UPPER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — Grange Park soon may get an upgrade.
Upper Macungie Township plans to build a 10-foot wide, 5-kilometer-long macadam pathway along the edge of Grange Park, to be called the Grange Park Loop Trail.
Township staff are applying for grants to subsidize the cost of the project, which is estimated to be $700,000 to $800,000.
The township Board of Supervisors on Thursday approved an application for a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant for $250,000, which the township would need to match.
The expense would be budgeted in future years if the township gets the grant, though not in 2024.
Township Engineer David Alban said the plan includes planting about 150 trees along the pathway as well as a wildflower meadow to help with stormwater management.
“It's a good venue for hosting events."
Township Engineer David Alban
Alban said the township may start to hold 5k races when the pathway is finished.
“It's a good venue for hosting events,” Alban said.
Arts nonprofit ArtsQuest started holding events at the 165-acre facility in 2019. Before, it rarely offered programming off its home SteelStacks campus in South Bethlehem.
Last year, the nonprofit held its first annual Concerts on the Grange, a music festival featuring tribute acts. This year, it will expand to four nights of music throughout spring and summer.
SangriaFest, a popular event celebrating wine, will return to Grange Park on June 15.