Gov. Tom Wolf announced that two projects in Chester County that will provide scenic recreation parks have been awarded grants totaling $4.67 million, writes Holly Herman for Patch. 

Westtown Township will receive $4 million that will go toward the purchase of the Crebilly Farm, which will be turned into a new township park. Meanwhile, East Pikeland Township will receive $767,600 to develop Hidden River Park and Preserve. 

These grants are allocated by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is funded through federal money. 

“We’re thrilled by this belated Christmas gift to the people of Westtown Township and Chester County,” said State Sen. Carolyn Comitta. “Saving Crebilly Farm is the result of persistence, perseverance, and partnership.” 

Westtown residents overwhelmingly voted to preserve the 208-acre Crebilly Farm in a November referendum. This provided the township with the authority to purchase the property for $20.8 million and use the newly established modest local earned income tax and real estate tax to cover part of the cost. 

The township will use a mix of grants from all levels of government along with fund-raising to pay for the majority of the purchase. 

Read more about the recreation park grants in Patch.