Aerial view of the Hanover 7A site, looking northeast, with the entrance to the South Valley Parkway in the foreground.
Earth Conservancy (EC) has received a $6.7 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection through its Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program to transform the Hanover 7A site into a new regional park.
Located off State Route 29 in Hanover Township, the 30-acre parcel has a long history of mining-related damage. Once strip-mined by Glen Alden Coal Company and later used for debris disposal after the 1972 Agnes Flood, the site remained neglected until EC acquired it in 1994. While initial reclamation began in 2006 and part of the land was developed into a state police barracks in 2019, plans for a public park have gained momentum in recent years.
With support from local leaders, schools, and residents, EC secured planning funds in 2021 to evaluate the site’s reuse. The studies confirmed the need for additional remediation before public use. The newly awarded AMLER funds will allow EC to complete major earthwork, install utilities and parking, and begin construction on features like walking trails, grass fields, and an inclusive playground.
“This is a transformative investment for our community,” said EC President & CEO Terry Ostrowski. “What was once a strip mine will soon be a vibrant community space that supports recreation, connection, and economic growth.”
Local officials, including Senator Lisa Baker and Representative Alec Ryncavage, applauded the project for its environmental and public health benefits.
The Hanover 7A park is the latest step in EC’s mission to reclaim mine-scarred lands and improve quality of life in the Wyoming Valley. To date, EC has reclaimed over 2,090 acres and conserved more than 9,300 acres for public use.