The Portage Area Joint Recreation Commission was created by the Borough of Portage, Portage Township and the Portage Area School District on April 9, 1991. The Borough of Portage adopted the Commission by Ordinance 2-1991.
The Joint Commission consists of seven members serving a three year term. Three members are from Portage Borough, three members from Portage Township, and one member from Portage Area School District. On April 6th, 2009, Portage Borough Council, Portage Township, and the Portage Area School District adopted an intergovernmental agreement to increase the board to nine members. The Borough Ordinance 2-1991 was amended by Ordinance 3-2009, 4/6/2009.
The Joint Commissions main purpose is to develop a plan for acquisition, development and operation of regional recreation areas and facilities to review the nature and scope of existing recreational facilities and activities in the Portage Area. The Crichton McCormick Memorial Park is the major recreational facility serving the Portage Area.
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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 providng 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 reviewng the study to make a determination if a Circuit Rider Grant can be applied for to fund the Recreation Manager.
Board Members
- Kathy Hough-President – PASD 2022-2024 3 yr term
- David Squillario-Vice President (B) 2024-2026 3 yr term
- Sharon Squillario-Sec/Treas (B) 2022-2024 1yr term
- Benny Selapak-member (T) 2022-2024 1 yr term
- Sherri Nolan-Member (T) 2024-2026 3 yr term
- Jennifer Miller-member (T) 2024-2025 2 yr term
- George Wozniak-member (B) 2023-2025 2 yr term
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.