Aspinwall walking trail to be replaced this year with the help of federal grant

A deteriorated walking trail in Aspinwall’s Fireman’s Memorial Park will be renovated and widened as part of a recreation project partially paid for by a federal grant.

Borough officials awarded the estimated $50,300 project to Donora-based El Grande Industries on Sept. 8.

The North Hills Council of Governments still needs to sign off on the work. COG Executive Director Lynne Eklund said El Grande was the lowest of two bidders.

The COG was involved with the bidding process and was able to secure almost $25,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

The borough will pay for the other half of the cost.

Construction is expected to begin in October and take about a month to complete.

“The trial is in disrepair,” said Jeff Harris, councilman and parks committee chairman. “It’s been neglected for quite a while. (We’ve been) talking about upgrading it for three years to make it safer and wider for accessibility.”

The walking trail is close to 4 feet wide and stretches about a quarter-mile around the park.

Borough Manager Melissa Lang O’Malley said the project would widen it to about 6 feet. The trail would be milled and resurfaced to be more handicapped accessible and safer for strollers.

“It’s a well-used park for people in our community,” O’Malley said. “A lot of people walk their dog or do their exercise out there. There was grant money available, and that helps us to alleviate costs.”

Other park improvements being considered include updating the playground equipment.

The borough applied for a separate grant for that project. A response is not expected for at least a few months.

In the meantime, Harris is grateful for the CDBG monies and possibilities moving forward.

“We think that’s good value to improve our park for our residents,” he said. “Fireman’s Park is in need of some improvement and we’ve targeted that. It’s a nice park up on top of the hill.”

Among the recreational changes earlier this year was the expansion and renaming of Aspinwall Riverfront Park.

The site off Freeport Road, with a dog park, fishing dock and trail, was expanded by six acres. It’s now called Allegheny River Trail Park.

Coming soon to a field near you

Other park activities this year include Movie Night on Sept. 17 at Ben Killian Field along Field Avenue.

The event is presented by Aspinwall police. Admission is free.

A police-escorted bicycle run around town is set for 6 p.m. prior to the movie.

Show begins at dusk. Police will provide pizza and popcorn.