possible, while accomplishing
the goals of the project. Consider as many options as you can identify. Then contact the
funding agencies to determine whether or not your plan meets their requirements.
47
48
CHAPTER 5 – POTENTIAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The Township should explore all potential funding sources and apply for funding as often as
possible. An application that is rejected one year may still be accepted in future years.
The following is a list of known potential funding sources as previously listed, along with
descriptions and program requirements, and contact information:
Baseball Tomorrow Fund
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major
League Baseball Players Association. The mission of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund is to
promote and enhance the growth of baseball in the United States, Canada, and throughout the
world by funding programs, fields, and equipment purchases to encourage and maintain youth
participation in the game. Grants from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund are designed to be
sufficiently flexible to enable applicants to address needs unique to their communities. The
funds may be used to finance a new program, expand or improve an existing program, undertake
a new collaborative effort, or obtain facilities or equipment necessary for youth baseball or
softball programs. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is intended to provide funding for incremental
programming and facilities for youth baseball and not as a substitute for existing funding or
fundraising activities or to provide routine or recurring operating costs or funding for
construction or maintenance of buildings. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund supports equal
opportunity in its grant making. The opportunities that prospective grantee organizations
provide for minorities and women will be considered in evaluating proposals. Grant proposals
are considered on a quarterly basis.
Contact:
Baseball Tomorrow Fund
245 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10167
Website: www.baseballtomorrowfund.com
USDA Forest Service Wood in Transportation
Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Program Goals: To develop structures that showcases wood in transportation technology and
provide useful design and cost information to potential users throughout the country. The use of
locally available wood species not traditionally used for bridge construction is preferred.
Applicants should submit a site plan and construction drawings prepared by a registered
professional engineer. Sketch drawings are adequate at the time of application if detailed
drawings are not available.
Use of Funds: Requires minimum of 50% match from local project sponsor. USDA grant
amounts are limited to $20,000 for pedestrian bridges and $150,000 for vehicular bridges. Other
federal funds cannot be used as the applicant's match.
49
Contact: Northeastern Area - State and Private Forestry (DE, MD, NJ,OH, PA, WV)
Mr. Ed Cesa
USDA Forest Service
180 Canfield Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 285-1530
Fax: (304) 285-1564
Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/na/wit/
U.S. Soccer Foundation
The Foundation's Grants Program is open to anyone with a soccer-specific program or project
that benefits a not-for-profit purpose. A complete list of guidelines for the Foundation's Grants
Program can be obtained by reviewing the instructions section of the grant application.
The United States Soccer Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation qualified under Section
501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Earnings from the permanent endowment fund of the
Foundation are the source for grants made by the Foundation for worthy soccer projects. The
Foundation awards grants to governing bodies, having awarded approximately $17,000,000 in
grants during its first nine years of operation. The Foundation commences its grant process in the
fall and announces the recipients each spring. The following, listed in prioritized order, have
been established to fund innovative and creative programs:
- Ethnic, minority, and economically disadvantaged players
- Player and coach development
- Referee development
- Field development
Contact:
US Soccer Foundation
1050 17th Street, NW
Suite 210
Washington, DC 20036
Attn: Grants Department
Website: ussoccerfoundation.org - Grant Applications may be filed electronically ONLY at the
Foundation's website
21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Program Goals: This program was authorized by Congress to award grants to rural and innercity public schools, or consortia of such schools, to plan, implement, or expand projects that
address the education, health, social services, cultural, and recreational needs of the community.
Program Restrictions: School Districts must collaborate with an outside entity, such as another
public agency or non-profit organization
50
Use of Funds or Support: Applications must address four of the following program activities:
literacy education programs; senior citizen programs; children's day care services; integrated
education; health, social service, recreational or cultural programs; summer and weekend school
programs in conjunction with recreation programs; nutrition and health programs; expanded
library service hours to serve community needs; telecommunications and technology education
programs for individuals of all ages; parenting skills education programs; support and training
for child day care providers; employment counseling, training, and placement; services for
individuals who leave before graduating from secondary school, regardless of age of such
individual; services for individuals with disabilities.
Contact:
21st Century Community Learning Centers
Attn: CFDA 84.287, U.S.
Department of Education Application Control Center
Regional Office Building 3
Room 36337th & D Streets, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4725
Phone: 1-800-USA-LEARN
Website: www.ed.gov/21stcclc
National Tree Trust
Program Goals: This program provides tree seedlings for planting on roadsides, highways, or
land under the jurisdiction of any federal, state, municipal, or transportation authority.
Program Restrictions: Limitations include a minimum of 100 trees to a maximum of 10,000
trees. All trees delivered must be planted, and only volunteers may do the planting. The trees
must be planted on public property.
Use of Funds or Support: Monetary grants are provided to local tree-planting organizations that
support volunteer planting and education efforts throughout the United States.
Contact:
Todd Nelson
1120 G Street
Suite 770
Phone: 1-800-846-8733
Website: http://www.nationaltreetrust.org
Community Conservation Partnerships Programs
Agency: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
Program Goals: To develop and sustain partnerships with communities, nonprofits and other
organizations for recreation and conservation projects and purposes. The Bureau of Recreation
and Conservation is responsible for fostering, facilitating and nurturing the great majority of
51
these Partnerships through technical assistance and grant funding from the Community
Conservation Partnerships Programs.
Program Restrictions: See DCNR grant application manual for the Community Conservation
Partnerships Program, as program restrictions vary by type.
Use of Funds:
1) Planning and Technical Assistance: Comprehensive Recreation,
Park, and Open Space Plans; County Natural Area Inventories; Feasibility
Studies; Greenways and Trails Plans; Rails-to-Trails Plans; Master Site Plans;
River Conservation Plans; Education and Training; Peer-to-Peer
Consultation and Circuit Riders (temporary employment of a full-time Park and Recreation
Practitioner);
2) Acquisition Projects: Park and Recreation Areas; Greenways, Trails, and
Rivers Conservation; Rails-to-Trails; Natural and Critical Habitat Areas;
3) Development Projects: Park and Recreation Areas; Park Rehabilitation and
Development; Small Community Development; Greenways and Trails; Rails-to-Trails; Rivers
Conservation; Federally Funded Projects; Lands and Water
Conservation Fund (LWCF) Projects; Pennsylvania Recreational Trails
Contact:
Kathy Frankel
PA DCNR
Southwest Field Office
1405 State Office Building
300 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 565-7803
Website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Program Goals: To provide a flexible source of annual grant funds for local governments
nationwide: funds that they, with the participation of local citizens, can devote to the activities
that best serve their own particular development priorities, provided that these projects either 1)
benefit low and moderate income persons; 2) prevent or eliminate slums or blight; or 3) meet
other urgent community development needs.
Program Restrictions: Low and moderate income persons (generally defined as members of a
family earning no more than 80% of the area's median income) benefit most directly and most
often from CDBG funds for activities that principally benefit low and moderate income persons.
Use of Funds or Support: Building public facilities and improvements, such as streets, sidewalks,
sewers, water systems, community and senior citizen centers, and recreational facilities. There
are other possible uses of funds that do not relate to parks and recreation.
52
Community Improvement Grants
Agency: Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry Department Program Goals: Focus is to
support "greening" partnerships linking grassroots organizations, local community groups, and
natural resource experts in support of community resource and natural resource management.
Use of Funds or Support: Encourages partnerships with and between diverse organizations and
groups. Supports local improvement projects, tree planting projects in parks, greenbelts, schools,
and community public spaces.
Contact:
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
Butler County Cooperative Extension
101 Motor Pool Way
Butler, PA 16001-3545
Phone: (724) 287-4761
Fax: (724) 287-9911
Email: ButlerExt@psu.edu
Website: http://butler.extension.psu.edu
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Program Goals: Designed to reduce erosion on sensitive lands, CRP also improves soil and
water, and provides significant wildlife habitat.
Program Restrictions: Applications are for 10 and 15 year contracts.
Use of Funds or Support: The CRP offers annual rental payments, incentive payments for certain
activities, and cost-share assistance to establish approved groundcover on eligible cropland.
Contact: RR#12, Box 202 C, Greensburg, PA 15601-9271
Phone: (724) 834-9063 ext. 3
Fax: (724) 837-4127
Website: www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/
Kodak American Greenways Awards Program
Agency: The Conservation Fund and Eastman Kodak Company
Program Goals: Provide seed money to stimulate greenway planning and design. Supports
pioneering work in linking the nation's natural areas, historic sites, parks, and open space.
Program Restrictions: Grant recipients are selected according to criteria that include: importance
of the project to local greenway development efforts; demonstrated community support for the
project; extent to which the grant will result in matching funds or other support from public or
53
private sources; likelihood of tangible results; capacity of the organization to complete the
project.
Use of Funds or Support: Planning, Implementation
Contact: Leigh Anne McDonald, American Greenways Coordinator, The
Conservation Fund, 1800 North Kent Street, Suite 1120, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 525-6300
Email: lmcdonald@conservationfund.org
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants
Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Program Goals: To provide park and recreation opportunities to residents throughout the United
States, to allow communities to acquire and build a variety of park and recreation facilities,
including trails. Funds are annually distributed by the National Park Service through the
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
Program Restrictions: Communities must match LWCF grants with 50% of the local project
costs through in-kind services or cash. All projects funded by the LWCF grants must be
exclusively for recreation purposes, into perpetuity. Grants are administered through the DCNR
Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2).
Use of Funds or Support: Planning and investment in an existing park system.
Contact:
DCNR Recreational Advisor
KaBOOM! (National Non-profit)
Program Goals: To bring together people, community organizations, and businesses, to develop
safe, healthy, and much-needed playgrounds.
Use of Funds or Support: Leveraged spending power with well-established companies in the
play equipment industry. Also, corporate and foundation support that can include volunteers and
technical resources.
Contact:
2213 M Street NW
Suite 300
Phone: (202) 659-0215
Website: http://www.kaboom.org
54
National Recreational Trails Fund Act (NRTFA)
Agency: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) - administered through
the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2)
Program Goals: The recreational trails program provides funds to develop and maintain
recreational trails for motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use. The program funding
represents a portion of the revenue received by the Federal Highway Trust Fund from the federal
motor fuel excise tax paid by users of off-road recreational vehicles.
Program Restrictions: A component of TEA21, matching requirements for the Pennsylvania
Recreational Trails Program Grants are 80% federal money, up to a maximum of $150,000, and
20% non-federal money. However, acquisition projects will require a 50/50 match. "Soft match"
is permitted from any project sponsor, whether private or public money. ("Soft match" includes
credit for donations of funds, materials, services, or new right-of-way).
Use of Funds or Support: The department must distribute funding among motorized, nonmotorized, and diverse trail use as follows: 40% minimum for diverse trail use, 30% minimum
for non-motorized recreation, and 30% minimum for motorized recreation. The Commonwealth
may also use up to 5% of its funds for the operation of educational programs to promote safety
and environmental protection related to the use of recreational trails. The department will also
consider projects that provide for the redesign, reconstruction, non-routine maintenance, or
relocation of recreational trails to benefit the natural environment.
Contact:
Kathy Frankel
PA DCNR
Southwest Regional Field Office
1405 State Office Building
300 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 565-7803
Website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us
Pennsylvania Conservation Corps
Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Program Goals: This program provides work experience, job training, and educational
opportunities to young adults while accomplishing conservation, recreation, historic
preservation, and urban revitalization work on public lands.
Program Restrictions: The project sponsors receive the services of a Pennsylvania Conservation
Corps crew, fully paid, for one year. Sponsors can also receive up to $20,000 for needed
materials and contracted services. Sponsors must provide a 25% cash match on material and
contracted services costs.
Use of Funds or Support: Funds may be used for materials and contracted services needed to
complete approved projects.
55
Contact:
Director
1304 Labor and Industry Building
7th and Forester Streets
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 783-6385
Website: http://www.dli.state.pa.us
Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funds
Agency: Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA)
Program Goals: These funds can be used for bicycle and pedestrian facility construction or nonconstruction projects such as brochures, public service announcements, and route maps. The
projects related to bicycle and pedestrian transportation must be a part of the long-range
transportation plan. These funds are controlled by the Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO) in the Transportation Improvement Program.
Program Restrictions: Expands STP eligibilities to specifically include the following [1108(a)]:
sodium acetate / format, or other environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and
de-icing compositions; programs to reduce extreme cold starts; environmental restoration and
pollution abatement projects; including retrofit or construction of storm water treatment facilities
(limited to 20% of total cost of 3R-type transportation projects); natural habitat mitigation, but
specifies that if wetland or natural habitat mitigation is within the service area of a mitigation
bank, preference will be given to use the bank; privately owned vehicles and facilities that are
used to provide inter-city passenger service by bus; modifications of existing public sidewalks
(regardless of whether the sidewalk is on a Federal-aid highway right-of-way), to comply with
the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; infrastructure based intelligent
transportation system capital improvements.
Use of Funds or Support: Transportation, planning, railroad crossing improvements.
Contact:
Malek Francis
Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
PennDOT District 11-0
45 Thoms Run Road
Bridgeville, PA 15017.
Phone: (412) 429-5000
Website: www.dot.state.pa.us
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA21)
Agency: TEA21 / ISTEA
Program Goals: The primary source of federal funding for greenways and trails is through the
Transportation Equity Act of 1998 (TEA21), formerly the Intermodal Surface Transportation
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Efficiency Act (ISTEA). ISTEA provided millions of dollars in funding for bicycle and
pedestrian transportation projects across the country and will provide millions more as TEA21.
There are many sections of TEA21 that support the development of bicycle and pedestrian
corridors. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) can utilize funding from
any of these subsets of TEA21 and should be contacted for further details.
Use of Funds or Support: Safety and Transportation Enhancements
Contact:
Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission
Phone: (412) 391-5590
Website: (Federal Highway Administration) http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21/
Wal-Mart - Good Works
Agency: Wal-Mart Foundation
Program Goals: Allows local non-profit organizations to hold fundraisers at their local WalMart or Sam's Club. Wal-Mart and Sam's Club can elect to match a portion of the funds
collected, up to $1,000. Events held on the premises are eligible for funding when a Wal-Mart or
Sam's Club Associate is actively involved in the event. Additionally, once the Wal-Mart or Sam's
Club Associate has met certain criteria in the Matching Grant Program each year, a second
source of funding is awarded to the store / club to use in the community. These funds do not
require a fundraiser to be held; instead the funds can be awarded directly to a deserving
organization.
Program Restrictions: Organizations that may qualify to receive funding through the Matching
Grant Program are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or organizations that are exempt from
needing 501(c)(3) status, such as public schools, faith-based institutions such as churches (must
be conducting a project that benefits the community at large), and government agencies.
Use of Funds or Support: Community Improvement Projects. Community Involvement
Coordinator at your local Wal-Mart or Sam's Club store.
Website: www.walmartfoundation.org/wmstore/goodworks
Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation
Program Goals: Education. Community improvement projects such as projects at parks and
other public areas, housing for underprivileged and innovative environmental issues.
Program Restrictions: Organizations that may qualify to receive funding through the Matching
Grant Program are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
Contact:
The Foundation only accepts grant applications submitted online through the website.
Website: http://www.easy2.com/cm/lowe/foundation/intro.asp
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Tony Hawk Foundation
Program Goals: The Tony Hawk Foundation seeks to foster lasting improvements in society,
with an emphasis on helping children. Through grants and other charitable donations, the
foundation supports programs focusing on the creation of public skateboard parks, and other
causes. The primary mission of the Tony Hawk Foundation is to promote high-quality
skateboard parks in low-income areas throughout the United States.
Program Restrictions: The Foundation will favor parks that: are designed by qualified and
experienced skate park contractors; include local skaters in the design process; are in low-income
areas, or areas with a high population of at risk youths; can demonstrate a strong grassroots
commitment to the project, particularly in the form of fund-raising by local skateboarders and
other community groups; have a creative mix of street obstacles and transition/vertical terrain;
don't require skaters or their parents to sign waivers; encourage skaters to look after their own
safety and safety of others without restricting their access to the park or over-regulating their use
of it; are open during daylight hours 365 days a year; don't charge fees; are in areas that currently
have no skateboarding facilities.
Use of Funds or Support: To facilitate the design, development, construction, and operation of
new, quality skateboard parks and facilities. The Foundation may offer technical assistance on
design and construction, promotion materials, training materials, and safety information. The
Foundation may also facilitate support from vendors, suppliers, and community leaders.
Contact:
Tony Hawk Foundation
P.O. -Box 1780
El Granada, CA 94018
Email: Hawkquestions@tonyhawkfoundation.org
Website: http://www.tonyhawkfoundation.org
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