City of Pittsburg Awarded $50,000 Grant from Pritchett Trust

City of Pittsburg Awarded $50,000 Grant from Pritchett Trust
Grant Funds Help Improve Connectivity and Walkability in Pittsburg

Pittsburg, KS – September 7, 2017 – The City of Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Department received a $50,000 grant at the annual Pritchett Trust awards ceremony, Thursday, September 7. The final installment of a three-year pledge totaling $150,000, this generous gift will help the city connect existing trails.

The City of Pittsburg plans to connect Pittsburg State University Trail and the Pitsco Sunflower Trail along Rouse Street, East of PSU. This grant from the Pritchett Trust will fund nearly 100% of the construction cost needed to complete the project. Connecting these two paths will greatly benefit PSU students, families and individuals who walk or bike along the busy four-lane road.

“Providing walking trails and bike paths encourages healthy activity and keeps pedestrians safe,” says Pittsburg Director of Parks and Recreation Kim Vogel. “We are continuing efforts to connect safe pathways for active transportation to areas where people learn, work, shop, play or seek medical attention. We appreciate the Pritchett Trust committee members for supporting us in this effort, over the last three years.”

The City of Pittsburg Active Transportation Advisory Board worked closely with city leaders to provide input into a bicycle and pedestrian master plan. The plan, created by Live Well Crawford County, was adopted by the city in 2015. New walking and biking trails have been installed throughout the city with the help of private donations and grant funds. Future projects to improve walkability will continue as funding allows.