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Logan Township will be getting another $655,800 state grant to create a soccer/recreational complex at Strawberry Hills, west of Juniata.
The township will use the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' funding for the construction of pedestrian walkways, a pavilion, soccer fields, an access drive, parking area and stormwater management measures; the installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, fencing, park signage and utilities.
It will also be used for ADA access, landscaping, project signage and other improvements, according to a Friday release from state Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, and state Rep. Lou Schmitt, R-Altoona.
In March, Logan received an $850,000 state grant for the soccer field project. That funding, it was said, could help the township get the rest of the $1.5 million needed for the work.
The Local Share-Statewide money, coupled with $150,000 the township got last summer from the state Department of Community and Economic Development, comprised about two-thirds of the total required, said township Planning Director Cassandra Schmick last spring.
"This DCNR investment will further advance this soccer complex project that will support the growth of youth soccer in the area," Ward said. "This project offers an exciting opportunity to attract tournaments drawing large numbers of visitors to the area resulting in significant economic benefits."
"This project is a lot more than simply adding soccer fields. This park will provide additional recreational space for all residents to enjoy," Schmitt said. "It will also create a sports destination and attract athletes and teams from across the state and beyond, helping to drive up our local economy."
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Community Conservation Partnerships Program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources.
The idea for the project came out of concerns expressed by local soccer clubs, which are always looking for more places to play besides Greenwood and Leopold parks, Valley View and a field along Loop Road near Frankstown Elementary School.
A couple of those fields have drainage problems, Schmick said previously.
The Strawberry Hills complex, with two fields close together and adjoining amenities, would allow the local clubs to host tournaments, which the current venues can't accommodate, she said.
Tournaments would bring in visitors, helping to boost revenues for local hotels, restaurants and other businesses, Schmick said.
The soccer field project is Phase 1 on the master plan for Strawberry Fields -- a tract that was slated to be the venue for a residential development that never got built.
The master plan includes other amenities, including trails.
There has also been a proposal for a large sports complex at Strawberry Hills, an idea that the Central Blair Recreation & Park Commission supports.