The Franklin Township Athletic Association is moving ahead with plans for the second phase of its Christman Field Renovation Project.

With the cooperation and support of the Franklin Township supervisors and the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company, the athletic association is beginning the application process for a Local Share Account (LSA) Monroe County grant.

The award date for this grant is March 2024.

The Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development grant through the Greenway Trails and Recreation Program, which has already been submitted, has an award date of November 2023 and supports the first phase of the Christman Field Renovation Project.

The athletic association has narrowed the choice of which phase to consider next for the LSA grant and has determined that the renovation of the Connie Mack Field or the construction of a new T-ball field, playground and parking lot would be the next phases to be considered.

Cost figures and engineering data for both projects will be completed soon and a final decision will be made by Sept. 15.

The athletic association has also created a GoFundMe page to support the Christman Field Renovation Project. Go to: https://www.gofundme.com/little-league-kids-dream-big.

The goal is $350,000 and donations will be used to move forward with one of the phase projects that are not funded by grant requests.

A new Little League field, new combination concession stand and ADA compliant restroom, a larger ADA compliant restroom at the main ball field, and water and sewer service to support the new facilities are all projects the FTAA is seeking to fund.

The GoFundMe page is a major new initiative, but the FTAA is also continuing its fundraising.

New fundraising projects are scheduled for the fall, winter and spring. The association will be giving information about these fundraising opportunities when details are finalized.