Agency awards more than $100,000 to five Washington County municipalities
As Washington County continues preparations for America’s 250th Anniversary this year, the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (WCTPA) has announced the approval of five new projects through the American Spirit Grant Program. The projects, recently approved by the Tourism Agency’s Board of Directors, represent more than $100,000 in new local investments to enhance public spaces, strengthen community identity, and celebrate the county’s history.
Announced last year, WCTPA’s American Spirit Grant Program dedicates up to $25,000 per Washington County municipality to support community driven projects that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation with the intent of delivering lasting recreational, cultural, and tourism benefits in each of the county’s local municipalities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and all funded projects must be completed by July 4 to be eligible for reimbursement.
To date, 15 projects have been approved by WCTPA, totaling $354,750.
In this round of grant awards, the following five projects were approved:
• McDonald Borough will complete Phase III of its Heritage Park Upgrades, transforming the park into a fully functional tourism and event destination. Improvements include electric service and lighting for the existing bandshell, completion of stage stonework, and landscaped buffering to enhance visitor comfort. These final enhancements will enable concerts, festivals, and evening programming along the Panhandle and Montour Trail corridor.
• Chartiers Township will construct a shade structure and seating area at the newly installed pickleball courts in Arnold Park. The project will provide shaded waiting and viewing space for players and spectators, supporting growing demand for pickleball programming, tournaments, and community recreation activities.
• Canonsburg Borough will advance its Past Meets Present mural project, featuring a large-scale downtown mural celebrating the borough’s historical significance and future vision. This public art installation will create a prominent visual landmark and an interactive point of interest for visitors to the downtown business district.
• California Borough will construct an America 250 Gateway to California, a monument-style welcome sign at the borough’s entrance along Wood Street. The lighted gateway will identify California as an America 250 community, enhance community pride, and create a welcoming arrival for residents, PennWest University students and families, and visitors.
• Cross Creek Township will install a digital welcome and community information sign along the Route 50 corridor. The sign will provide real-time communication for emergency alerts, public meetings, road updates, and community events, improving public safety, civic engagement, and visitor information.
“These projects continue to demonstrate how our municipalities are embracing America 250 as an opportunity to invest in meaningful, community-focused improvements,” said Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency. “From historic markers and public art to recreation amenities and modern communication tools, this round of grants reflects both the diversity and the shared pride of our communities as we prepare to commemorate this milestone for our country. Washington County is ready to celebrate our history and invest in our future.”
The American Spirit Grant Program is designed to support projects that enhance tourism, recreation, and historical awareness throughout Washington County. Collectively, these initiatives will leave a visible and legacy for residents while welcoming visitors throughout the America 250 celebration and beyond. All Washington County municipalities are encouraged to apply.
For questions, program guidelines, and application information please visit www.washcogrant.com or to discuss a potential project contact: Will Thomeier, 724.225.3010, will@washcochamber.com; or Dana Bucci, 724.225.3010, dana@washcochamber.com.
Or, visit washcogrant.com for program guidelines and application information.
About the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency
The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency is a 501(c)(6) private, non-profit corporation led by an independent board of directors that engages in the planning and promotion of programs designed to stimulate and increase the volume of leisure and business travel into Washington County and to assist the promotional efforts of local entities that may bring visitors to Washington County. The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency is a partner of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at VisitWashingtonCountyPA.com.