Westmoreland commissioners approve $1.7M tourism plan
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Westmoreland commissioners Thursday allocated more than $1.7 million to promote and enhance tourism, with a primary focus on the county park system.
Commissioners signed off on the 2025 tourism plan that is funded through 40% of the county’s hotel tax. The tourism plan this year focuses almost exclusively on Westmoreland’s 12 parks through refurbishments, repairs and general maintenance work at the more than 4,100-acre system.
“Our parks are hidden gems within the county for our residents to go and utilize, so we want to reinvest. Our constituents want to use these,” Commissioner Sean Kertes said.
More than half of the funds allocated in the new tourism plan — $970,174 — will be used for general park enhancements that include a complete renovation of the lower lake gazebo at Twin Lakes Park, resurfacing of roads and parking lots and replacement of pedal boats and older playground equipment.
Another $81,440 will be used for safety upgrades, new shade trees, picnic tables, ballfield fixes and repairs to docks. Brandon Simpson, deputy director for the county’s public works department, said funds will also be used to install a rock climbing area in Twin Lakes Park and a new mountain climbing area for Northmoreland Park.
Promotions of festivals and signature events also are funded as part of the tourism plan.
Commissioners said $165,000 will be used to promote and pay for operations of the four-day Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival over July 4 weekend at Twin Lakes Park, while nearly $94,000 was earmarked for the county air show at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. Airport officials said the air show is expected to be a scaled-down, one-day event this year with no air performances scheduled.
Funds will be allocated for general marketing campaigns.
“These are investments that support our county and our outdoor economy that means so much to our families and visitors. We are using tourism dollars to help supplement property tax revenue, and, without these investments, we might not be able to do as much,” Commissioner Ted Kopas said.
About 60% of the 5% hotel tax is forwarded to Go Laurel Highlands, a tri-county agency that promotes tourism in Westmoreland, Fayette and Somerset counties. The remaining funds are used to pay for the Westmoreland tourism plan controlled by the commissioners.
The tourism agency, with input from the county, uses a portion of the hotel tax funds for grants distributed to Westmoreland destinations and attractions. The agency, along with commissioners, in December awarded $548,000 in new grants to 47 local businesses and organizations.