Vandergrift pool finally lands $165,000 grant for new liner

State Rep. Joseph Petrarca, D-Washington Township, announced Wednesday that the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded $165,000 for a much needed new liner and other improvements to the Joseph A. Petrarca Memorial Pool in Vandergrift, named in honor of his late father, also a state legislator.

The pool grant also includes installing a boiler system and rerouting a spring away from the pool grounds to reduce mosquito infestation in the area, according to a press release issued by Petrarca’s office.

Former Vandergrift Councilman Pete Basile was working on securing a grant for a new liner and repairs at the pool before he stepped down from council this summer for health reasons.

Other projects receiving funding include:

• $39,038 for improvements to the Bradenville Playground in Derry Township, including repair and replacement of old, rusted and pitted equipment and installation of an ADA-compliant playset and safety surface features.

• $29,288 to purchase and install playground equipment at Cooperstown Park in Derry Township for children ages 2 through 12.

Petrarca said he was pleased to support community projects for recreation.

“Part of what makes a community a great place to live is ensuring that residents and their families have places to relax and spend time together,” he said, “and these funds will make sure our parks have safe, updated equipment and facilities to do so.”