Changes could be in store for a pair of popular recreational facilities in Lehighton.

In an attempt to get the ball rolling borough council, on a 5-1 vote at a special meeting this week, approved a resolution to submit and application to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a $530,000 grant.Councilman Joe Flickinger was opposed. Council President Grant Hunsicker was absent.In a related matter, council, on the same 5-1 measure, with Flickinger opposed, approved the funding commitment letter in the amount of $265,000, as well as a letter supporting the project.As part of the project the baseball diamond at Baer Memorial would be replaced with basketball courts and be handicapped accessible. Additionally, the basketball court at the grove would be removed, according to borough secretary Brenda Koons.If there is money left over from this grant, Koons said the borough would start on the rehabilitation phase of the grove playground, which would include different play stations for different age groups, as well as a handicapped accessible area. Also, the tennis courts could be rehabbed. The existing pavilion may be taken down and replaced with a bigger one, she said.Also, a little league baseball diamond may be installed in another section of Baer Memorial, Koons said."It will be done in phases," Koons said. "We will keep applying for DCNR grants until we get the playground completely redone to be more family friendly."Other businessIn other business, council:• Approved the solar panel installation at Baer Memorial in the amount of $18,987.• Agreed to trade the 2014 police interceptor in for a 2015 police interceptor SUV.• Agreed to host the 2015 Carbon County Senior Games from May 5-13.