MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:                           LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP 

REGULAR MEETING                                                       MARCH 22, 2017

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

BOARD MEMBERS                                                            TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL

Greg Mahon, Chairman                                                          Wendy Hayden, Township Representative

Susan Parry, Vice Chairman                                                   Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary                       

Richard Grove, Secretary                                                      

Bob Pelles                                                                              

Scott Duncanson                                                                    

Mr. Mahon called the March 22, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:03 pm.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Mr. GROVE made a motion to approve the amended minutes from the February 22, 2017 meeting.  Mr. DUNCANSON seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

Highland Estates

Mrs. Hayden stated there are no improvements slotted for 2017.

Mrs. Rebecca Anderson, 1629 Main St, stated she was here to talk to the Board about opportunities to serve.  She is part of the group who hold the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Barn each year.  She talked about that event and how they have around 120-150 people attend the event.  She now has some extra time and would like to develop a Community Outreach program for those who would like to volunteer.  Ms. Parry stated she could work with the Board’s events including the upcoming Egg Hunt and Gardeners Gathering.  She stated they used to hold the Music in the Park and a Fourth of July event.  Discussion ensued.  Mr. Mahon appreciated Mrs. Anderson coming in tonight and will talk with Mr. Vernau about her ideas.

LIAISON REPORT – COMMISSIONER YOUNG

Commissioner Young was not present at the meeting and there was no liaison report.

RECREATION AND PARKS STAFF REPORT/ACTIVITIES REPORT

Mrs. Hayden discussed the following activities from her monthly memo: 

• She stated the preparations for the Easter Egg Hunt are going well.  She sent out donation letters, volunteers for the event have been contacted, and goody bag supplies have been dropped off at Bethany Village.
• Eagle Scout Project- Jim Chianos met with a Scout to discuss a project of marking off a cross country running trail around the perimeter of the park.  Mr. Mahon expressed interest in being involved with that project.  Ms. Parry asked if the Board could know about the Scout projects.
• Garden Plots – were prepared for the season for the 19 slots available.  Some started early not realizing we would have a foot snow.

OLD BUSINESS

Gardeners Gathering-April 29th

Ms. Parry provided a draft of the Gardener’s Gathering flyer to the Board.  She will fix Wendy’s extension and the Township’s website address.  She spoke about foraging and was unable to find someone to lead the session.  They found rain barrels for the event.  She spoke about delivery on April 3^rd.  She stated the cost of the parts to make the barrel are about $775 with a $500 PA American Water grant they received.  She spoke about the process of putting them together including drilling the holes and washing them out.  Mrs. Hayden spoke about the help they could receive from Public Works.  Mrs. Hayden handed out the donation letters for the Board to solicit donations for the event.  Ms. Parry, Mr. Grove, Mr. Duncanson, and Mrs. Anderson have volunteered to be there the day of the event.  Ms. Parry will update the flyer and get it out to the Board and Mrs. Anderson.  The Township will advertise the event through Facebook and the website.  Ms. Parry spoke about conducting a survey at the Gathering for input from those attending.  Discussion ensued.

Easter Egg Hunt-April 8th

Mr. Duncanson will act as the Easter Bunny.  He stated he could get some volunteers if he could borrow the bunny suit for his company’s egg hunt right after the Township’s.  Ms. Parry can attend and will bring a volunteer to help.  There is a new megaphone for this year to use.  Everyone agreed to meet at the Barn at 8:30am.   Discussion ensued.  The Board thanked Mrs. Hayden for her work on the Easter Egg Hunt.  Below are those who can help. 

• Mr. Pelles will be at the Lower Pavilion.
• Ms. Parry and volunteer at the Tot Lot
• Mr. Mahon, Mrs. Anderson, and Mrs. Hayden will help where needed.
• Mr. Grove will be at the Keystone.

Rain Garden

Ms. Parry asked about the rain garden and about using the $500 grant received two years ago to buy plants. 

ADJOURN

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board adjourned at 7:56 pm. 

Next meeting is Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 7:00 pm.