PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured, from left, are Ferguson Township Assistant Manager, Jaymes Progar; Ferguson Township Manager, Centrice Martin; Executive Director of CRCOG, Ben Estell; Centre Region Parks and Recreation Director, Kristy Owens; and Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority Chair, Kathy Matason.

PHOTO PROVIDED
Pictured, from left, are Ferguson Township Assistant Manager, Jaymes Progar; Ferguson Township Manager, Centrice Martin; Centre Region Parks and Recreation Director, Kristy Owens; Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority Chair, Kathy Matason; and Executive Director of CRCOG, Ben Estell.

STATE COLLEGE — The Centre Region Council of Governments (COG), Ferguson Township and Centre Region Parks & Recreation Authority (CRPR) are pleased to announce the official opening of Whitehall Road Regional Park, a new 100-acre regional destination offering recreation, green space and community access in Ferguson Township, nestled along Whitehall Road in the Musser Gap area.

Celebrate the Park’s Opening

Following an extended construction process, the park’s first phase is now complete and ready for public use. An official Opening by Centre Region Parks and Recreation was recently held. Park amenities, including trash cans and recycling bins, will be made available starting Monday. CRPR will plan and announce a Grand Opening event in the near future.

“Whitehall Road Regional Park has been decades in the making–and now we have proudly opened its gates as a vibrant hub for play, sport, relaxation and connection. From premier athletic fields to an all-abilities playground, indoor restrooms, pollinator gardens, walking paths and a story walk that sparks the imagination, this community treasure truly has something for everyone. We extend our deepest thanks to the dedicated staff, patient community, generous donors and our municipal partners within the Centre Region Council of Governments. Your support and vision have brought this long-awaited dream to life, overlooking one of the most beautiful views in the Valley,” said Kristy A. Owens, Director of Parks and Recreation.

Special thanks are extended to Kristy Owens, Director of Parks and Recreation; the CRPR project team; the Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority and the CRPR maintenance crew, led by Jim Carpenter, for their dedication and hard work in bringing Whitehall Road Regional Park to life.

Park Amenities

The first 50 acres of phase one include:

— Two tournament-sized multipurpose rectangular fields featuring LED sports lighting

— Two medium-sized grass fields for versatile sports and community leagues

— A 15,000-square-foot accessible “We Play Together” playground designed for inclusive play

— The Mascolo Garden Reflection Area, a peaceful landscaped retreat

— A Story Walk curated in partnership with Schlow Library for family literacy and outdoor exploration

— Walking trails with connections to the Musser Gap Greenway–linking Rothrock State Forest to the regional park

— Pollinator gardens, ADA-compliant restrooms, indoor storage and parking

— A maintenance facility to support preservation and upkeep

Future Pavilion & Concessions in 2025

CRPR has secured funding through donations, grants and municipal contributions to build a pavilion and concession area in 2025/2026. The pavilion will provide much-needed shady gathering space, and the concession stand will serve food during tournaments and community events.

Park Development History

— The property has been held in trust by Ferguson Township and COG and leased to CRPR for 50 years. It was first acquired in a 75-acre parcel in 2008, followed by an additional 25 acres in

2011.

— A master planning process began in 2009-2010, with formal adoption in 2013. Further design and land-development approvals occurred through 2019. The groundbreaking occurred on April 27, 2022, and construction commenced in winter 2022.

Centrice Martin, Ferguson Township Manager, added, “This park delivers on our community’s vision for accessible, inclusive and high-quality recreational opportunities. Ferguson Township is proud to have been a foundational partner in bringing Whitehall Road Regional Park to fruition. We look forward to seeing it become a vibrant hub for families, athletes and nature lovers across the region.”

Overcoming delays

The project faced unexpected construction challenges, seasonal delays, utility coordination issues, supply chain disruptions with final delays attributed to stormwater management. Final stormwater engineering requirements have since been resolved. Ferguson Township Manager Centrice Martin and CRCOG Executive Director Ben Estell worked diligently to move the project forward, remaining committed to ensuring full compliance with the Township’s Stormwater Management Ordinance. Since the beginning of the year, Martin and Estell convened their teams multiple times to develop and implement a coordinated plan and timeline, recognizing the critical importance of stormwater compliance. As the park opens, it reflects a shared commitment to environmental preservation — an enduring priority for both Ferguson Township and the Centre Region — where adherence to regulatory standards plays a vital role in protecting natural resources, maintaining water quality and supporting sustainable development.

Ben Estell, Executive Director of CRCOG, remarked, “Whitehall Road Regional Park represents the power of regional cooperation and the dedication of so many local leaders and community members. This park is not just a place to play–it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together. We’re thrilled to welcome residents to enjoy the fields, trails, playgrounds and natural beauty that this space offers.”

Community Engagement & Donor Opportunities

CRPR continues to provide monthly updates to the CRPR Authority and COG General Forum. Community members may contribute to the park’s future amenities by donating online, by mail or in person.