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Westmoreland County approves 1.7 million USD tourism plan centered on parks
Sunday, January 19, 2025
The Westmoreland County commissioners have permitted a $1.7 million tourism plan for 2025, with a robust emphasis on enhancing the county’s 12-park system.
Funded by 40% of the county’s 5% resort tax, the plan prioritizes park refurbishments, upkeep, and security enhancements, aligning with native authorities efforts to bolster tourism and neighborhood engagement.
Key initiatives embrace a $970,174 funding for common park enhancements, comparable to renovating the decrease lake gazebo at Twin Lakes Park, resurfacing roads and parking heaps, and changing getting old playground gear and pedal boats.
An extra $81,440 will fund security upgrades, new shade timber, picnic areas, ballfield repairs, and new climbing areas at Twin Lakes and Northmoreland Parks.
Signature occasions and festivals are additionally supported within the plan. The Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Competition, held over the July 4th weekend at Twin Lakes Park, obtained $165,000 for operations, whereas almost $94,000 was allotted for a scaled-down, one-day air present at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. Funds will even assist county-wide advertising campaigns to draw guests.
Commissioner Sean Kertes described the parks as “hidden gems” deserving reinvestment to profit residents and guests. Commissioner Ted Kopas highlighted the function of tourism {dollars} in supplementing property tax income, enabling these investments.
Roughly 60% of the resort tax income is allotted to Go Laurel Highlands, a regional tourism company selling points of interest in Westmoreland, Fayette, and Somerset counties. The remaining funds are managed by the county for its tourism initiatives, together with a latest $548,000 grant distribution to 47 native companies and organizations.
