Penn Township recreation director could take over PTARC operations
The Penn-Trafford Area Recreation Commission could dissolve after 24 years following votes by the nonprofit’s governing bodies.
Founded in 2001, the commission organized a variety of recreational events for community members of all ages, including sports leagues, a summer playground program, an annual 5K at Bushy Run Battlefield, art activities and fitness classes.
Penn-Trafford School District voted Monday and Trafford voted Tuesday to dissolve the organization. Penn Borough was to vote on the issue Wednesday, Manor will vote Tuesday, Aug. 13, and Penn Township will vote Aug. 20.
Linda Bires, longtime director of the nonprofit, declined to comment on the matter until all of the votes have taken place.
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Penn Township Recreation Director Michael Tassone, hired in April, said he will take over the nonprofit’s operations if Penn Borough, Manor and Penn Township vote to dissolve.
“While the future of PTARC is uncertain, should it dissolve, I am prepared to continue the previously established, and widely loved, programs, basketball league and events with Penn Township Recreation,” Tassone said via email.
“During my time with PTARC, I have developed positive relationships with the instructors, coaches and residents. If given the opportunity, I plan to use my knowledge and experience to bring newfound success to the various programs as Penn Township recreation director, while continuing special events and adding more recreation opportunities for all ages.”
Penn Township commissioners voted in June 2024 to eliminate its recreation board due to difficulty recruiting volunteers. The commissioners hired Tassone, the township’s first recreation director, April 16 with a $65,000 starting salary.
A 2020 change in the state’s First Class Township code eliminated the requirement for municipalities to maintain a recreation board.
Quincey Reese is a TribLive reporter covering the Greensburg and Hempfield areas. She also does reporting for the Penn-Trafford Star. A Penn Township native, she joined the Trib in 2023 after working as a Jim Borden Scholarship intern at the company for two summers. She can be reached at qreese@triblive.com.
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