MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	JANUARY 25, 2023
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD MEMBERS	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Gregory Mahon, Chairman	Rebecca Davis, Public Works Director
Scott Duncanson, Vice Chairman	Helen Grundon, Administrative Assistant / Event Coordinator
Richard Grove, Secretary	Board of Commissioners Liaison, Commissioner Joshua Nagy
Robert Pelles
Susan Parry
Megan Klenzing

Director Davis called the January 25, 2023 Regular Meeting of the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:00 pm. The first order of business was to swear in members of the Recreation and Parks Board. Ms. Grundon swore in Richard Grove, Susan Parry, and Megan Klenzing and they individually took their Oath of Office.

The floor was opened for board nominations by Director Davis. Mr. Grove made a motion to nominate Mr. Gregory Mahon as chairman of the board. Mr. Pelles seconded. The motion carried 6-0. The floor was turned over the Chairman for further nominations.  Event Coordinator

Mr. Pelles nominated Scott Duncanson for Vice Chairman, seconded by Susan Parry. The motion carried 6-0.  Mr. Pelles nominated Richard Grove for Secretary, seconded by Megan Klenzing. The motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Ms. Parry motioned to approve the minutes from the November 16, 2022, Regular Meeting. Mr. Pelles seconded. The motion carried 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Wass Volleyball Court & Beacon Hill Park

There were no public comments.

Director Davis discussed the existing volleyball court at Wass park. The Township received feedback from residents regarding the lack of use of the court and requested alternative uses for the site. Chairman Mahon discussed the possibility of placing topsoil over the area for this year and see if we receive any complaints regarding the removal of the court. Ms. Parry thought bocce ball may be a good use for the area since there are neighboring retirement communities close by.

Director Davis discussed the Beacon Hill Park Radar Site and the phasing plan associated with phasing plan prepared by YSM architects. The board was in favor of the plan and phasing the project to maximum grant funding for the site. Ms. Parry made a motion to move forward with the phasing plan as presented and apply for grant funding for Phase I of the project. The motion was seconded by Ms. Klenzing. The motion carried 6-0.

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORT

Commissioner Nagy thanked board members and staff for their support in 2022 and he looks forward to new ideas and events in the coming year.

TOWNSHIP STAFF REPRESENTATIVE REPORT

Ms. Grundon presented the report. The following parks had significant maintenance performed since the prior meeting:

• Beacon Hill Trail – Trees were trimmed, and brush was removed. Graffiti was painted over that was reported to Township staff.
• Highland Estates Park – new playground equipment installed.
• Cedar Spring Run Park – new playground equipment installed.
• Wass Park – Crews assembled two new sets of bleachers for the park.
• LACP – Dog park maintenance is underway. The tot lot playground had a new swing set installed.

Reporting on activities, Ms. Grundon noted the field usage forms have been sent out to the organizations that rented in previous years. The barn and pavilion rentals are picking up. The barn is rented practically every weekend from February to July in 2023. In addition, the garden plot reservations letters have been mailed out to last year’s gardeners.

Marshall Quartmon, Parks Employee, will be retiring on 1/31/23 after 26.5 years of service to Lower Allen Township. The Township is having a retirement luncheon for Marshall on 1/31/23 in Gorgas Hall.

OLD BUSINESS

LACP events for the year were discussed. A date of 4/1/23 was set for the easter egg hunt. Ms. Grundon explained that she will handle mailing letters for donations for candy and gift cards and stuffing the eggs. In addition, we will be promoting an Earth Day contest at this event to design your own Earth Day flag. This was proposed by Barbara Arnold, Environmental Coordinator. The date for the Gardener’s Gather has been set for 4/29/23 at the Barn. Ms. Grundon will handle the donation letters, speakers, and vendors for the event.  Yappy Hour was discussed, and the board settled on 9/21/23 for the event.

Neighborhood Park parties were discussed with the Board. Ms. Grundon explained potential location options with the Board. This will be discussed in more detail at the February meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

 Chairman Mahon introduced Ms. Megan Klenzing to the board as its newest member.

ADJOURN:

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board adjourned at 8:11 PM.  The next meeting will be held on February 22, 2023, at 7 PM.