March 11, 2026

Nearly $1 million awarded for rec center improvements

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio presented $825,000 in federal funding to Mt. Lebanon for improvements to the recreation center on Wednesday morning. Left to right: Commissioner Nick Petti, Municipal Manager Keith McGill, State Rep.-elect Jen Mazzocco, State Sen. Wayne Fontana’s Executive Director Keith Wehner, U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, Commissioner Andrew Flynn, Assistant Municipal Manager Ian McMeans, and Commissioner Margaret Izzo. Photo: Rachel Windsor

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio joined local and state leaders Wednesday morning to announce nearly $1 million in funding to update and improve accessibility at the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center.

$850,000 will come from federal Community Projects Fund, with an additional $100,000 from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development Local Share Account.

“This project will bring more opportunities to Lebo residents, especially kids and seniors,” said Deluzio. “Congratulations to the folks in Mt. Lebanon leadership for earning this federal funding. I’ll always fight down in Washington to bring home federal money to make life better for all of us in Western PA.”

Mt. Lebanon Municipal Manager Keith McGill, who thanked Deluzio, State Sen. Wayne Fontana and former State Rep. Dan Miller for their efforts in securing funding, noted “The Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center opened in 1977 as a state-of-the-art facility so advanced, it was where the Pittsburgh Penguins practiced.”

Plans for the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center include an elevator, master staircase, additional community spaces, and facade improvements. Rendering by DRAW Collective.

Today, the nearly 50-year-old building faces accessibility and usability challenges. For instance, visitors who want to move between the building’s first and second floors must leave the building and use an exterior ramp.

“Our plans are not complicated,” said Flynn. “We want to add to the front of this building to provide space for internal building access and accessible connectivity between floors with an elevator and master staircase. We’ll add additional space for community rooms, workout rooms and department offices. The plans are just taking shape, but we’ll announce more as they are finalized.”

“Having that interior accessible connection that’s available to the public is really important to us because we really value accessibility for all users,” said Assistant Municipal Manager Ian McMeans.

Officials estimate a full renovation and expansion project could cost around $10 million, though the final scope has not yet been determined.

The recreation center hosts programs for residents of all ages, from youth activities and fitness classes to senior lunches and community events.

“The overarching goal of the Commission has always been to make sure that our facilities can be used and enjoyed by all users of all ages and all ability levels,” McMeans said. “So, making sure we have that inclusivity and that accessibility for all users is really important.”