Unity could expand its summer recreation sites to include the Mountain View Elementary playground under an agreement approved Tuesday by the Greater Latrobe School Board.

The agreement was made in consideration of the township serving as applicant for a state grant to upgrade play apparatus at the elementary school and is contingent upon receipt of the funding through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation grant program.

If approved, the grant would cover the majority of the anticipated project cost of $165,752. A 15% local match of $24,863 would be provided by the Mountain View Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, which also is a party to the agreement.

“We’re very hopeful it will be approved,” said Michael O’Barto, a township supervisor and former school board member.

According to Kurt Thomas, the school district’s director of facilities, operations and planning, the project would update play equipment dating from the late 1990s and would include components meant to help children’s physical development and to stimulate their senses of sight, hearing and touch.

Recent renovations at the Mountain View playground included cutting down some trees and installing a pit for playing Gaga ball, which is similar to dodge ball.

District officials note the elementary playground already is available for use by township residents except when school is in session or during school events.

Under the new agreement, the Greensburg YMCA, which operates a recreational program for the township, would be able to expand that program to the Mountain View playground. The Y would need to apply to the district, at no cost, if it “seeks exclusive use or use which will substantially occupy the playground.”

The school district will continue to be responsible for maintenance and repair of the playground.

A similar project completed last year replaced deteriorated wooden play apparatus at the township’s Charter Oak housing plan and opened that facility for public use through an agreement with the plan’s civic association.

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