$2M in state grants go to Kepler Pool, several Centre County outdoor recreation projects
More than $2 million in state grants have been awarded to seven outdoor recreation projects across Centre County, including the rehabilitation and further development of the Kepler Pool in Spring Township.
Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, announced Wednesday in a news release that several outdoor recreation projects in Centre County received funding. The grants were made possible, in part, to the 2022-23 state budget, he said in the release. The budget, which was passed in July, directed a portion of the state budget surplus toward outdoor recreation, without any increases in taxes, the release states. It also secured funding to create three new state parks, which will be announced this fall.
“In Centre County we’re blessed with some of the premier outdoor spaces and parks in Pennsylvania, and these state investments will help make sure our recreation areas and parks remain accessible for folks to enjoy,” Conklin said.
The project and agency to receive the biggest chunk of change was the Nittany Valley Joint Recreation Authority, which was awarded $1.3 million for the rehabilitation and further development of Kepler Pool in Spring Township.
In an email, NVJRA Chair Chris Haak said the grant “represents the care and respect that our community has for the future and wellbeing of our families.”
The pool has been closed since September 2020 due to recurring mechanical issues and inspections. Kepler Pool remained closed this summer, but when it reopens, it will mark a new chapter in the pool’s story.
Since it was built in the 1970s, Kepler Pool hasn’t had any major upgrades. Today there are a number of mechanical issues and the pool features just don’t match the expectations of a lot of the swimmers, Haak previously told the Centre Daily Times.
To refurbish and enhance Kepler Pool to meet “modern expectations,” the authority has long been in the process of applying for grants and other funding sources to start rehabilitation.
The project is expected to have three phases. Phase one will include work on the main pool and mechanicals, phase two will cover the bathhouse and wading pool, and phase three will have other amenities. Proposed improvements and benefits include ADA access and chair lift, flume slide and/or aqua climbing wall, a children’s wading pool with splash zone, bathhouse and concession buildings, and replacing the underground recirculation plumbing system, filtration and sanitation systems.
“This grant should secure our ability to complete the first phase of the rehabilitation of Kepler Pool. We are hopeful that our other grant applications are successful as well as our public and private fundraising efforts so that additional amenities can be added to the pool to increase the attractiveness to the community,” Haak said. “Our vision is for Kepler Pool to be a key recreational destination for individuals, families, and youth and sports groups.”
A nonprofit organization, Nittany Valley Recreation Inc., was recently started to complement the authority. In part, it will assist with capital fundraising and give private citizens the ability to support the Kepler Pool project. They plan to start a campaign later this year, Haak said.
The YMCA of Centre County has also assisted in private fundraising efforts and they have corporate support from Graymont Industries, Northwest Bank and Jersey Shore State Bank, Haak said.
“Our work continues in the months ahead as we work to secure additional resources as required toward building a modern community pool.”
Haak said the authority is thankful for the efforts of their volunteers and the support they’ve received from the commonwealth and elected officials. They’re looking forward to opening the pool as soon as this phase of the project is complete, he said.
Other projects awarded in Centre County include:
Centre County was awarded $200,700 for the further development of the Wildlife Center in Huston Township. Work will include construction of pedestrian walkway, boardwalk trail, observation areas and stormwater management measures, installation of interpretive signage, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority was awarded $75,000 for the further development of Whitehall Road Regional Park in Ferguson Township. Work will include construction of pavilion, installation of utilities, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements
Philipsburg Borough was awarded $111,300 for the development of Cold Stream Campground in Philipsburg Borough. Work will include construction of pedestrian walkways, campsites, parking area, access drive and stormwater management measures, installation of utilities, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
Rush Township was awarded $50,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of a municipal park in Rush Township. Work will include construction of pedestrian walkways, installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing and fencing, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
Spring Township was awarded $24,800 to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 27-acre Community Park and Sports Complex in Spring Township. Work will include an electronic written report and site development drawing.
State College Borough was awarded $250,000 for the development of Action Sports Park in State College Borough. Work will include construction of pedestrian walkway, skatepark and stormwater management measures, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
