Photo courtesy of Larson Design Group. Preliminary rendering showing the Volunteer Park plan and walking bridge.
Lewisburg, PA — With the assistance from SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), the City of Shamokin has been awarded a $248,400 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) to support the construction of a pedestrian connector bridge at Volunteer Park.
The project will connect Claude Kehler Park to downtown, improving access to recreational spaces and supporting safe, walkable infrastructure in the City. It aligns with the broader vision of the Volunteer Park Master Plan and the Connector Bridge Feasibility Study, completed in 2025 with partial funding from DCNR C2P2.
These grant funds represent 50 percent of the estimated cost for the new bridge, and the project will continue to seek funding for the remaining portion.
This project is a cornerstone in our broader downtown revitalization and recreation access efforts,” said Betsy Kramer, program manager for Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG. “Securing this competitive DCNR grant underscores the City’s momentum in creating a more vibrant, connected community.”
The grant was announced as part of an $82 million investment by the Commonwealth on Jan. 12, 2026.
“The outdoors are for everyone—whether you enjoy spending time at a local park, out on the water, or on a trail—every Pennsylvanian deserves access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces close to home,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.
The DCNR C2P2 program supports recreation, park, and conservation projects across Pennsylvania. Funding for this award is drawn from several sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, and federal sources such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Recreational Trails Program.
About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.