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Recreation gets funding in Luzerne County

Newswatch 16's Chelsea Strub shows us what opportunities for fun are heading our way.

PITTSTON, Pa. — Two municipalities in Luzerne County are getting more than $250,000 in recreational investment from the state.

There's not a lot to see on an empty plot of land along the Susquehanna River in Pittston.

"It used to be houses that were flooded back in 2011," said Joe Chacke, Pittston's city administrator.

Those homes have since been demolished.

Thanks to $150,000 in funding from the state's Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program, the tire tracks in the snow on the site will eventually turn into bicycle tracks.

"For a BMX park that we're partnering with a private company entity that currently has a BMX Park. They're going to come to Pittston and operate here," Chacke explained.

The project furthers Pittston's mission of revitalization.

"This type of industry draws in people from all over the country. And so, hopefully, we can get them into our downtown, and they can spend some of their dollars here, and go to some of our businesses or restaurants, and keep building from there," added Chacke.

Leaders in the city of Pittston tell Newswatch 16 that BMX Park is still years away. It requires more funding, more trail construction, and the reconstruction of the two bridges in Pittston before we see that. But you will be able to see changes from a different recreation grant as soon as this spring in Pittston Township.

"Going to be nice when it's all finished," said Pittston Township Administrator John Bonita.

Pittston Township received a grant from this same program for $105,000 for the Tony Attardo Memorial Park on Bryden Street that will allow for upgrades.

"Basketball court, tennis court, and resurfacing the parking lot," explained Bonita.

This will help complete Phase Two of the park's rehabilitation, which Bonita says has been a big boost for the community.

"And we see a lot of small children in there now with the Little League schedule going on that parents can go over to the park. That's why we did it. It needed improvement and we did it now that we're going to finish the rest," he said.

Communities all around Pennsylvania also received grants from this program.

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