Westmoreland tourism plan will pay for park upgrades

With Westmoreland County’s 250th birthday in the rearview mirror, local leaders are eyeing the United States’ semiquincentennial in 2026.

Commissioners last week approved a plan to divert more than $1.3 million in local hotel revenue to fund tourism programs this year. But they also are looking ahead to celebrations planned in the county and throughout the nation in two years to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“We’re having another 250th celebration and we want to look at our history and make sure we invest in areas that are important,” said Commissioner Sean Kertes.

The tourism plan, as it has in recent years, earmarks a majority of funds to pay for upgrades at the 10 county parks. Commissioners said $631,000 will be used for general construction projects, including paving and resurfacing of parking lots, remediation of the Upper Dam Lake at Twin Lakes Park east of Greensburg, pavilion upgrades at Mammoth Park in Mt. Pleasant Township and refurbishment of buildings at Historic Hanna’s Town in Hempfield.

Hanna’s Town was founded in 1773 and served as the first seat of county government. It features reconstructions of a tavern, log houses and a fort, along with the county historical society’s visitor and education center.

“I would like to see us invest in Hanna’s Town heavily over the next 12 to 18 months in preparation for the nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Commissioner Doug Chew.

Another $201,000 of hotel tax revenue will be allocated to replace recreation equipment and fencing, improve ball fields and take safety measures at the parks. Commissioners said $20,000 will be used to maintain the county’s 43 miles of walking and biking trails.

Ann Nemanic, executive director of Go Laurel Highlands — the agency that promotes tourism in Westmoreland, Fayette and Somerset counties — said spending on the parks and for preparations related to the country’s birthday will add to the region’s ability to attract tourists.

“The county is supporting projects that puts an emphasis on Westmoreland County. We’re now starting to look at America 250 and the importance of Westmoreland County in the formation of the country. It’s not too early to start planning. You don’t want to wait until it’s 2026,” Nemanic said.

The tourism plan is funded by a portion of the county’s 5% hotel tax assessed on nightly room rentals. Sixty percent of the tax is funneled to Go Laurel Highlands to promote regional tourism with grants to local recipients.

About $600,000 in tourism grants funded by the hotel tax were awarded late last year to 50 organizations throughout the county.

The remaining hotel tax funds are controlled by the county commissioners to be designated for tourism programs.

In addition to the park upgrades, commissioners allocated $165,000 to promote the annual four-day Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival at Twin Lakes Park scheduled for July 4 weekend and $93,750 to promote the Westmoreland air show in June at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity. Both amounts are identical to last year’s allocations.

“The county parks are an important part of our tourism,” said Commissioner Ted Kopas. “Going forward, I’d like to see us partner with folks and be more ambitious. I want to find ways to partner with the private sector using these funds to do more outdoor recreations such as kayaking, biking and maybe building adventure parks.”