Waynesburg University was recently awarded a $2,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greene County. The grant is funded by the Forever Greene Fund to address various needs within the community.
The $2,000 grant will be used for Waynesburg University’s Wisecarver Reservoir Project, which involves the development of an outdoor recreation area in Greene County about one mile from the University.
“The Community Foundation Grant awarded to Waynesburg University will allow us to participate in this project at the ground level,” said Dr. Janet Paladino, professor of biology. “By Dec. 31, 2022, we will develop a two-mile walking trail around the perimeter of the Wisecarver Reservoir.”
The project will begin this spring under the direction of Dr. Paladino, with assistance from Waynesburg faculty, staff and students. The initial phase will include removing vegetation to create an ADA-compliant walking trail around the reservoir.
The project will not only provide an outstanding educational opportunity for the University, but it will also provide several opportunities for the community to grow.
“The project benefits the residents of the county and the University as a local venue to engage in environmental education, health and recreation,” Dr. Paladino said. “It should also boost the economy by not only keeping money in the county – instead of residents traveling elsewhere for such activity – but it also provides potential economic impact from tourism beyond our county.”
The Wisecarver Reservoir Project took a significant step forward in February 2021 when various Greene County constituents, including the Greene County commissioners, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority and Mackin Engineering, met to create a master plan to develop the site.
Waynesburg University is proud to assist with the first phase of the multi-phase approach.
“The park’s future success is contingent on a strong relationship between constituents, and we at Waynesburg University have the human resources to help move the master plan forward,” Dr. Paladino said.
For more information, contact Dr. Paladino at jpaladin@waynesburg.edu.
ABOUT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREENE COUNTY
The Community Foundation is the central philanthropic vehicle in Greene County for donations of various types and sizes. It builds capital by professionally managing permanent donor endowment funds and strategically making grants that meet the current and emerging needs of the community. The Community Foundation was established in 2000 and now manages more than $2 million in assets.
ABOUT WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.
