Acorn Park work to begin in spring in Franklin Park

Updates on the way for Acorn Park in Franklin Park will include an outdoor classroom, trail work, restroom facilities and more.

“Work is expected to begin in the spring of this year and completed by the end of 2024. The borough is currently awaiting approval of a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit from the (Pennsylvania) Department of Environmental Protection before work can begin,” said borough manager Rege Ebner Jr.

The borough received two grants to help fund the approximately $1.5 million project, according to Ebner.

In the spring of 2020, the borough applied for a grant through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to help pay for proposed improvements to Acorn Park, located off Magee Road in the western part of the borough, near the Sewickley Hills line.

DCNR gave preliminary approval in the fall of 2020, subject to further approval by the National Park Service. After two years of waiting, DCNR brought the application back to the state level and formally approved the $662,328 grant.

In January, the Borough received an additional grant in the amount of $215,000 through the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County’s Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund program.

Upgrades will include formalized 5-foot-wide trails for hiking and biking, bridges at the three Little Sewickley Creek stream crossings, benches and observation decks placed along the trails, an outdoor classroom, an updated playground with a nature theme, a bicycle pump track to replace the existing asphalt court, electricity and Wi-Fi access.

Signage throughout the park will be placed, identifying important components of this ecosystem with links for more information and ways to help maintain the natural setting.

The park will also feature restroom facilities and have additional parking.

The playground, outdoor classroom, pump track and trail loop will have accessibility compliant with the American Disability Act standards.

“During construction, there will be times when the park is not available for parking. We will keep you updated through our e-newsletter and on our website,” Ebner said.

Most of Acorn Park is a natural area having been untouched for more than 100 years, according to its online description at www.franklinparkborough.us.