MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	APRIL 27, 2022
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD MEMBERS	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
	Rebecca Davis, Public Works Director
Richard Grove	Heather Douden, Administrative Assistant &
Robert PellesJosie Dougherty Susan Parry Scott Duncanson	Event PlannerRenee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary   Commissioner Joshua Nagy

Vice Chairman Duncanson called the April 27, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:02 pm.

 

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Ms. Parry motioned to approve the minutes from the March 24, 2022 Regular Meeting with corrections. Mr. Pelles seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Pete’s Field

There were no public comments.

Ms. Davis showed pictures of the park to illustrate needed maintenance issues which included painting and replacement of slats for bleachers. One of the basketball hoops doesn’t match the other three and is outdated. Ms. Davis noted that the GIS inventory would map all the structures at each of the parks to make determinations for weekly work schedules. Ms. Dougherty mentioned the steps up to Pizza Grille may need attention. She also noted the shuffleboard and asked if there was a way to rent out equipment. There was a suggestion to convert it to corn hole.

Ms. Parry asked if the monthly assessment is more helpful than doing it at the end of the year through the park tours and all at once. Ms. Davis said monthly is effective for budgeting and issues can be addressed in a timelier fashion. She will bring the GIS equipment to the park tours. This process does not exclude the need for park tours and inventory but instead supplements it.

Ms. Davis noted the Capital Improvement Plan and explained that Pete’s Field is not included at this time.

Mr. Grove said staff prepares annually the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan for Parks and Playgrounds – this is limited to the recreational items for planning ahead. Work that goes into it may include engineering studies. Staff uses all the money available and is set for four years until it becomes part of the actual annual budget. There is no excess money in the plan. It can be rearranged as needed. It shows what is on the horizon through 2026. Items under $10,000 and repairs are not included.

Ms. Davis said the play structures are ordered for the two parks on the 2022 plan. Other items are finished or in process of being completed.

Ms. Dougherty asked why no projects are listed for 2025. Mr. Grove explained it was rearranged into other years due to lack of funding. There is only so much for capital each year across departments.

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORT

Commissioner Nagy conveyed the Board of Commissioners’ appreciation for the Easter Egg Hunt and all the effort and planning that went into the event. He also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming events.

Ms. Davis also acknowledged Heather Douden’s hard work and planning for the Easter Egg Hunt, adding that it was more work than in year’s past and her first time being involved.

TOWNSHIP STAFF REPORT

Ms. Douden presented the Recreation and Parks Staff Report. She noted that basic park operations, field maintenance and spring mulching were ongoing. Four new pickle ball courts replaced a tennis court at Lower Allen Township Community Park and use of them was immediate. She noted the upcoming activities of the Gardener’s Gathering on April 30^th, Yappy Hour on September 14^th. She also noted a robust pick up in the rentals of the barn and pavilions.

OLD BUSINESS

Gardner’s Gathering (April 30)

Ms. Parry reported she was picking up donations from Ashcombes, Royers, and Stouffers by Friday. Board Members should arrive at 9 AM to set up rooms. Ms. Parry will bring projector and will follow up with the beekeeper (Andy Markevich) to confirm needs. The township can provide a screen. Ms. Dougherty has a projector and a light to livestream. Ms. Davis will ask for permission to use a personal phone to livestream the events.

Ms. Parry noted that Heather Andrews (speaker for the Penn State Extension – Master Gardner on Pollinators) has a following and would be posting about the event on her social media pages.

Ms. Douden confirmed that water was donated and that pre-packaged snacks will be provided by the township. Plants for the swap will be set up on the picnic tables outside. Ms. Parry also discussed the making of seed balls outside at the tables as a takeaway activity.

Yappy Hour (September 14)

Ms. Dougherty provided details regarding the event. Doggie Delights Bakery and Hemauer Brewery have committed. Mr. Frosty will be invited. She will reach out to SpringGate Winery, Joey’s Chicken Shack, and a hot dog vendor. She talked about pursuing a sponsor to provide dog bandannas.

Members discussed whether to charge vendor fees. It was noted that in the past, the vendor fees were waived if vendors agreed to donate a percentage of profits to an animal rescue or shelter. Mr. Pelles noted his relationship with Furry Friends as a potential beneficiary. Event participants could also bring donated items or cash donations for Furry Friends. A suggestion was made to solicit Trader Joe’s as a sponsor for the event. Others included Chewy, Dicks Sporting Goods, and local pet related businesses. Ms. Dougherty and Ms. Douden agreed to work together to develop a sponsorship letter and a flyer.

Ms. Douden said that volunteers from Members 1^st might be available to assist and noted she would confirm a Community Service Officer for the event.

Park Tours

The first park tour will be held on May 25, 2022. The group will meet at 6 pm in the parking lot of the municipal building and start at Cedar Spring Run Park, followed by Highland Estates, Allendale, Creekwood and Beacon Hill. The next park tours will be June 8 and June 22. Ms. Davis will bring the GIS equipment to demonstrate. Inventory lists will be reviewed and compared.

NEW BUSINESS

Beacon Hill Radar Site

Ms. Davis reported the Board of Commissioners had awarded a consultant contract to conduct a facility study, for a concept plan design. Passive recreation will be located at that site.

Newsletter Deadlines

Ms. Davis provided the newsletter deadlines to members to ensure all activity information is submitted in time for inclusion.

Spring Issue – deadline 2^nd week of March

Summer Issue – 2^nd week of June

Fall Issue – 2^nd week of September

Winter – 2^nd week of December

ADJOURN:

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board Adjourned at 8:10 PM.