MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:                           LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

 REGULAR MEETING:                                                      SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

 

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

 

BOARD MEMBERS:                                                          TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL:

Greg Mahon                                                                            Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary

Susan Parry                                                                            

Richard Grove                                                           

Robert Pelles  

Scott Duncanson

 

 

Mr. Mahon called the September 23, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:00 pm.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. GROVE moved to approve the minutes from the August 26, 2020 meeting.  Ms. PARRY seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Lower Allen Community Park

Mr. Mahon referred to Mrs. Hayden’s report where she said that regular park maintenance has been ongoing at LACP, including mowing, wood chipping, and tree trimming. She also noted that a new tot-sized climbing wall was installed at the Tot lot pavilion this month. Mr. Mahon spoke about walking at LACP recently and finding the path on the side toward Lisburn. He said that there are trails through about half the park. He has not had any recent updates on the disc golf project.

 

LIASON REPORT – COMMISSIONER HOLTZMAN

Commissioner Holtzman is absent from the meeting.

 

RECREATION AND PARKS STAFF REPORT

Mrs. Hayden was unable to attend the meeting but provided the following Parks Operation Staff update: 

• Mowing, tree trimming, wood chipping, and vegetation control are ongoing at all Township parks.
• Crews replaced rotted boards on the walking bridges at Creekwood Park.
• Wood carpet was spread on the play areas in Township parks.
• Ballfield maintenance was completed at Pete’s Field, Wass Park, and LACP.
• New stalls were put in the men’s restroom at the Barn.
• A contractor removed another dead tree by the Barn at LACP.
• Restrooms and water fountains will be turned off for the season during the first week of October in parks offering those amenities.

 

ACTIVITIES REPORT

Mrs. Hayden provided the following Activities update for the meeting: 

• The Dillsburg Soccer Tournament normally held over President’s Day weekend has been canceled this year due to Covid concerns.
• Fall Ball for Cedar Cliff Youth Baseball and Softball are ongoing at Wass and Pete’s Parks; they will wrap up in late October.
• The PA State Employees Team, Over 62 League, and Cumberland County Fall Ball are currently using the ball fields at LACP until the close of the season.

Discussion was held regarding Spotted Lantern Fly sightings around the Municipal Building. Ms. Parry would like all of the Township Parks to be inspected for Lantern Flies and Tree of Heaven. She said this could be done over the winter. Mr. Grove said that he would check with the Township Parks Department.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Recreation and Parks Board Park Recommendation Letter

Mr. Mahon referred to the draft of the letter he had sent to Rec Board members regarding this year’s park recommendations. He has included the following items:  saddle seats for swings, solar panel at Highland, deck boards at the concession stand at LACP, rehabilitation of the volleyball courts, a walking path around LACP, and installation of a water fountain at Pete’s Park. Mr. Mahon included the input from the Board on Arcona, continued discussions on the disc golf course, and installation of pickle ball courts. He will also add that the Recreation and Parks Board supports the Recreation Ad Hoc Committee.

 

Pickleball Court Location Recommendations

Mr. Mahon said that a more thorough discussion is needed on where to locate the Pickleball Courts. He said that Mr. Vernau would like a list of the locations ranked in order and the Commissioners will put one or two Pickleball courts in next year’s budget. Discussion of various parks within the Township ensued. The Rec Board decided to rank Wass Park as first choice due to numerous tennis courts already being there. Beacon Hill was also felt to be a good choice. Mr. Duncanson suggested that the option of playing Pickleball on the existing tennis courts could be created by adding additional differently colored painted lines with minimal cost. There is a two inch difference in net height, however. The following list of courts was created with the following rankings:

1. Wass Park
2. Beacon Hill Park
3. Highland Park
4. Pete’s Field
5. Lower Allen Community Park

Signs explaining the lines and Pickleball rules are still being considered. It was suggested that Highland Park would be a good spot to repurpose for a new court in the half of a tennis court not being used by the gaga pit. Social media and the Township newsletter could be used to increase public awareness of the new courts. Mr. Mahon will update the recommendation letter and circulate it to the Board by e-mail.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None.

 

ADJOURN

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board adjourned at 7:27 pm.

 

The next meeting will be Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 7:00 pm.