Round of grants to benefit multiple North Hills communities

Multiple communities in the North Hills are getting a boost from a recent round of state grants.

A $106,000 grant will support the chassis replacement of an ambulance from the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority.

The total cost of the chassis replacement, also known as an ambulance remount, is $225,000, according to MFPAA Chief Chris Dell.

“This grant is extremely meaningful in helping us keep our fleet current without incurring debt. We are very grateful to everyone involved in making this happen for us,” Dell said.

The grants, announced Nov. 18, come from Pennsylvania’s Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund.

State Reps. Jeremy Shaffer, R-Pine, and Arvind Venkat, D-McCandless, as well as state Sens. Devlin Robinson, R-Bridgeville, and Lindsey Williams, D-West View, assisted in securing the funding.

Remounting involves removing the patient compartment, which is seen as the box on the back of the ambulance, from a chassis with high mileage and installing it onto a brand-new chassis, Dell said.

Electrical compartments, hinges and numerous other parts are replaced. Additionally, the entire ambulance will be repainted.

“One cannot see the difference between a remount and an entirely new ambulance. Ultimately, ‘remounting’ saves our department approximately $190,000 versus the cost of an entirely new vehicle,” Dell said.

The gaming fund also awarded Franklin Park $205,000 to replace playground equipment at Blueberry Hill Park, which will increase accessibility for all children.

“The project includes the removal and replacement of outdated playground equipment in Blueberry Hill Park. The project will add ADA-accessible playground equipment that is functional for all abilities. The new equipment would qualify as a National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Playground Design,” according to Franklin Park Manager Zachary Filous.

The National Demonstration Site is a program by PlayCore aimed at creating inclusive playgrounds that cater to all ages and abilities, according to playcore.com. These playgrounds are placed on the company’s online interactive map. The nearest NDS playground is in Richland Township Community Park, according to PlayCore’s map.

“This grant will account for 43% of the total cost. We are still actively pursuing other grant opportunities and funding sources for the remaining balance,” Filous said.

For those familiar with the park, the plan is to replace the older equipment on the left-hand side of the Blueberry Patch playground at the park. A timeline is not yet available.

“Rep. Arvind Venkat and Sen. Devlin Robinson helped advocate for this project, which ultimately resulted in the much-needed funding. We could not be more thankful for their hard work,” Filous said.

A $100,000 grant, assisted by Venkat and Williams, also was awarded to the Ingomar North Recreation and Swimming Club in McCandless for new equipment and renovations of the pool.

The Woodlands, off Shenot Road in Marshall, received $200,000 for an accessible nature trail renewal, according to a news release from the office of PA Senate Republicans.

“The Woodlands is grateful to be awarded a Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund grant in support of the renovation of our nature trail. The renovation will create an outdoor accessible space for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities to connect with nature and enjoy the well-documented benefits to physical and mental health, social well-being and cognitive development,” said Denise Balkovec, executive director of The Woodlands.