Water Tower Center could receive make-over with grant
by Kristin Pazulski
The Water Tower Recreation Center building has been in need of numerous
repairs, as evident by the current projects of repairing the roof and
painting the interior. It’s no secret that the 87-year-old building
is in need of other repairs.
It was closed March 3 after lead was found in the center’s chipped
paint. Recreation Commissioner Victor Richard has said he expects the
emergency repair work to be done this week.
In hopes of addressing some of the center’s physical flaws, the
Chestnut Hill Community Association has applied for a $1 million federal
grant from Housing and Urban Development through U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum’s
office. If received, the $1 million would go to the city’s Department
of Recreation, which owns the center. The CHCA and Water Tower Advisory
Council have already discussed how they would use the funding.
Jeremy Heep, chairman of the CHCA Water Tower committee, said the plan
was to conduct a study of the center and its grounds to identify the most
pressing needs. He said such a study could cost $10,000 to $25,000. The
study would be used to prioritize projects, which would then be implemented.
“The vision is to take a great community resource and make it better
through a comprehensive rehaul,” Heep said, adding that probable
improvements would be to:
• sewage and draining
• restrooms
• lighting
• landscaping
• energy efficiency
• parking
• playgrounds
• memorial park.
The plan is to ask local politicians to support the Water Tower improvements
by matching the grant, if received.
“All these grants and all this money coming to the Water Tower
is perfect timing,” said Barbara Diaz, vice president of the Water
Tower Advisory Council. “It’s truly a dream come true for
us.”
The Water Tower is also expected to be a candidate for a $3,000 grant
from Starbucks Coffee and The Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary.
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