Parkesburg Borough was among the recipients of eight open space preservation and park improvement grants that were approved by the Chester County Commissioners at a recent public meeting. Totaling over $1.7 million, the grants were provided through Chester County's Preservation Partnership Program, which offers funding to municipalities and nonprofit land preservation organizations.

Parkesburg Borough received $67,034 to help fund the first of three planned phases for improvements to Minch Park. The first phase will create an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant playground and gazebo, as well as rehabilitate the tennis court.

This year's grants will aim to permanently preserve significant natural, recreational, agricultural, historic, and cultural land resources; enhance public access to those lands; and implement county and municipal land use policies.

Since 1989, Chester County has funded the preservation of over 65,000 acres of farmland, open space, nature preserves, and parks in partnership with farmers, municipalities, nonprofits, and landowners in all 73 municipalities through its open lands and Agricultural Land Preservation programs.