Lansford Borough is one of some three dozen communities benefiting from $200,000 in Community Impact Grants from the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau.

The $8,000 matching grant will go toward improvements at Ashton Park, where Parks and Recreation Chair Michele Bartek wants to do maintenance on the concession stand as well as remove some trees.

The councilwoman said the historic structure at the former pool complex needs repairs to the roof and brickwork to prevent further deterioration. The concession stand also needs a sink and water line, she said.

“It’s usable,” Bartek said on Tuesday. “But it’s not going be usable if it keeps up the way it is. You’re going to have another historic property go to hell, and I’m not going to see it happen anymore.”

Bartek has also discussed removing and pruning trees at the park, which could be one day be a stop for tourists or trolley tours, she said.

PMVB’s Marlyn Kissner told council members last week that the Community Impact grant was a 50-50 matching grant, but the borough could also count in-kind services toward that $4,000 match.

On Tuesday, Kissner said that she would work with Bartek on the details of the plans for the park moving forward.

Over the past five years, the PMVB has invested more than $1.6 million in projects strengthening local neighbors by supporting safer, more organized and visually vibrant public spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

“This grant program is a reinvestment in our communities through funded projects that make life in the Poconos safer and more accessible,” said Chris Barrett, PMVB president and CEO.

Local governments, Main Street organizations and municipal and redevelopment authorities were eligible to apply for streetscapes and beautification, including curb, street and parking line painting; sidewalk repairs; tree and shrub trimming; trash cleanup and receptacles; and trail or park maintenance.

Grants were capped $10,000 and projects considered competitively. Approved projects must be completed by Dec. 1, 2026, as grant funds will not carry over into 2027.

Among the communities receiving grants were Jim Thorpe, $10,000, crosswalk and handicap curb cut for streetscape project; Palmerton, $8,000, park bandstand; Jim Thorpe Area School District, $10,000, L.B. Morris sidewalk project; Penn Forest Township, $6,000, Penn Forest Recreational Trail; and Summit Hill, $3,675, borough park beautification initiative.