Lansford Borough Council on Wednesday applied for a second grant to complete an estimated $250,000 project to upgrade Ashton Park.

Council approved an application for $100,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for handicapped ramps, fencing and rides at the park.

The borough hopes to combine the funds from the grant with a Local Share Account Monroe Grant that it applied for in January for the park upgrades.

“We’re going to split the estimated $250,000 cost for handicap ramps and fencing and rides between the LSA funding, $150,000, and the DCNR funding of $100,000,” Council President Bruce Markovich said.

The 2025 gaming grant application was for two handicapped-accessible rides, two additional rides, handicapped-accessible ramps and fencing.

Council also reapplied for a grant for a firm to design a master site plan for Kennedy Park, which is on the opposite side of the Panther Valley Stadium from Ashton Park, or the pool park.

The borough had secured a grant through the Pennsylvania Recreations and Parks Society, but due to inaction by the architectural firm selected by the society causing a lengthy delay. The society then withdrew the grant and asked the borough to reapply.

Markovich believes the borough has a good chance of securing another grant, since it had been already approved for the one.

Resident George Gilbert asked how much the grant was for, and Markovich said that some go for $2,500 and others for $7,500, depending on the project.

“We really don’t have a lot of say in this grant,” Markovich said. “They hire the people. We just get a say in the design.”

Cameras

Councilwoman Michele Bartek suggested that the borough draft a policy for security cameras at the parks, as people and children will be on the surveillance footage and recordings.

Solicitor Bob Yurchak agreed that a policy for the cameras would be a good idea, and he also wanted to check to see if they would be able to use audio as well, because audio is now allowed on school buses.

Council members believed they need to post signs that security cameras were in use in the parks.

“It’s better to have a policy,” Yurchak said.

The solicitor said he will look into drafting a policy for the cameras.