· Crafton Borough, PA
For generations, this field has hosted Little League and high school baseball, soccer games, and the Carlynton Little Cougars. A developer's plan would turn it into condos and a parking lot — while we believe it should stay community space, this is a plan for a responsible alternative, and we'd like to show you.
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Crafton Athletic Field has provided recreation, enjoyment, and lasting memories for children, families, and residents of all ages. Today, this irreplaceable community asset faces the threat of housing and commercial development.
This site lays out a positive, achievable alternative — a citizen-driven plan to preserve and enhance the property as a public park and community space for generations to come. Explore it below, section by section.
A consulting firm has presented development options for this land. Toggle between the two paths below.
This plan was inspired and based on resident ideas: open lawn for games and events, courts and game surfaces, a dog park, mini golf, walking paths, and a welcoming community building for gathering and eating.
A destination for Crafton — and for neighbors in Rosslyn Farms, Carnegie, Ingram, West End, Thornburg, Green Tree, and Crafton Heights. Take the full tour →
OHM Consulting's options combine townhomes, condo buildings, and commercial buildings — convenience stores, food and beverage anchors, mixed-use retail — in various combinations.
Every version trades a precious park asset for a short-term financial gain — and negligible future tax revenue. See the numbers →
The developer's own benchmark scenario shows just how little the sale and 20 years of tax revenue would mean to either budget.
Property sale + property tax revenue (net present value)
Source: OHM Consulting benchmark scenario of fiscal requirements
| School District | Borough | |
|---|---|---|
| Property sale | $2.2M | $1.4M |
| Property tax (20 yrs) | $1.2M | $0.36M |
| Total | $5.2M combined | |
| 20-year annual budget(current one-year budget, used as the baseline for this 20-year comparison) | $40M | $6.8M |
Carlynton School District
Borough of Crafton
Averaged across 20 years, the sale and development of Crafton Athletic Field offers negligible budget relief and lacks public support. Is that worth losing a long-term community asset?
This concept was shaped by community input. Tap or click any numbered circle on the illustration to see what could go there — then imagine what you'd add.
Every numbered marker on the map is a feature from the community's wishlist. Select one to learn more about it.
This is a concept, not a final design — it's meant to spark ideas. Got one of your own? Bring it to a borough meeting.
Crafton wouldn't be the first community to decide shared green space is worth protecting.
Like Thornburg, a joint-venture model can work here — each partner brings something different to the table.
Land agreement and student-focused support
Public access, approvals, and relevant governmental support
Public promotion, design input, fundraisers, grant solicitations, and volunteers
Private business investment and promotions
DCNR development match funding, GTRP grants up to $250,000, other government grants
UPMC, AHN/Highmark, endowments, foundations, sports teams, corporate funding
Crafton-connected donors, alumni, naming rights, gifts, and fundraisers
of U.S. adults consider quality parks important when choosing where to live
— NRPA national poll, 2023
Strong resident support is key to this project's success.
Carlynton SD support shows a visible commitment to safe recreation and social interaction for students.
A stronger reason to choose Crafton to live in and invest in its historic homes.
Free gathering space, daily recreation, shade, and greener land.
Communities with quality parks see stronger housing markets and greater borough-wide property values.
Spread the word to save our parks and community spaces. Talk to your neighbors, bring it up at a borough council meeting, and share this page with anyone who cares about Crafton.
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This plan came about as a result of an October 2020 Planning Commission meeting: Community Visioning workshop. The results of this meeting were then compiled by citizens along with the help of a qualified community architect.