§ 16501 — Acquisition of land and buildings for recreation places

(a) General rule.--The county commissioners may designate and set apart for use as recreation places, or for the enlarging or extending of recreation places, any lands or buildings owned by the county and not dedicated or devoted to other public use.

(b) Extension or enlargement of recreation places.--The county commissioners may acquire lands or buildings, by gift or purchase, or may lease lands for use as recreation places or for the extension or enlargement of recreation places.

(c) Private property.--The county commissioners may, in accordance with this part and 26 Pa.C.S. (relating to eminent domain):

(1) In counties of the second class A, acquire private property for the purpose of establishing, making, enlarging, extending, operating and maintaining public parks and multiuse recreational trails within the limits of the county.

(2) In counties of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth class, acquire private property by the power of eminent domain for use as, or the extension or enlargement of, recreation places.

(d) Limitation.--The power to acquire lands or buildings, by gift or purchase, may not extend beyond the limits of the particular county, except upon the consent of the adjoining county and municipal corporation which would be affected.

(e) Joint exercise of powers.--A county may exercise the powers granted in this part jointly with any political subdivision.