MINUTES

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

 

Mr. Mahon called the July 28, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:00 pm.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Approval of Minutes for the Following:

• April 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
• May 26, 2021 Park Tour Meeting
• June 9, 2021 Park Tour Meeting
• June 23, 2021 Park Tour Meeting

After no comments from the Board, Mr. Pelles motioned to approve the meeting minutes of all four dates.  Ms. Hanna seconded.  The motion carried 5-0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Sheepford Crossing

Mr. Mahon requested an update on Sheepford Crossing from Heather Douden.  Ms. Douden stated that trash removal at the site is ongoing.  Mr. Duncanson felt that the park was generally in good shape when he visited on the park tour, and that he noticed the previous year’s issue with the slide had been resolved.

Mr. Mahon asked if there is any public comment regarding Sheepford Crossing.  There was none.

LIAISON REPORT – COMMISSIONER HOLTZMAN

Commissioner Holtzman was absent from the meeting.  Mr. Vernau said that the original scheduled ribbon cutting for the Fun Fort had been postponed at a Township Commissioner’s request due to the pending finalization of a grant that would help to offset some of the Township’s costs.  He added that he was expecting a call from Senator Regan’s office to help coordinate a press release for the ribbon cutting ceremony, and that he will notify the Board when that is scheduled.

RECREATION AND PARKS STAFF REPORT – HEATHER DOUDEN

• Douden noted there are several fallen trees due to the recent storms, and that the Township has been busy working to get them cleaned up.
• The ballfields are getting maintained regularly due to the ongoing use throughout the season.
• The barn is booked through November.
• The ball fields are booked through November.
• Bookings of the pavilions are picking up, however Ms. Douden has received three calls for cancellations, as the Covid numbers are beginning to rise again.
• Overall, Ms. Douden has seen bookings coming in from various business interested in using the pavilion and/or barn for their company picnics.

OLD BUSINESS

Gardners Gathering:

Ms. Douden provided an update in Ms. Parry’s absence.  She provided a copy of the draft of the Gardner’s Gathering flyer and provided the following information:

• The beekeeper (Andy) has been scheduled to present (one hour).
• Greg Black from Black Landscaping is waiting to hear back from Ms. Douden for which topics of discussion he should present at the event. She added that she will be able to offer a final draft of the flyer once this is determined.  Fall planting tips and winterizing gardens were two ideas discussed in the prior P&R meeting.  Black suggested discussions around wilt-proof applications on evergreens for winter protections, and deer repellents.  He asked that the board narrow down the topics, as he did not feel he could cover all the items all in an hour’s time.  Mr. Duncanson noted that residents that live in rural settings often express concern around their troubles with deer, and that it may be a helpful presentation.  Ms. Douden agreed and suggested the topics to be deer repellents and  winterizing gardens.  The board concurred.  Ms. Douden stated she would contact Mr. Black with the board’s consensus and finalize the agenda.

Mr. Duncanson suggested leaving only five minutes between presentations versus fifteen.  He added that this would hold people’s interested in the next presentation since they are already present, and it would also close the time gap should the previous presentation end a few minutes early.  Ms. Douden stated she would update the agenda and flyer to accommodate these changes.

• Douden submitted an online request to Stouffers of Kissel Hill for a donation but has not heard back.
• Two cases of water were donated by Classic Dry Cleaners.
• Wendy contacted Subway to secure cookie trays. Douden has a follow-up call in to Subway.
• Four to six other business are pending reply.
• Douden has a list of businesses the Township has advertised to in the past and plans to contact them once the donation letters and flyer are finalized.

Ms. Douden indicated she consulted with Ms. Parry on previous years’ strategies for getting the donation letters out.  She learned that once the flyer’s final draft is ready, board members would each choose the business they would be willing to drop the letters off to.  Mr. Duncanson said that the letters should be drafted and brought to the August 25^th meeting for Mr. Mahon to sign, and board members would deliver the letters over the following days thereafter.  Ms. Douden stated she would have the letters ready.  Mr. Duncanson suggested extra flyers be brought to meeting for board members to post on various grocery store bulletin boards.

NEW BUSINESS

Park Tours / Possible 2022 Projects

Mr. Mahon explained that in the next order of business, the Board must keep in mind that the discussions taking place around the recent park tours should lead to project recommendations to the Board of Commissioners (BOC), and that timing is of the utmost importance considering the upcoming 2022 budget meetings.  Mr. Mahon then turned to Mr. Grove to provide a deadline on the recommendations.  Mr. Grove replied that the budget is put together in September, therefore the Board should have their recommendations ready at that time.

Mr. Vernau offered a list of some of the major P&R projects that the Township is aware of and wanted the P&R Board to have the opportunity to review it prior to presenting to the BOC.  He added that the Township Recreation Fee Fund must be allocated soon, and he suggested incorporating it into some of the suggestions that come out of the night’s meeting.

Mr. Mahon suggested that prior to drilling down the park tour notes provided by Mr. Vernau, the Board provide their thoughts on priority projects overall.

• Duncanson suggested that the wooden park identification signs (ex., Highland, Allendale) be converted to composite material, which would fall in line with the newer, more weather resistant signs that had more recently been placed in the other Township parks.
• Duncanson observed pickle ball players in Wass Park where 3 of 4 courts were being used. Residents there were advocating for more courts.  He suggested converting a section of the Highland Park tennis court to at least one pickleball court.  He added that two years ago, the Highland Park Neighborhood Association placed a pickleball court on their list as something they desired for the future.  The Association also requested conversion of Peters Field Park’s tennis court (near Pizza Grille), and one of Lower Allen Community Park’s tennis courts.  Mr. Vernau stated that the BOC is considering the conversion of Church Field (next to church) into a wiffle ball field to accommodate wiffle ball leagues.  Mr. Duncanson noted he recently spoke to the coordinator for Cedar Cliff Youth Baseball, who requested more dirt for the field, which may solve some drainage issues it is experiencing.  Mr. Grove suggested contacting those that use the field to ensure it would not create a conflict, prior to converting the field to wiffle ball.  Mr. Vernau added that parking will be an issue for any type of league sport, and that it must be considered before any decisions are made.  Mr. Duncanson noted he has observed the field used twice a week during the Spring for baseball practice.  Mr. Vernau stated that the BOC has also discussed pickle ball courts in Highland Park playground and up in Beacon Hill Park at the basketball court, where parking may also need to be expanded.
• Duncanson suggested recycling containers at each of the parks in addition to the existing trash receptacles. He noted past issues with people not using the recycle containers but felt that it might be worth trying again now that communities have become more environmentally conscious.  Mr. Vernau stated that based on recent observations from Lower Allen Community Park, he has learned that people tend to not pay attention and throw all trash into the recycling bins, which then deems the trash unrecyclable.
• Duncanson noted that over the past few years, the take-in and take-out area of the beach has eroded and that it has become a challenge for boaters. He recommended restoration and formalization of that area, as it is a main stop on the water trail.  Mr. Mahon concurred that an upgrade is needed, and that it has been considered several times in the past.  Mr. Duncanson noted that several neighbors were pleased that the situation has improved over the years.  Mr. Vernau mentioned that the Sheepford bridge is receiving funding so that it can be saved for use as a pedestrian bridge, but that a walking trail leading from the bridge is not currently being considered by the County.  He agreed that a long-range plan for the take-in/take-out area is plausible.
• Mahon stated that the water stop at Creekwood could also use some work to improve the take-in/take-out. Mr. Duncanson mentioned there is not much parking to accommodate the boaters.

Allendale Playground

• Issue with saddle swings.
• Duncanson noted the warped board on bench needs replaced.
• Duncanson suggested upgrade to park identification sign.
• Duncanson said the ten-year-old tree has died.  Suggested removal for green space.

Beacon Hill Park

• Grove said that Covid blocked the formation of the ad-hoc recreation committee that was to be formed for Beacon Hill Park. He suggested that this committee should be able to accommodate the big-ticket items for this park.  He added that the presence of youngsters in this community has grown, and that developing this walkable and usable park would be justified, however not necessarily for the upcoming 2022 budget.  Mr. Duncanson added that similar to Windsor Park, he expects negative feedback from neighbors on parking expansion and increased traffic.  Mr. Mahon asked Mr. Vernau if he has heard any complaints from neighbors in the present day.  Mr. Vernau said no, that the park is primarily used for walking.  He added that there has been some discussion around placing a pavilion on the pad where the old communication building was, but that much work would need to be done such as grading.  He said that surrounding the pad are several accessory structures, concrete “feet” with giant bolts sticking up out of them, and that decisions would need to be made on whether to repurpose into grill tables, or otherwise.  Mr. Duncanson asked Mr. Vernau if restoration of the wedding gazebo would gain more traction as opposed to the pavilion.  Mr. Vernau stated that both would need restored at the same time because the location will be marketed as a wedding venue, but that there are no bathrooms to accommodate the events.  Mr. Vernau said that neighbors are agreeable to development of the parks for passive use but are against any type of sports fields.
• Veranu said that mile markers are being added to the park’s walking trails.
• Vernau said an arboretum and community gardens have been suggested.
• Vernau discussed the possibility of converting tennis courts to pickleball courts, and may need to double the size of the parking area.

Cedar Spring Run Park

• Duncanson asked Mr. Vernau if the walking trail is part of the park. Mr. Vernau replied that the trail is part of the park and that there are a few entrances to the trail, one being a challenge to maneuver through if the rocks are slippery.  Mr. Duncanson said that some of the edging boards washed away or rotted out and need restored.
• Duncanson was keen to the idea of adding equipment for older kids, but did not wish to lock in any decisions without Susan present, knowing she is an advocate for this topic. Mr. Vernau felt that if equipment were to be added, the colors should blend with the scenery and no plastics should be used.

Highland Estates

• Duncanson mentioned cracks in the slides, and tic-tac-toe board is cracking. Either the entire unit should be replaced or replace in pieces.

Highland Park Playground

• Duncanson said that a quarter of the tennis court was lost to the gaga pit, and so it would make sense to convert the remaining three quarters into a pickleball court. Mr. Mahon asked if the backboard would have to be removed.  Mr. Duncanson felt that it could stay.  Mr. Grove recommended that the Township focus a pace of converting one pickleball court per year.  Mr. Duncanson felt that based on park use, Highland should come before Beacon Hill on the pickleball priority list, although Beacon Hill might be an easier install since their back basketball court is not getting used.  Mr. Vernau reviewed the Highland Park map and recommended one pickleball court to accommodate residents.  He added that any more would create a need for additional parking.
• Duncanson asked if the water fountain is coming back to Highland Park as he noticed it was removed and the land was reseeded. Mr. Vernau said there has not been any discussion to that point.  He added that once a water fountain becomes vandalized or in disrepair they are removed.  He said that people are generally bringing their own water to drink, or not willing to drink from a public fountain out of fear of germs.  With that, he noted that the water fountain will still be going in at Peters Field Park, as it was purchased a few years ago, and the facility already has a water line therefore the install will be easy.

Lower Allen Community Park

• Mahon said pond/aeration clean-up should be added to global action item list. He said that it would allow the views from the gazebo area to be more esthetically pleasing.  Mr. Vernau said that some of the clean up has commenced by some groups looking for public service projects.  He said that ultimately a company would need to be hired to complete the job.  He added that the idea of a stage for entertainment is still in discussion, and/or an aeration fountain.
• Mahon asked if the Township is still interested in having a trail running around the park. Mr. Vernau said that it is in the plan, and that there are a few trail connections missing, from the driving range parking lot to the barn.  Mr. Mahon advocated strongly for the path to run along the creek and then around the soccer field, even if it could not be fully paved.  He felt the path along the creek is clearly walkable, even though primitive.
• Duncanson brought up a former discussion around adding a splash park and asked if there had been any more discussion or movement on the topic. Mr. Vernau said no more discussions were had on a splash park, but several active discussions on a small soccer field.  He added that there is concern around drainage and the lack of availability of water.

Peters Field Park

• Mahon asked Mr. Vernau if he felt pickleball at Peters Field Park would gain any traction. Mr. Vernau stated that Commissioner Kutz is currently campaigning for a wiffle ball court in that park, therefore he is uncertain how much momentum would build for pickleball.  Mr. Duncanson said that regardless of what the courts are converted to, action should be taken to ensure the current court users have options to move elsewhere.

Sheepford Crossing Park

• Duncanson noted he has seen no activity at the gaga pit.

Wass Park

• Duncanson noted the safety light at the pavilion is out.
• Duncanson noted the water pump behind one of the baseball fields is not working.
• Duncanson noted the sand volleyball court needs more sand.
• Duncanson noted graffiti on the pavilion by the apartments.

Yellow Breeches Park

• Duncanson observed the garden plots are almost at capacity. He asked if there has been any discussion on expanding the plots.  Mr. Vernau said no.

Windsor Park

• Mahon noted that residents have extended their backyards beyond their yard perimeters, and that he has no plans to do anything with the land. He said that the Township does mow the area.
• Duncanson suggested a pollinator meadow be planted so that mowing could be cut down to twice per year. Ms. Hanna agreed.  Mr. Mahon asked if the meadow would attract insects, vectors, or unwanted animals.  Ms. Hanna felt insects may increase, and that it may be a good location to increase the honeybee population.

Mr. Mahon indicated he would get the list and action items from that evening into order and circulate into email.

ADJOURN:

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board Adjourned at 8:20PM.

The next meeting will be August 25^th, 2021 at 7:00PM.