Improving parks. Connecting communities. |
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Utility Box Murals: Accessible Community Art Comes to Downtown Pottstown Local artists have been hard at work to bring a pop of color to downtown Pottstown. After receiving private funding, the Borough of Pottstown in collaboration with PARRC and ArtFusion 19464, have been working to support artists in creating beautiful displays on signal boxes located all around the downtown area. The project will consist of six individual murals, each created by five artists with a different inspiration. Two additional murals are anticipated in the fall. The purpose of the project serves not only to build on Pottstown's revitalization efforts, but as a means of connecting community members and visitors to the cultural and historical importance of the area. The murals also highlight the need for art that is free and accessible to the public. The positive effects this type of project can have on the community are already apparent; three of the murals are complete and have received resoundingly positive feedback from community members who want to see more projects like this in the near future. |
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PARRC Welcomes New Parks and Recreation Assistant: Emma Heffner PARRC is excited to announce the hiring of a new staff member: Parks and Recreation Assistant, Emma Heffner. Emma's role will help to expand PARRC's outreach and communication efforts as the organization continues grow. Emma is originally from Reading, Pennsylvania, and received her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont in 2020. After spending some time living in New England, she couldn't be happier to be back in Pennsylvania, serving the community she grew up in. She has a background in land conservation and communications, and is passionate about making the outdoors accessible to everyone. Outside of work Emma is an avid runner, music lover and coffee connoisseur. She is excited to work with community members and organizations to promote the wonderful outdoor spaces the Pottstown Region has to offer. |
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Nearly $1M in New Funding for PARRC ProjectsIn the first half of 2023, seven PARRC communities have been awarded grant funding toward the continued improvement of and access to parks and recreational facilities in the region. Two PARRC municipalities received funding from the DCED Local Share Account program. East Coventry Township received $441,700 for Phase 1b redevelopment of Towpath Park. This project will include improvements to trails, parking and ADA accessibility, signage and a new playground. Douglass Township received $57,000 for the purchase of new park landscaping equipment. The Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation's grant program awarded a total of $110,000 to East Coventry, North Coventry, Washington, Upper Pottsgrove and Lower Pottsgrove Townships. The Borough of Pottstown received $5,000 from the PECO Green Region grant program for the Riverfront Park Tree Management Plan. The Montco 2040 Implementation grant program awarded Upper Pottsgrove Township $200,000 for Phase 1a redevelopment of Hollenbach Park. And finally, North Coventry Township was awarded $102,000 from the PA Fish & Boat Commission and $41,000 from the Chester County Preservation Partnership Program for a new boat ramp and adaptive kayak launch at Riverside Park. PARRC thanks these funders for their continued generous support of park and recreation projects in the PARRC region. |
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PARRC's New Nonprofit: The PARRC Foundation PARRC has recently established the PARRC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that will support PARRC's mission. The Foundation is a supporting organization to PARRC and will seek grants and private funding in support of parks and recreation projects throughout the region. Establishment of the Foundation is part of PARRC’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. PARRC, originally a sub-committee of the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee (PMRPC), was established in 2012 and with six municipalities. Currently, PARRC operates under its own intergovernmental agreement and includes eight municipalities in three counties. Member municipalities in Montgomery County include Douglass Township, Lower Pottsgrove, West Pottsgrove, Upper Pottsgrove and the Borough of Pottstown; in Chester County, East Coventry and North Coventry Townships and in Berks County, Washington Township. The committee also includes representatives from the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation. PARRC’s committee members will serve as the new PARRC Foundation’s board members. For more information on PARRC and the PARRC Foundation, visit www.parrc.net. |
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Upcoming Events in the PARRC Region Pottstown Nights Car Show, Saturday, July 1, 4:00pm to 9:00pm, High Street, Pottstown. Presented by Red Horse Motoring Club. Check out classics, antiques, hot rods and more. Strawberry Festival, June 10, 11:00am to 3:00pm. S, 2341 E High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. Event benefitsLower Pottsgrove Historical Society. Juneteenth at Pottsgrove Manor, Saturday, June 17 at 12pm to 2pm, 100 West King St. Pottstown. Honor the history of the Black experience in America with two Juneteenth presentations. Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday, June 17th, between Hanover and York Streets and in Smith Family Plaza, Pottstown. Vendors, food trucks, kids’ fashion show, yoga, Double Dutch; moon bounces and carnival games.
To see more upcoming events, check out our regional events calendar below. |
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Connect with PARRC PARRC consists of eight municipalities in the Pottstown Metropolitan Region, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, Schuylkill River Greenway National Heritage Area, and a full-time Regional Recreation Planner. PARRC's mission is to advance the planning, development and maintenance of parks, trails and recreational facilities and encourage open space preservation for the enjoyment of all. In Montgomery County, PARRC includes Pottstown, Douglass Township, and Lower, Upper and West Pottsgrove Townships. In Chester County, PARRC includes East Coventry and North Coventry Townships, and in Berks County, Washington Township. Stay up to date and learn more about ongoing projects and events by visiting PARRC.net and our Facebook page. | | |
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