Two rural townships offer visitors history, agriculture commerce and nature pursuits in Westmoreland County. Allegheny and Washington townships have a combined population of fewer than 10,000 residents. Early settlers were drawn to the once-prosperous coal mining industry in Washington Township, which was founded in 1789 and named after George Washington.
Pavilion rental season is open at Kunkle Park in Washington Township. Township Supervisor Joe Olszewski said the pandemic resulted in fewer picnic pavilion bookings in 2020 for the 40-plus acre park. He estimated the township’s only park lost about $3,000 in revenue last year. Other area parks with gazebos and