The Eads Group and Portage Area Regional Planning Commission spearheaded a study and a plan for the Crichton McCormick Parks future. In 2014, the plan and study were completed. For additional information, the below links will provide an overview.
Portage Borough was successful in grant funding, through the PA Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources, on February 19th, 2019. The grant amount is $10,000.00 for a Recreation Manager Peer Study.
The grant guidelines consisted of intergovernmental co-operation with Portage Borough, Portage Township, and the Portage Area School District. Representatives were selected from the borough, township, and school district for the peer study and feasibility. On November 1st, 2021, the Borough adopted Ordinance 7-2021. The Borough, Township, and Portage Area School District had adopted the intermunicipal cooperation agreement by creating and continuing the new Portage Area Joint Parks and Recreation Commission (PAJPRC) and providing for the acquisition, development and operation of regional parks and recreation areas, facilities, and programs. With the forming of the new commission; 3 members are from the borough, 3 members from the township, and 1 member from the school district. With the grant study coming to a final close-out, the PA DCNR will be reviewing the study to make a determination if a Circuit Rider Grant can be applied for to fund the Recreation Manager.
Circuit Rider Grant for a Recreation Manager-The goal is to apply for a Circuit Rider Grant through the PA Department Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. The grant would fund the director’s position at 100% for the first year, 75% the second year, 50% the third year and 25% the fourth year. During that time, the director would focus on expanding recreation programs and collect program fees and rental fees for use of the park facilities. On December 14th, 2022; the borough had submitted the application to the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the grant funding of a new Recreation Director/Manager. On February 3rd, 2023, the Borough received notice of the awarding for Circuit Rider Grant in the amount of $57,000.00. On May 12th, 2023, the first kick-off meeting was held with the Borough and DCNR to move forward.