BUTLER TWP — Township manager Tom Knights said he can’t remember the last time the community building at Butler Township Park had structural maintenance, specifically its hardwood floors and roof.

Commissioners voted Monday, Feb. 5, to have Gateway Engineers draft a cost estimate for renovating the multipurpose building, which would include structural renovations and accessibility improvements.

The commissioners are looking to renovate several amenities in the township, including the pickleball courts at the park and the Preston Park pond dam, which Knights said also has not been renovated since the township took ownership in 2008.

Knights said Gateway Engineers will be paid its regular hourly rate to draft the cost estimates for the two projects. The building hosts meetings of organizations including the Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, so Knights said it serves a community purpose in addition to being a hub in the park.

The township may apply for a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant specifically for multiuse community facilities, to help pay for renovations to the township park building. The grant’s application deadline is in April, according to Knights. Without a cost estimate, however, the township would not have a specific grant amount to apply for.

“Our handicap accessibility there is limited,” Knights said. “If we’re unsuccessful with grants, then we’ll also look at funding it ourselves. It would probably be a slower process.”

With plans to take on a $17,750 pickleball court resurfacing project, the township commissioners approved a resolution Monday to apply for the Butler County Park Renovation Program. The maximum grant is $10,000, according to Knights.

The eventual project doesn’t involve asphalt, only paint, according to commissioner Joe Wiest.

“There is no asphalt involved in that,” Wiest said. “It’s two coats of paint and a clear coat to keep the sun from damaging it.”