MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	AUGUST 24, 2022
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD MEMBERS	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Greg Mahon, Chairman Susan Parry	Rebecca Davis, Public Works Director Mr. Thomas Vernau, Township Manager
Robert Pelles	Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary Commissioner Joshua Nagy

Chairman Mahon called the August 24, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:00 pm.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Ms. Parry motioned to approve the minutes from the July 27, 2022 Regular Meeting. Mr. Pelles seconded. The motion carried 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Lower Allen Community Park

There were no public comments.

Ms. Davis reported on ongoing maintenance for the park tot lot, as well as power washing pavilions and working through the list from the park tour notes.

PRESENTATION

Beacon Hill Radar Site Park – YSM Architects

Mr. Vernau presented the item for discussion. He provided a brief history about the origin of the project. The township acquired ownership of the property in 2000. Funds have accumulated in the parks fee fund to be used towards developing the park with the passive recreation residents are currently using and adding some amenities.

Next, he presented the proposed plan designed by YSM Architects. Some of the plan highlights include a circular driveway surrounding a central planting garden, the construction of a pavilion, additional concrete pads utilized for supporting grills, benches, or tables near the pavilion. The rest of the plan focused on updating the walking trails and incorporating fitness stations and historical markers. The plan prioritizes maintaining a passive recreation environment.

He noted that there had been some discussion of including an arboretum, but it was not currently included in the plan. There is also an idea to build a playhouse climbing structure that evokes a depiction of the original site tower.

Ms. Davis highlighted the inclusion of the stormwater BMP and native plantings, along with some educational features.

Ms. Parry recommended the addition of solar lighting installed at low profile along the trails.

There was some discussion regarding the existence of the access road that runs along the property line, behind existing homes within New Cumberland Borough. Discussion focused on the responsibility of maintenance for the road.

Ms. Parry also noted the attractiveness of the open space of the site for sky viewing.

Mr. Vernau said a public meeting with opportunity for comment will be held at a future Recreation and Parks meeting. YSM Architects will also present the plan before the Board of Commissioners. The funding is available however the project is not planned to begin until 2024. The work could also be done in stages and some of it could begin sooner in 2023. Mr. Mahon expressed appreciation for the plan and noted it met the spirit of the appropriate use of the land.

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORT

Commissioner Nagy reported that there were no additional applications received for the vacant seat on the Recreation and Parks Board. He and Commissioner Caron had met to narrow down the list of candidates and would be moving the process forward in the next few weeks.

TOWNSHIP STAFF REPRESENTATIVE REPORT

Ms. Davis presented the report. She noted that maintenance at Lower Allen Community Park began on July 18, 2022 and has been going on weekly. Maintenance has also been happening in Allendale the entire month of July, in Sheepford Park in August. Significant work was completed at both parks. She also noted that barn and pavilion rentals continue to be submitted daily, even for 2023.

Mr. Mahon asked about replacement of the paddle swings at Allendale Park. Ms. Davis said they will be replaced. Additionally, the basketball hoops were leveled, and the hoops and nets were replaced at both parks. A suggestion was made to investigate the installation of breakaway hoops to prevent ongoing damage caused by misuse.

OLD BUSINESS

Yappy Hour – September 14, 2022

Ms. Davis presented an update on the vendors confirmed for the event. Currently there is a need for food and beverage vendors. Additional attempts will be made at contacting and confirming participation. Also, advertising will continue to make the public aware of the event.

Arcona Recommendations

Mr. Mahon referred to the need for an official communication to the Board of Commissioners regarding the park recommendations. There was some discussion about presenting it prior to budget time, and the suggestion of presenting a “State of the Parks” address before the commissioners.

Gardeners Gathering 2023

Ms. Parry requested to seek grant funding to incorporate the rain barrel project for the 2023 Gardeners Gathering. Ms. Davis said a grant application would be submitted to PA Water. The grant opens in March. Funds are awarded in May, and they must be spent by December 31^st of that year. The grant requires the township to partner with two, outside organizations for an educational program.

Other Business

Ms. Parry also suggested applying funds to hire someone to re-build the rain garden at LACP, making it low maintenance so that the township can maintain.

Ms. Davis reported that the playground equipment structures for installation at Cedar Spring and Highland Estates Parks would be delivered later in the week. Both sites require some preparation prior to installation.

Brief discussion ensued regarding a potential future project idea to install an amphitheater near the pond at Lower Allen Park.

ADJOURN:

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board Adjourned at 7:55 PM. The next meeting will be held on September 28, 2022 at 7 PM.