Jackson Township officially acquires 132-acre reservoir property from Evans City
Jackson Township formally acquired a 132-acre reservoir property along Lindsay Road from Evans City, marking the end of a years of efforts and a new chapter for the land’s future.
Officials from both municipalities met to finalize and sign documents last week at Jackson Township’s municipal building.
The deal, which was approved by Evans City Borough Council in June by a narrow 3-2 vote, includes a $1.2 million payment to the borough and a $40,000 annual contribution to EDCO Park for the next five years.
Jackson Township manager Chris Rearick said the acquisition paves the way for plans to transform the site into a public park that will balance recreation and conservation.
Preliminary ideas include the construction of nature trails, fishing and boating access, and an overall improvement of the site to provide passive recreational space for visitors.
“Effectively, the reservoir property presents both a threat and an opportunity, respectively, through lack of maintenance and abandonment; and possibility of regional recreation and conservation of the environmental amenities on the site,” one portion of the project narrative on the application reads.
Officials have applied for state funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to help cover engineering, design and other project-related costs.
If successful, those funds could cover half what the township estimates will be a $1.6 million endeavor, largely based off what it will take to repair and maintain the dam.
The money, according to the application, would also go toward the construction of a future amphitheater and concession stand, paved parking lots and the grading and materials needed to establish new trails.
Meanwhile, the township is continuing to work with neighboring municipalities to draft a fresh Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan. The 2017 version included input from only Zelienople and Harmony boroughs, but a new cooperative agreement will now add Evans City to that joint planning process, Rearick said.
He also noted public input will play a key role in shaping the park’s development, with additional planning meetings expected to be scheduled in the coming months.
“Our goal would be to have (the park) open for the public next year,” Rearick said. “I can’t say specifically at what point in the year, but the hope is to have basic improvements and amenities that would allow for public access.”
For Evans City, the sale brings a significant infusion of funds that could support long-awaited improvements at EDCO Park. Council President Cheri Deener previously said potential upgrades could include a new pool heater or an additional pavilion.
“It’s a relief that this part of the process is over with,” Deener said. “Now we can look to the future and begin making some much-needed improvements to EDCO and do what’s right for the people of Evans City.”
Jackson Township had previously attempted to seize the property through an eminent domain filing, which was part of a legal battle between the two municipalities in 2024. Evans City had challenged the move after Jackson rezoned the site for conservation and recreation use, but the borough’s appeal was ultimately denied in court.
