A three-phase project at Franklin Township’s Christman Field will include a new Little League field, T-ball field, parking lot and walking trail, among other improvements, officials announced Tuesday night.

Supervisors passed a resolution that formally requested a grant of $212,093 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development under the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.

The Franklin Township Athletic Association has pledged $37,429 in matching funds for the effort to bring the total project funding to $249,522.

“The first phase of this major undertaking involves paving the entrance road to Christman Field to include curbing to alleviate runoff issues,” Maj. Gen. Jay Barry said. “A new parking lot will be added with a designated, handicapped parking area. The current Connie Mack field will be landscaped to solve drainage issues and three new bleacher sections, including a handicapped accessible bleacher section, will be added. The current concession stand will have patio areas added on each end which will provide space for four picnic tables for spectator seating, including a handicapped designed picnic table in both areas.”

The centerpiece of phase two will be an area designed for younger children to enjoy. It will include a T-ball field, playground area, concession stand with an extensive patio with picnic table seating and an additional parking area with designated handicapped parking spots.

“The field,” Barry said, “will be designed to allow children with disabilities to participate in a Challenge League format and enjoy the outdoors and the game of baseball. Additionally, in phase two, the current softball field will be landscaped to deal with persistent drainage problems in the infield, outfield and spectator seating areas. Additional bleacher sections will be purchased to add to the seating area of the softball field.”

The final phase includes construction of a new regulation sized Little League field at the site of the current “Coaches Pitch” field. Barry said the field will have a “great playing surface in both the infield and outfield, fencing, dugouts, lighting and spectator seating areas.”

“This new field,” he added, “will allow more flexible scheduling of the Franklin Township Little League teams and will fulfill the need as an additional site for Little League playoffs and tournaments. The final initiative will be a walking trail through the entire Christman Field complex. It will be designed for use during the entire year as weather conditions permit. FTAA hopes that this trail will present an opportunity for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.”

“I know what that’s about,” Supervisor Fred Kemmerer said. “I remember riding my bike up to Christman Field back in the ’80s. We didn’t have the Little League field like we do now at Phifer’s.”

Supervisor Robin Cressley asked Barry what sort of fundraising they were looking at.

Barry said a three phased approach will rely on extensive funding through state, local, federal and private funding sources. Almost all of the grants require matching funds.

He and his wife, Christine, have personally donated $56,000 to the project thus far and, along with other family members, have pledged to donate up to an additional $45,000 if the FTAA fundraises a like amount in the next three years.

“One thing we want to do is set up a GoFundMe page,” Barry said. “We’re also looking at some challenge baseball and softball games, and getting some local businesses involved, like St. Luke’s Hospital and others. We also are looking at holding an annual recognition day for people who give a lot of time and effort to the Athletic Association, and honor some of the all-star players.”

“Another thing to consider,” Kemmerer added, “is that there are in-kind donations like when the township does any kind of work, that adds to the matched percentage for the grant. So that can be taken into consideration.”

If the grant is approved by November, work on the first phase could begin in the spring of 2024.

Another aspect of the park upgrades includes a walking path around the perimeter of the field, for people to walk and ride bicycles in a safe environment