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Home»Recreation and Parks Minutes»Recreation and Parks Board
11-16-2022 Minutes

Recreation and Parks Board
11-16-2022 Minutes

MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD: LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 16, 2022
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD MEMBERS TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Scott Duncanson, Vice Chairman Rebecca Davis, Public Works Director
Robert Pelles Helen Grundon, Public Works Administrative Assistant
Susan Parry Board of Commissioners Liaison

Commissioner Joshua Nagy

Vice Chairman Duncanson called the November 16, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:04 pm.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Ms. Parry motioned to approve the minutes from the October 26, 2022 Regular Meeting. Mr. Pelles seconded. The motion carried 3-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Allendale and Creekwood Parks
There were no public comments.

Director Davis reported on the improvements made to the Allendale Park, including power wash, and sealing of the pavilion, re-edged all the planting beds, refacing of benches, installation of a new saddle swing, power wash and painting of backstops, new nets for the basketball court and re-edged around and painted the bike rack.

At Creekwood Park, the parking area was expanded in spring to accommodate increased usage.

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORT
Commissioner Nagy thanked board members and staff for their efforts and accomplishments during his first year as the liaison and welcomed Ms. Grundon into her new position with the public works department.

TOWNSHIP STAFF REPRESENTATIVE REPORT
Ms. Grundon presented the report. She noted that the ground has been prepared for the new playsets at Highland Estates and Cedar Run parks and will be installed by the contractors.

The following parks had maintenance performed since the prior meeting:

  • Satellite Parks – Leaf collection and Trash collection
  • LACP – Blew leaves from Fun fort.
  • LA Parks – Shut off water in parks for the winter.
  • Wass Park & Pete’s Field – Aerate ballfields.
  • LA Twp. – Township leaf collection and drains cleared of debris

Reporting on activities, Ms. Grundon noted the LACP field use had ended for the season. She reported that pavilion and Barn reservations were ongoing. There is one pavilion rental in November and none for December. The Barn is fully booked for all weekends through the end of December. She added that a high volume of calls was coming in to inquire about rentals for 2023 and that a spreadsheet has been started to track all rental requests. Bookings will begin following approval of the 2023 fee schedule.

OLD BUSINESS
Recommendations
Mr. Duncanson reported that Chairman Mahon had submitted a letter to the Board of Commissioners outlining the list of recommendations from the Recreation and Parks Board. A response was received from Township Manager, Tom Vernau and Director Davis that noted many of the items on the list of recommendations had been addressed and/or were included in the 2023 or subsequent budgets.

Members discussed the issue of considering time limits for pickle ball courts and the idea to research what other local municipalities were doing to mitigate long wait times. The situation will continue to be monitored.

NEW BUSINESS
Proposed Meeting Dates for 2023
Members reviewed the proposed meeting and park tour dates. The consensus was to approve the proposed dates.

2023 Recreation and Park Events
Members reviewed the proposed events for the upcoming year to consider options and then confirm in January:

  • Easter Egg Hunt – April 1, 2023
  • Gardeners Gathering – April 29, 2023 (Spring) or September 23, 2023 (Fall)
  • Yappy Hour – Consider doing one in May and again in August during a weeknight. Possibly May 18 or May 25 for the Spring; August 10 or August 17 for the Fall.
  • Possible additional events: Music in the Park, Movie night in the Park. There may be grants available to help offset the cost of hiring performers for Music in the Park. Director Davis noted that there was funding available to hold some of these additional events. Members also discussed soliciting sponsors such as Trader Joe’s and Member’s 1st.
  • Neighborhood Pocket Park Parties

Ms. Grundon suggested starting the Neighborhood Pocket Park parties as mini “Night Out” events where the larger pocket parks would host a mini “Night out” event possibly every few months. The township would provide refreshments and ask the fire departments, EMS, and Police Department to attend. It would provide opportunities to meet and interact with residents to gather feedback on the parks and neighborhoods.

ADJOURN:
The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board Adjourned at 7:30 PM. The next meeting will be held on January 25, 2023 at 7 PM.