Reading, PA - December 18, 2025 -Today, Sen. Judy Schwank announced $187,600 in Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program grant funding for the city of Reading to assist the Reading Skatepark, located at 601 Canal St., Reading, PA 19602, with installing lighting and shade structures.

The Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program was established by Act 13 of 2012, which created the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects.

Schwank said the award creates new opportunities for the skatepark to host events, attract more visitors to Reading and Berks County, expand hours and improve safety.

"We've seen how well received the skatepark has been since it opened," Schwank said. "It creates a sense of community and opportunity for those who use it, and adding lighting opens the door to more events and will help us draw more interest from folks outside of Berks County. I'm excited to bring this funding back to Berks County, and I'm grateful to the City of Reading and the Reading Skatepark Association for their partnership on this application."

Mayor Eddie Morán said the award builds on a valued community amenity in the City of Reading.

"The Reading Skatepark has become an important community space, and this funding will allow it to be used safely for more hours throughout the year," Mayor Morán said. "We're grateful to Sen. Schwank for securing this investment and to the Reading Skatepark Association for their continued partnership as we improve quality-of-life amenities for our residents."

Reading Skatepark Association President John 'JD' Turner said the funding will significantly expand access to the facility.

"Everyone from the Reading Skatepark Association and the action sports community is very excited about this grant being used toward lighting up our skatepark," Turner said. "With the added hours of use, park users will be able to recreate during winter hours when many get off work and it's dark outside due to daylight saving time, or to get a break from the extreme heat and sun exposure in the warmer seasons. There's currently no place to skateboard when it gets dark outside in Berks County. This will help all action sports enthusiasts by providing a safely lit area, as well as increase the safety of the Southside neighborhood by being used during the evening hours. Additionally, we can host events with extended timelines, which will only benefit the community."