The Borough of Chambersburg has been awarded $400,000 through the Statewide Local Share Account Program to complete the first phase of improvements to the Eugene C. Clarke Jr. Community Center, commonly known as “The Rec Center”. The project will address heating and cooling issues that currently limit the facility’s use.
“This award represents an important investment in a community facility that serves Chambersburg residents of all ages,” said Council President Bill Everly. “The Recreation Center is a valued gathering place for youth programs, fitness activities, community events and private celebrations. These improvements will help us provide a safer and more comfortable environment while keeping recreational opportunities accessible and affordable. We greatly appreciate the support of Representative Rob Kauffman and Senator Doug Mastriano for recognizing the value that this facility provides to our local community.”
Grant funds will be used to advance heating and cooling improvements that are needed to create a more comfortable and safer setting for the wide range of programs and activities hosted at the facility. By improving comfort throughout the facility, the project will allow the Borough to make better use of this important community asset and support a wider range of year-round activities.
“The Recreation Center has served generations of Chambersburg families, and this funding will help ensure that it continues to serve the community for years to come,” said Representative Rob Kauffman. “By addressing the facility’s most urgent infrastructure needs, the Borough can improve conditions for residents while laying the groundwork for additional upgrades in the future.”
The Rec Center hosts numerous programs including preschool open gym, Little Chefs cooking camp, youth pickleball, basketball and volleyball clinics, adult fitness classes, table tennis, community yard sales, parties and other activities. Its two gymnasiums and multiple meeting spaces accommodate recreational programs, community gatherings and private events for residents of all ages. The Rec Center also hosts blood drives for the American Red Cross and tax preparation assistance from the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program.
Administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, the Statewide Local Share Account Program provides grants to support community and economic development projects that improve quality of life throughout Pennsylvania. This grant cycle, the program received $1.5 billion in funding requests and awarded $348,389,052 to selected projects.
For questions or comments, please contact Jeffrey Stonehill, Borough Manager, at jstonehill@chambersburgpa.gov.
