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In response to a growing need and popularity for an outdoor court area in Carlisle, Carlisle parks and recreation department purchased a 2.2 acre vacant lot from Penn Central Transportation Co. and converted it into a public recreational area. On May 16th, 1981, Fred L. Owen, Jr wrote a letter to Daniel J. DiNunzio, Commonswealth of PA Department of Community stating; “This land was acquired for public recreation use with grants-in-aid assistance under the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965.” Carlisle purchased Conrail’s 2.2+ acres to the park for $9,000 and was reimbursed for $4,500 from PA Department of Community Affairs under a government amendment to preserve open spaces.
In the letter, Owen advised DiNunzio to purchase a lit-up outdoor handball court and basketball court in addition to the parks’ existing tennis court. Some of the purposes of this LeTort Renovation were that it would increase accessibility to the general public. By adding lights to the softball field, there would be greater incentive for people to attend games. Another benefit to adding lights is that games can be scheduled later in the day, including at night, increasing the hours of recreation. In addition, funds would go toward fixing the field, which was very run down.[1]
[1] Carlisle Parks Department Archives, “LeTort Park-R.R. PROP” Folder, “Letter from Fred L. Owen, Jr. to Daniel J. DiNunzio, Commonwealth of PA Department of Community Affairs, Harrisburg.” May 26, 1981.
Featured Photo: By Marley Obrecht