CRANBERRY TWP — Two projects aimed at expanding outdoor leisure and activity options gained steam Thursday.

Township supervisors approved the expansion of the pickleball courts at Graham Park to begin this year, as well as choosing the company for initial engineering and design plans for renovations to Rotary Amphitheater.

Eight pickleball courts at Graham Park were built as part of a sports courts initiative through the Cranberry Township Community Chest (CTCC) Project of the Year in 2017. The project also included basketball and tennis courts.

The park's master plan provided for another five pickleball courts to be added. According to township Manager Jerry Andree, the Cranberry Township Pickleball Association has seen its numbers increase significantly, and the revenue generated will cover construction costs for the new area.

“We'll have about $100,000 set aside by the end of next year to cover this cost,” he said.

Andree said the township public works department would build the core of the courts this year, with surfacing and fencing finished in 2020. Current contracts will be used for the work, he added.

Supervisors Vice Chairman Mike Manipole praised efforts to expand the game's presence in the community. “It's been great seeing young people, middle-aged and older people all out there playing together,” he said.

The board also approved a $16,400 proposal from Designstream LLC to complete preliminary engineering and architectural services for renovations of the Rotary Amphitheater in Community Park. The project was recently revealed as the CTCC Project of the Year for 2020.

CTCC organizers said the project design could include an extension of the amphitheater's roof-line and performance area to protect performers and patrons from inclement weather. It could also include enhanced sound boards, upgraded electric and lighting, and facade work at the 20-year-old venue.

Andree said a group of citizens has been assisting township officials in creating a design for the project, and the architect will help the project be “really innovative.”