Trail connectors open along foothill ridge
Residents celebrate safer walking routes linking neighborhoods to downtown Indiana.
Friends of Burrell Township Parks & Recreation Foundation
Ridge trails, lively parks across Burrell Township
We fund foothill greenways, playground upgrades, youth athletics, and inclusive recreation programs that keep Indiana County families moving outdoors through every season.
$1.2MAnnual Investment
28Active Programs
9Park & Trail Sites
11K+Participants Served
640Volunteer Hours
Our Mission
Investing in outdoor life for every Burrell Township neighbor
Friends of Burrell Township Parks & Recreation Foundation channels philanthropy toward accessible green spaces, youth athletics, and wellness programs that strengthen community bonds across Indiana County.
From Philadelphia Street corridors to neighborhood pocket parks in the Appalachian foothills, we partner with township staff, civic clubs, and local businesses to expand what public recreation can offer families, seniors, and adaptive athletes alike.
Core Values
Principles that guide every grant and program
Access for All
Every resident deserves safe paths, inclusive facilities, and affordable recreation regardless of income or ability.
Stewardship
We protect ridge-line views, maintain equipment responsibly, and plan for long-term park sustainability in the foothills.
Community Voice
Residents shape priorities through surveys, advisory councils, and open planning sessions each season.
Transparency
Grant decisions, budgets, and impact metrics are published for public review and accountability.
Our Story
A local foundation rooted in Burrell Township heritage
Founded to supplement township recreation budgets, we have grown into a trusted partner for capital projects, program scholarships, and emergency facility repairs across Indiana, Pennsylvania.
Our board includes parents, coaches, landscape architects, and business leaders who volunteer time to review proposals and celebrate the teams that make Burrell parks vibrant gathering places along the Kiskiminetas watershed.
Timeline
Milestones across Burrell Township parks
- 2013Foundation incorporated to support township recreation capital needs.
- 2016First community trail connector funded along a foothill ridge corridor.
- 2019Adaptive recreation equipment installed at two neighborhood parks.
- 2022Scholarship fund launched for youth sports registration fees.
- 2026Master plan advisory process underway for the next decade of park growth.
Leadership
Stewards of Burrell Township recreation
OROSCO HAVEN GABRIEL
Executive Director
OROSCO HAVEN GABRIEL leads daily operations, community partnerships, and grant administration from our Indiana office on Philadelphia Street. With deep roots in Indiana County, Gabriel coordinates township staff, volunteer councils, and donor networks to keep foothill parks welcoming year-round.
Board of Directors
Community leaders oversee strategy, grant review, and partnership development.
Program Advisors
Coaches and instructors guide quality standards for funded activities.
Youth Council
Teen ambassadors gather feedback from peers on facilities and events.
Strategic Plan
2024–2028 priorities for parks & recreation
Renovate aging playgrounds, expand shade structures, and improve restroom accessibility at high-traffic foothill sites.
Grow seasonal camps, after-school enrichment, and senior fitness classes with sliding-scale fees.
Deepen ties with Indiana Area schools, healthcare providers, and Armstrong-Indiana civic organizations.
Grants & Funding
Apply for recreation project support
We award mini-grants for equipment, events, and capital improvements that align with our strategic plan and serve Burrell Township residents.
Who can apply?
Nonprofits, schools, civic groups, and township departments serving Burrell recreation may submit proposals during open cycles.
What we fund
Playground upgrades, trail markers, adaptive sports gear, tournament hosting, and program scholarships.
Review timeline
Applications are reviewed quarterly; decisions communicated within six weeks of each deadline.
Park System
Green spaces that anchor Burrell Township neighborhoods
From open meadows to wooded buffers along the foothills, our funded sites offer picnic areas, sports fields, and quiet paths for everyday recreation.
9Park Locations
38Acres Managed
5Sports Fields
2Splash Features
Trails & Greenways
Connecting walkers, runners, and cyclists safely
Foundation grants have paved multi-use segments, installed wayfinding signage, and added benches along popular routes near Indiana and the Laurel Highlands approaches.
Upcoming projects include lighting upgrades and native plant restoration along creek-side corridors in the Appalachian foothills.
Playgrounds
Inclusive play for every age and ability
We prioritize universal design, shade cover, and soft-surface materials so families can play comfortably through Pennsylvania summers.
2026 playground refresh sites
Three neighborhood parks will receive new climbing structures, sensory panels, and accessible swing bays funded this cycle.
Safety inspection schedule
Certified inspectors review all equipment biannually; reports are posted on our resources page.
Youth Sports
Leagues that build confidence on and off the field
Soccer, baseball, flag football, and cheer programs receive equipment grants and coach training supported by the foundation.
Spring Soccer
Registration scholarships available for qualifying families.
Summer Baseball
Field improvements funded at two municipal diamonds.
Fall Flag Football
New timing equipment installed for tournament weekends.
Seasonal Programs
Camps, clinics, and enrichment through the year
Day camps blend outdoor exploration, arts, and sports with trained counselors at township recreation centers across Indiana County.
Weekly nature hikes, creek ecology lessons, and team-building games for ages 7–11.
Multi-sport rotations with certified coaches for ages 8–14.
Creative workshops culminating in a community showcase performance.
Adaptive Recreation
Programs designed for participants of all abilities
Specialized equipment, trained staff, and sensory-friendly schedules ensure inclusive experiences across sports and arts offerings in Burrell Township.
Community Impact
Recreation as a catalyst for civic pride
Park cleanups, holiday festivals, and volunteer build days unite residents around shared outdoor spaces in the foothills.
Last year, foundation-supported events drew more than 7,500 attendees and generated measurable increases in park satisfaction scores across Burrell Township surveys.
Volunteers
Lend your time to Burrell Township parks
Trail stewards, coach mentors, and event greeters are always welcome. Orientation sessions run monthly at the recreation office on Philadelphia Street.
Partners
Collaborators who multiply our impact
Burrell Township
Joint planning for capital projects and program delivery.
Indiana Area Schools
After-school and field-trip recreation partnerships.
Local Businesses
Sponsorships for tournaments, equipment, and scholarships.
Governance
Accountable stewardship of donor resources
Policies guide conflicts of interest, grant review, and financial oversight with annual independent review.
Board
Directors committed to Burrell recreation
Our volunteer board meets quarterly to approve grants, review audits, and set long-range priorities for park investment across Indiana County.
Transparency
Open books, open processes
Financial statements
Audited reports and Form 990 summaries available upon request through our contact page.
Grant awards
Recipients and award amounts published after each quarterly cycle.
Meeting minutes
Board minutes posted within thirty days of each quarterly meeting.
Impact Metrics
Measuring what matters in Burrell Township
91%Park Satisfaction
74%Scholarship Fill Rate
11Capital Projects
100%Audit Compliance
Annual Report
Year in review for parks & recreation
Our latest annual report highlights grant outcomes, volunteer contributions, and capital milestones across Burrell Township and Indiana County.
Download Resources
Stories
Voices from the field and the playground
Scholarships cover 95 youth registrations
Spring sports season launches with expanded access for qualifying families.
News
Latest updates from the foundation
Grant cycle opens for playground upgrades
Applications accepted through July for inclusive equipment projects.
Volunteer orientation dates announced
Monthly sessions begin at the recreation office on Philadelphia Street.
Events
Upcoming gatherings in Burrell Township parks
12Jun
Summer Kickoff Festival
Live music, food vendors, and youth sports demos at the central park meadow.
19Aug
Trail Steward Workday
Volunteers needed for signage and native planting along greenway segments.
Resources
Forms, guides, and reference materials
FAQ
Common questions about our work
How do I apply for a grant?
Review eligibility on our grants page and submit during open quarterly windows via the contact form.
Can individuals donate equipment?
Yes — contact us to coordinate in-kind gifts that meet safety and insurance requirements.
Where do donations go?
Funds support capital projects, scholarships, and program grants per our strategic plan.
How can my business sponsor an event?
Explore partnership tiers through our partners section or email our team directly.
Burrell Township & Indiana County
Appalachian foothills community with deep outdoor traditions
Burrell Township balances small-town character with steady growth along the Kiskiminetas River valley, making thoughtful park investment essential for quality of life near Indiana, Pennsylvania.
We collaborate with county planners to align recreation assets with residential development and environmental stewardship goals across the Laurel Highlands approaches.
Contact
Reach the foundation team
Contact Information
Friends of Burrell Township Parks & Recreation Foundation
983 Philadelphia St Indiana, PA, 15701-3935 United States
OROSCO HAVEN GABRIEL
Send a Message
Gallery
Moments from Burrell Township parks & trails
Snapshots of youth sports, meadow gatherings, and foothill greenways funded through community support.
Stay Connected
Burrell Parks Bulletin
Seasonal updates on grants, events, trail openings, and volunteer opportunities across the foothills.