26 Jun West Vincent Township Secures PECO Green Region Open Space Grant
West Vincent Township is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $7,500 grant from the PECO Green Region Open Space Program. The funding is directly supporting critical ecological restoration and infrastructure improvements at Opalanie Park and Andrew Evans Park (See PECO’s award announcement here.)
The grant covers 50% of the total $15,000 project cost, with West Vincent Township matching the remaining $7,500 through secured township capital funds.
These joint projects focus on enhancing local biodiversity, protecting native habitats, and ensuring our community green spaces remain resilient and beautiful for all residents. The funding will be used for two primary environmental initiatives:
1. Opalanie Park: Replacement of a deteriorating fence surrounding the park’s botanical garden. This crucial upgrade will protect native plants and local pollinators from wildlife damage. This project was recently completed (see photo below)!
2. Andrew Evans Park: The planting of 12 native Red Maples to replace mature trees previously lost to the destructive Emerald Ash Borer. These new trees will restore vital canopy shade and wildlife habitat near the park’s popular perimeter trail and athletic fields. Planting is scheduled to begin this fall.
We are incredibly grateful to PECO for investing in West Vincent’s green spaces. These projects allow us to proactively manage our ecosystems, battle the effects of invasive pests, and provide beautiful, shaded recreational spaces for our community to enjoy from dawn to dusk.