ZELIENOPLE — Jackson Township residents will pay lower member fees at the borough swimming pool because the township donated money to the community park.

The township donated $25,000 to the park, which was planned in the township’s 2016 budget.

“It’s phenomenal,” said park director Alecia Flood. “It’s fantastic that they’re donating so we can work together as a borough and a township.”

The donation not only benefits the park, but also township residents.

Because of that action, township residents who are members or want to become members of the pool will save money on membership fees.

Pool membership rates for them, which became available this week, will decrease to the same that Zelienople residents pay.

An individual with the discounted rate saves $25, a family of two or three saves $45, a family of four saves $65 and a family of five or more saves $70. Nannies also save $10 in fees.

“The borough residents get a discount because they live in Zelienople,” Flood said.

Park President Jeff Barkley said the park asked the township in 2015 for the donation.

“There seemed to be an interest in developing a partnership based on their desire to expand something for their residents in regard to parks and recreation,” Barkley said.

“It just kind of makes sense with what’s going on in the local communities with Harmony and Zelie merging their fire departments,” he continued. “Why not come together with this park as well.”

Flood said park officials are trying to talk with Lancaster Township and Harmony to contribute to the park, which could also decrease their residents’ membership rates.

This donation follows other monetary gains for the park.

Resident Tom Murray donated $100,000 to the community pool in February. He was a former pool lifeguard.

The borough also was told last month that it would receive a $700,000 state grant for the pool’s renovation and replacement project.