Five neighborhood parks and one city recreation center will be made more attractive and provide additional recreational opportunities thanks to a $1 million investment in the city that Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today.

"Green spaces, parks and opportunities to spend time outdoors are critical to the quality of life in urban areas," Governor Rendell said. "These projects, which were identified as early-action items in the city's open space strategy, will help increase nearby real estate values, make surrounding neighborhoods more livable and offer a place for families to spend quality time together."

The Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant administered through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be used for projects including:

-- Muhammad Park, West Philadelphia - Installation of a new pavilion, site furnishings, rain garden, walkways, landscaping and signage.
-- Cliveden Park, East Mount Airy - Renovations to the Cliveden Park House, drainage improvements, fencing, site furnishings and signage.
-- Clark Park, University City - Installation of a rain garden basin, trees, site furnishings, landscaping and new walkways.
-- Pulaski Park, Port Richmond - Landscaping, site furnishings, related site improvements and signage.
-- Fairhill Square, North Philadelphia - Installation of exterior lighting, site furnishings, landscaping and other site improvements.
-- Rivera Recreation Center, North Philadelphia - Improvements for accessibility and signage.

Funding for the grant comes from the Keystone Fund, a DCNR account generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax.

"These projects were chosen in part because, at each of the six locations, there are local citizens who are committed to maintaining the improvements and many partners who support the projects, including the City of Philadelphia," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said during events at Rivera Recreation Center and Clark Park today. "These improved open spaces will compliment local initiatives to revitalize nearby neighborhoods."

DiBerardinis noted that Keystone Fund grants support projects across the state, including the following recently awarded ventures:

-- York-Lancaster counties -- $1.4 million to Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County for land conservation;
-- Centre County -- $180,000 to Spring Creek Chapter, Trout Unlimited, for rehabilitation work along Spring Creek;
-- Pittsburgh -- $500,000 to Three Rivers Heritage Trail for trail construction;
-- Erie County -- $200,000 to Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority for multi-use trail construction, parking and other facilities; and
-- Luzerne County -- $250,000 to Butler Township to purchase 83 acres for recreation, open space.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses.

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