Williamsport Land Redevelopment Turns Former Landfill Into Sports Complex

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In Lycoming County, Shapiro Administration Highlights Williamsport Lumber Yards Land Redevelopment Project, Turning Former Landfill into New Sports Complex

DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley and other officials highlighted the need for new resources for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund

Governor Shapiro has called for $20 million for HSCF in his 2026-27 budget proposal to stabilize the program until permanent funding is found

April 24, 2026
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Williamsport, PA –Yesterday, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Jessica Shirley along with Senator Gene Yaw, Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, Lycoming County Commissioner Scott Metzger, and Jason Fink, President/CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce visited the new Williamsport Lumber Yards ballfield complex to highlight the success of an Act 2 Land Recycling Program project in the City of Williamsport, which transformed a former landfill into a new regional sports tourism destination. DEP’s technical review was supported by staff funded through the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA).

“This location was an eyesore and a hazard right in the heart of Williamsport, and now it’s an amazing baseball field and sports complex made possible in part thanks to funds from the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act,” said Secretary Shirley. “Not only do those funds help protect public health and the environment, but they also help turn unproductive and contaminated sites into vibrant businesses and recreational spaces —like new ballfields in a community known for baseball.”

Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed a one-time $20 million transfer in the 2026–27 budget proposal to support HSCA, which will allow for state-led site investigations and remediation projects. The HSCA program conducts initial investigations into land and water pollution to identify responsible parties. When none can be found, HSCA funding supports cleanup solutions such as land remediation and water treatment. The one-time funding in the Governor’s proposed budget will help stabilize the program while the Shapiro Administration works with the General Assembly and stakeholders to identify a long-term funding solution.

“The Lumber Yards are a perfect example of how smart investment and collaboration can turn a long-neglected site into something that truly benefits the community,” said Senator Yaw. “What was once a contaminated landfill is now a safe, vibrant space for youth sports and community activity here in Williamsport. I’m thankful to our local and state partners for joining us today to highlight the important work done to transform this space.”

The Williamsport Lumber Yards recently opened for its inaugural season and has begun hosting its first travel ball tournaments and youth clinics. The complex features six lighted synthetic turf fields, a collegiate-sized field, modern concessions, and hospitality spaces. It is anticipated to be a significant driver of economic activity for the regional hospitality industry.

The 28-acre site was an unregulated landfill in operation from approximately 1960 to 1978, where a variety of waste streams — including hazardous waste, hospital waste, septic tank waste, and incineration residue — were disposed of. Portions of the site were later used by a construction services company and for storage of road salt and cinders.

Cleanup and remediation activities undertaken at the site through the Act 2 Land Recycling Program included: soil sample collection and analysis; removal of four underground storage tanks; engineered controls, including a soil cap and vapor mitigation barrier to eliminate future pathways of exposure to visitors; and the future implementation of an environmental covenant to ensure proper long-term stewardship of the property.

HSCA provides funding for DEP staff in the Act 2 Land Recycling Program, which encourages the voluntary cleanup and productive reuse of contaminated commercial and industrial sites. Since it was established by legislation enacted in 1995, the Act 2 Program has approved 13,688 cleanups across all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.

What Pennsylvanians are reading about the Williamsport Lumber Yards Land Redevelopment Project:

• PennLive: State officials use new Pa. athletic complex to pitch for hazardous waste cleanup funding
• Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport’s new sports complex a ‘phoenix rising from the ashes’
• 28/22 News: Landfill turns into baseball destination # # #

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