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HARRISBURG, June 22 – A plan to enhance amenities at Coca-Cola Park received a $500,000 financial boost from the state Tuesday, according to state Reps. Mike Schlossberg and Peter Schweyer and state Sen. Pat Browne.
This project entails expanding the clubhouse, male and female locker rooms, training facilities, hydro space, and center field entrance to accommodate the shift in the parking situation due to the development of adjacent land/lot. The team also plans to enhance fan offerings at the ballpark by expanding the entry plaza space.
“The inflation that is being experienced by everyone at the gas pump and the grocery store also has driven up the construction costs for the stadium improvements,” Schlossberg said. “We were fortunate to acquire this additional funding for the project and thank Governor Tom Wolf for releasing it.”
“Coca-Cola Park and the Iron Pigs are true community partners, providing our kids the opportunity to go to camp and catch pop flies with pro ball players, funding ball field improvements for our little leagues and investing in our communities overall,” Schweyer said. “This funding will go a long way to maintaining the ball park and ensuring that our neighbors can continue to enjoy ball games and other events hosted at the park for years to come.”
“Coca-Cola Park, the IronPigs and baseball are all fixtures in the Lehigh Valley,” said Browne, Senate Appropriations Committee chairman. “These funds will help to ensure that Coca-Cola Park will continue to be one of finest ballparks in the country, providing our residents a place to enjoy America’s favorite pastime for many years to come.”
The grant was acquired by the lawmakers through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The lawmakers previously secured $2 million for the stadium project.
The RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvements. The projects must have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity.
Information provided to TVL by:
Tom Andrews
House Democratic Communications Office
