A few months ago, Agan Park improvements were little more than a discussion between borough officials in Cheswick and Springdale.
But things advanced rapidly and the facility is getting a makeover.
About $12,000 has been invested this year in upgrades. Some are complete, some are under way and others are planned.
While describing the project as a work in progress, officials from both boroughs — which oversee the 90-acre park — said they hope the public takes notice.
"It's a hidden gem," said Springdale Councilman Dan Copeland, a member of the Agan Park operating committee. "We'd like to see people start to use it a little more."
The park sits off Riddle Run Road in Springdale Township, but the boroughs maintain it.
Much of the work already completed or under way involves upgrading the baseball field. Crews resurfaced the infield using a $2,500 donation from RRI Energy. Workers are replacing the fence along the first- and third-base lines. Future plans include a French drain along the third-base line.
In 2008, thieves stole aluminum player benches and bleachers valued at $10,000. New benches — secured in concrete — have been installed and officials are awaiting new bleachers.
The officials said added police patrols and security cameras should prevent future thefts.
The concession stand now has running water after crews tapped a well on the property and installed a pump.
Much of the work is being paid for with money generated from natural gas royalties and timber harvesting done at the park a few years ago. The communities have a fund for park improvements, which contains nearly $60,000.
Copeland said donations of time and materials also have helped. One example, he said, is Springdale Borough's public works foreman, Bill Cadamore, who donated gravel for drainage work.
Cheswick Councilwoman Gayle Godfrey, a park committee member, said one improvement she wants is to pave the park's access road. It's mostly gravel, but much of it is dirt.
"I would really like to see that road paved, although I know it's an expensive proposition," she said.
