Hempfield moves Weatherwood Community Park, municipal complex projects forward

The first phase of its Weatherwood Community Park construction project is set to get underway in Hempfield.

Officials will vote Monday to advertise the construction bid for the first phase of the park project, which will be completed in tandem with a new municipal complex.

“We’re always trying to look for opportunities to gain funding for any of our parks projects, so we’re grateful for receiving the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant through the (Department of Community and Economic Development) for the Weatherwood phase one project,” said Marissa Haynes, director of Parks and Recreation.

Hempfield purchased 43 acres from Excela Health in 2021 for the Weatherwood Community Park and municipal complex, which will house fire department headquarters, the Hempfield Emergency Management Agency and ambulance bays in partnership with Mutual Aid, township Manager Aaron Siko said.

Hempfield received a $225,000 grant to boost the first phase.

The park — slated for 14 acres of the property — will be off of Weatherwood Lane, near Route 30 and Mt. Pleasant Road. It will feature a splash pad, a playground, outdoor fitness and yoga areas, a pavilion, a walking trail and a building for restrooms and concessions.

The township supervisors voted in January 2023 to fund $4.2 million for the first phase of the Weatherwood project. A $2.1 million grant was also secured to help pay for the first phase of the municipal complex project, which is estimated to cost $4.5 million.

The township aims to award the Weatherwood and municipal complex bid in March, start construction in May and debut the finished project in spring of 2025, Siko said.

Other recreation projects

The supervisors will also vote Monday to advertise the construction bid for a rehabilitation project at the Hempfield Township Athletic Complex, along Forbes Trail Road.

The project, estimated to cost nearly $530,000, will include mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements throughout the facility and installation of an updated HVAC system, Siko said.

The township also considered adding a new recreation space to the athletic complex, Haynes said, but the more than $800,000 price tag was too steep.

Although the municipal complex will be able to house recreation activities long term, the supervisors will vote Monday to sign a lease for a temporary recreation space in the Greensburg-Hempfield Area Library or on the first floor of the Westmoreland Mall, near Macy’s and Philip Pelusi Salon.

The township aims to have the space ready in March for the township’s preschool, art, music and active adults and seniors programs.