Summit Hill Borough Council and the community's recreation commission envision major improvements to Ginder Field.

During a special meeting on Tuesday, the council agreed to back the commission in applying for state grants to add parking and make pathways at the top of the field that would comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, add trees, and address some minor safety issues.Recreation commission Chairwoman Jodi McAndrew said this could be the first phase in a series of Ginder Field improvements.She said the maximum that could be obtained through the grant with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is $60,000, which includes $9,787 that the borough would contribute, potentially in material, labor and equipment.McAndrew said one portion of the grant sought is $20,000 and another is a matching grant up to $20,000. With the latter, the grant would total $20,000 and the borough, private entities and organizations would make up the matching $20,000 to bring the total to $60,000.If Summit Hill gets the grant, McAndrew said work could begin next spring and summer.If the first phase gets funded, then the recreation commission will seek funds to construct a volleyball court, bocce ball facility and horseshoe pits.The commission hopes to build a pavilion off the garage at the field and install a kitchenette. A bike park and skate park could also be installed.The commission was instrumental in installing new playground rides, making improvements at baseball fields and constructing new basketball courts next to the Ginder Field.The council unanimously approved a resolution to let the commission seek the funding.Council members Billy O'Gurek, John O'Gurek, Bill Chapman and Gregory Kosciolek were present.Council President Mike Kokinda, Jesse Walck and Mike Alabovitz were not present.