Hempfield unveils 1st phase of new $15 million park

A 43-acre plot adjacent to Route 30 in Hempfield that a decade ago was to be home to a medical complex was opened Saturday for what township leaders anticipate will be the centerpiece of a rejuvenated recreational system servicing central Westmoreland County.

Hempfield officials unveiled the nearly completed first-phase of a more than $21 million project to convert a formerly wooded site into a sprawling park along Weatherwood Lane. It sits between the Mt. Pleasant Road and Cedar Street exits of Route 30, west of the Westmoreland Mall.

Officials along with dozens of invited guests got their first look at the initial development of about 14 acres.

It includes children’s play equipment, an adult exercise area, a splash zone and water features, and a multi-use building that serves as a concession area, storage and restroom facilities.

“We envision this as being a place to bring together the communities of central Westmoreland County,” Hempfield Supervisors’ Chairman Doug Weimer said. “This is a place for recreation and we’ve set aside parcels for different purposes.

“Next year we hope to begin construction of two athletic fields, pickleball courts — all of which are funded without raising tax dollars.”

Hempfield paid $4 million to purchase the property in 2021 from what was then known as Excela Health System, which made the site available for sale after relocating a planned orthopedic center elsewhere in the region.

Township officials identified the site as a future park and through state grants and local borrowing embarked on the first phase of the project, a $15 million effort.

Marissa Haynes, Hempfield’s parks and recreation department director, said the township’s new park was specifically designed with community needs in mind and with a nod toward environmental preservation.

Trees replanted from the property prior to construction were relocated at the park and the facility’s splash area for children, a water table play area and circulating stream utilize recirculated water.

She also touted other areas of the park, which include an American Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course, yoga deck and lawn, camp area with fire pit and an interpretative play area for children.

“This was all designed for the future and additional programs in mind,” Haynes said.

The park will be open from dawn until dusk daily. The children’s splash area is expected to operate from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Haynes said.

Public opening in 2 weeks

Work crews will still need to complete the finishing cosmetic touches at the park before it officially opens to the public in about two weeks, Hempfield Township Manager Aaron Siko said.

A full-scale opening is slated for next spring.

The Hempfield supervisors are expected to award about $1 million in construction contracts this year to build a path that will link the park to Westmoreland County’s Five Star Trail.

Work also is scheduled to begin next year on construction of the park’s $5.2 million second phase that will include a football-size synthetic turf athletic field, a smaller grass field and eight lighted pickleball courts.

Siko said longer range plans call for the township to construct a 30,000 square-foot public safety center to house Hempfield’s fire department administration and emergency management services.

The township is also planning to build a 24,000 square-foot community center where it could relocate its governmental headquarters and offices.

“This is a great place for young families and seniors,” said Dan DeBone, president of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. “It’s just amazing what they have done, investing in our community. I have faith this will bring more people into Hempfield Township and into Westmoreland County. This is awesome.”