Township hires grant writer, approves park-design quote to pursue Lindenwood Park funding

Township staff and supervisors on Jan. 5 approved a contract with Keystone Municipal Solutions to prepare up to six grant applications in 2026 (fees listed individually in the contract; combined cost described as slightly less than $38,000) and approved a Larson Design Group quote of $3,800 for Lindenwood Park Phase II design and budget documents.

Manager Jill Lovett said Keystone helped the township with four grants in 2025 and had supported key applications including Local Share Account and Cumberland County Land Partnership submissions as well as DCNR/National Park Service work. Lovett said the Keystone contract replaces the township’s prior monthly agreement and that the contract is structured so the township is not charged for a specific grant fee if that grant is not submitted.

Lovett also said engineered design maps and a project budget from Larson Design Group are needed for 2026 grant cycles and that staff hopes to present a resolution for the DCNR/NPS application at the Feb. meeting. Vice Chairperson Jennifer DeGaetano and Supervisor Robert Line III both supported the contract authorizations, and the board approved both items unanimously.

Neither the Keystone contract nor the Larson quote in the minutes specify ultimate funding sources for awarded grants; the minutes note federal reporting requirements tied to DCNR/NPS funding if awarded. Manager Lovett described Keystone staff (Marita Kelley) as enthusiastic and invested in township projects.