O’Neal Helps Secure State Grants for Wild Things Park, North Strabane Public Safety Building

April 22, 2022

HARRISBURG – Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) today announced the release of $1.5 million in state funds to further renovate Wild Things Park in North Franklin Township and to construct a new North Strabane Township Public Safety Building. 

O’Neal advocated for support through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to assist with these two important projects.

“The Wild Things Park is home to not only minor league baseball but also hosts a variety of community events,” O’Neal said. “As with any structure, and especially outdoor facilities, repair and renovation is needed from time to time in order to maintain its usefulness. This funding will play an important role in improving player and fan experience. In addition, North Strabane Township has grown significantly in the past several years. The fire and police departments need a better facility in order to operate efficiently and effectively. This new public safety building is long overdue.”

The $500,000 to renovate the Wild Things Park will include replacement of the playing surface in the facility; repair and resurface of the entire parking lot; replacement of the existing 100 and 200 level seating areas; sandblasting and painting of structural steel; replacement of the party deck; remodel of the home plate entrance area; drainage along western edge of the main parking lot; landscaping and beautification; painting of the stucco areas; renovation of the kids area; replacement of the existing scoreboard; and an upgrade to lighting for the stadium.

The $1 million new public safety building will be at the current site of the North Strabane Township Fire Department. The existing structure will be razed. As part of the project an emergency generator will support all services within the new building.

Funding for the projects was authorized by lawmakers in the Capital Budget Project Itemization Act.

The 48th Legislative District in Washington County includes the city of Washington; Chartiers, North Franklin, North Strabane and South Strabane townships; and Canonsburg, East Washington and Houston boroughs.