Camp Hill, PA –The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), the only non-profit whose mission is Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests, received a grant from Community Foundation for the Alleghenies (CFA) for work on an ADA-accessible kayak launch at Prince Gallitzin State Park. The grant was made possible through the Penelec Fund for the Future of Greater Johnstown and the Robert Waters Economic Development Fund.
Community Foundation for the Alleghenies’ grant funding will help the Friends of Prince Gallitzin fund the site preparations for the ADA kayak launch, including paving for ADA parking spaces at the site and installation of a concrete bulkhead for the dock. The ADA kayak launch will be installed at the Beaverdam Boat Launch Area. The dock installation is set to begin in late spring with the ADA kayak launch open to the public by June 30th, 2020.
“It will be a great asset to the community, not only for individuals needing the ADA accommodations, but for kayakers with minor mobility issues that make it hard for them to get into & out of their kayaks,” said Jessica Lavelua, Park Manager Prince Gallitzin State Park. “For many people the hardest part of kayaking on a lake is getting in & out of the kayak and this kayak launch will help make that transition in to and out of kayaks & canoes much easier and safer.”
CFA President Mike Kane said he is delighted that the Foundation’s donors were able to support an improvement that helps build community and makes the region’s outdoor opportunities more inclusive.
“We see so much value in this project,” Kane said. “It builds on our incredible natural resources, and it extends access to include more people who can enjoy and appreciate those resources and outdoor recreation opportunities.”
“The Friends of Prince Gallitzin and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are partners in their commitment to ensuring a place and an experience for everyone in the outdoors,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “We are excited for the support of CFA in bringing this idea to reality. The project is a nice complement to other projects recently completed at the park by the Friends of Prince Gallitzin to improve the visitor experience.”
About the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Founded in 1999, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation supports 121 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest by coordinating volunteers, activities and donations through its more than 40 chapters. The mission of the foundation is to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests through public engagement in volunteerism, recreation and conservation. paparksandforests.org @PaPFF
About Community Foundation for the Alleghenies
Community Foundation for the Alleghenies is a public, nonprofit foundation that manages funds to strengthen communities in Bedford, Cambria, Indiana, and Somerset counties. CFA empowers individuals to become philanthropists, donors to make meaningful change, and caring citizens to design a legacy. For information about creating a fund or contributing to one of the 740+ funds the Foundation manages, visit www.cfalleghenies.org.