Coplay Borough was unsuccessful in its bid to get $450,000 in grants for improvements to Balliet Stadium and a park off Cherry Street.

However, officials have not given up.

Coplay Councilman Steve Burker told The Press recently that the borough learned Oct. 23 that its grant applications were not approved.

"We were told the reason was there was insufficient funds to assist all the worthwhile projects like Coplay's who are requesting grants," Burker said Nov. 14.

At the Nov. 10 park and recreation board meeting, attended by members of council and the planning commission, everyone agreed to reapply next year and to search for additional grant programs for which the projects may be qualified, Burker said. They will continue to work with grant writer Scott Cope.

"All agreed to move forward and pursue every option we have to secure funding assistance in the much needed restoring and upgrading of a deteriorated and neglected system that this council and committee boards have inherited," he said.

Officials had been buoyed by a phone call received from a representative of the grant program before recipients were announced. The caller wanted to make sure Coplay Borough had its matching contribution, which was $76,000.

"[Cope] told me usually when they call like that and ask, you are really being considered," Burker said.

Burker said grants come from state tax dollars. Since Coplay residents pay into the kitty, they may as well try to get their share.

"We're supporting everybody who got a grant," Burker said. "Why not have something we can show for our tax money?"

To prepare for the next round of applications, Burker and borough officials are putting together a list of in-kind services, such as concrete work, which will be donated toward the grant projects. Such a list holds weight in the application process.

"It shows we're not just sitting back saying, 'give us money,'" Burker said. "It also shows we have support from the community."

Officials plan to hold fundraisers such as dances, concerts, dinners and basket socials in order to get money to invest in these projects, he said.

Officials also plan to include in grant applications mention of the fact that Coplay will be celebrating its 150th birthday in 2019.

"This would mean an awful lot to our community if we can have completion of all these projects by 2019," Burker said.

In addition to reapplying for grants for Balliet and the Cherry Street park, Coplay will apply for grants to build its 1/8-acre civic plaza next to the Giant Food Store on Chestnut Street.

State legislators such as Lisa Boscola, D-18th, have agreed to help the borough find the right grant program.

State Rep. Dan McNeill, D-133rd, has agreed to help find donations and in-kind services, Burker said.

Burker said Coplay officials also plan to "reach across the table" to Republicans such as Cong. Charlie Dent, R-PA.

"We're not going to stop until every project becomes a reality and that's our commitment," Burker said.