MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	APRIL 28, 2021
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD MEMBERS	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Greg Mahon	Thomas G. Vernau, Jr., Township Manager
Scot Duncanson	Heather Douden, Administrative Asst/Event Planner
Richard Grove	Michelle Kilgore, Recording Secretary
James Kaiser
Robert Pelles

 

Mr. Mahon called the April 28, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:01 pm.

 

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Mr. Grove moved to approve the minutes from the March 24, 2021 Regular Meeting.  Mr. Pelles seconded.  The motion carried 5-0.

 

PRESENTATION – GIRL SCOUT TROOP 20868

Mr. Grove introduced several representatives and a troop leader from Girl Scout Troop 20868.  The girl scouts took turns outlining a proposal that they felt would visually enhance the grounds of Radar Park at 1612 Lowell Lane, New Cumberland.  This includes adding picnic tables, scout-crafted garden boxes, bird houses, and bat houses.  Additionally, they would like to plant attractive flowers in an old concrete box that currently has no esthetic purpose.  The girls provided a hand-out outlining some of the flowers they wish to plant.  They explained that this park project would help them all earn the Bronze award through their Scout program.

Mr. Mahon asked the troop what they have done so far to accomplish this goal.  The scouts replied that they have been preparing letters to send to various businesses in Lower Allen Township (LAT) to gain donations to fund this project.  They have been researching the appropriate plants and materials needed.  Mr. Mahon asked when they plan to start building and planting.  The troop leader stated they plan to immediately start sending the letters provided they obtain the appropriate board approval.  From there, they will purchase the supplies and get to work.  Mr. Mahon inquired as to when the project would be completed.  The target date is mid-June 2021.

Mr. Vernau stated that the old concrete box that they wish to plant flowers in was originally the base of an old radio tower.  He expressed he is pleased that this box could be repurposed into something esthetically pleasing.  He then asked the scouts for details on their plan to paint the concrete.  They replied that they had a change of heart – that painting the concrete would take away from the contents in the box.  They want the flowers to be the focal point.  Mr. Vernau then stated that he could approve their proposal and added that he will ensure “before and after” pictures are taken to be uploaded to the Township’s website upon completion of the project, and that he will work with the Scouts on the placement of the picnic tables.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Pete’s Field

Mr. Mahon asked if there is any public comment regarding Pete’s Field.  There was none.

Mr. Duncanson noted that he has observed that the fencing and bleachers have been replaced.  Mr. Grove asked if there has been any movement on the water fountain at Pete’s Field.  Ms. Douden responded that there had been no more work done.

 

LIAISON REPORT – COMMISSIONER HOLTZMAN

Commissioner Holtzman was absent from the meeting.  Mr. Vernau said that there has been progress on the pickleball courts.  Paving was installed and needs two weeks to be cured.  Proposal was recently signed, and work should be completed within a few weeks.

 

RECREATION AND PARKS STAFF REPORT – HEATHER DOUDEN

• Fun Fort work is under way. Foundation and framing have been completed.
• At LACP, several fallen trees have been removed.
• She is aware of a fallen tree in Creekview Park. Stambaugh is working to determine if the tree is on LAT property, hence the delay in getting the tree removed.
• Ballfield maintenance is ongoing.

 

RECREATION AND PARKS STAFF REPORT – HEATHER DOUDEN

• Pavilion rentals have increased as people are becoming more comfortable meeting in larger groups.
• Field booking is completely full.
• Grove asked about the status of the slide at Allendale. Ms. Douden advised that a replacement slide has been purchased and should be installed within the next few weeks.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Gardners Gathering:

Mr. Mahon stated that date has not yet been secured for this event.  It was suggested that it is now the time for a sub-committee to be formed (Susan to take the lead).  Mr. Vernau has one person for a presentation, a beekeeper that wishes to present on hive recovery.  This beekeeper has installed recovery boxes- one in Lower Allen Community Park near Fernlawn Pavilion, and the other at Yellow Breeches Park upstream from the bottom of the meadow.  Mr. Mahon stated that a date needs to be secured to reserve the Barn and pavilion and/or porch.  Ms. Douden responded that she has already blocked out Saturdays, September 18^th and 25^th as prospective dates for the event.  The event should wrap up by 1pm, so Ms. Douden is cleared to reserve other events for late afternoon or evening for either of those dates.  Mr. Mahon asked if vendors are permitted.  Mr. Vernau responded that if their proceeds are going towards some type of charitable cause, then there is no fee to set up.  Mr. Mahon suggested the board get some emails going back and forth to brainstorm various types of workshops they wish to see happen.

 

NEW BUSINESS – NONE

 

ADJOURN:

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board Adjourned at 7:31PM.

The next meeting will be July 28^th, 2021 at 7:00PM.  Park Tours are scheduled May 26^th, June 9^th and 23^rd; all at 6PM.