MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	JULY 26, 2023
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD MEMBERS	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Scott Duncanson, Vice-Chair	Helen Grundon, Administrative Assistant
Rick Grove	Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary
Megan Klenzing
Robert Pelles
Susan Parry

Mr. Duncanson called the July 26, 2023 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 March 22, 2022 Regular Meeting. Mr. Pelles seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Sheepford Crossing
Mr. Duncanson provided an update on the park, noting the recent visit during the summer park tour. Recent improvements included the clean-up of a prior community project area and repair of the gaga pit. Replacement of the play structure is a long-term goal.

TOWNSHIP STAFF REPORT
Ms. Grundon presented the Recreation and Parks Staff Report. She reviewed an extensive list of maintenance projects completed throughout the township parks during the months of April, May, and June. Edging and mulching were performed at all parks. A significant amount of work was done at Lower Allen Community Park including the trail clean up and replacement of a trail bridge, construction of a concession deck, roof repair of the Upper Pavilion, dugout cleanup, weed control, improvements to the boat launch and pond areas. o The volleyball court at Wass Park was removed due to lack of use and degradation. The area was regraded, and grass seed was placed. Home plate was replaced at Church Field located in Pete’s Park.

Ms. Grundon also reported that field requests are underway for the fall season and announced the Dillsburg Soccer Tournament was scheduled for October 7&8 at LACP. Pavilion and barn reservations are steady, with facilities booked through the end of August. A new keyless entry system had been installed at the barn and was working well. She also noted 2024 rental requests had begun.

OLD BUSINESS
Adopt a Park Application & Packet Review
Mr. Duncanson introduced the item for discussion, stating the existing application was very dated and in need    of an update. Ms. Grundon recommended that a revised application should include more detail and offer specific project opportunities. She also discussed a proposed idea to install markers with QR codes around the trails and rental pavilions to provide access to additional information for park visitors.

Ms. Parry noted the application should be kept simple and suggested that a 12-month project period was ideal but that she was open to making that more flexible.

Potential project ideas were discussed, including a rain garden at LACP, specific painting projects at the playgrounds, the application of clear coating which repels spray paint and graffiti to backboards, and a mural opportunity. Members also agreed the application should provide an option for larger projects to be considered by consultation with township staff.

Ms. Grundon noted that the township had received a grant to plant wildflower meadows at Cedar Spring Run Park and Yellow Breeches Park.

Mr. Grove recommended that the Adopt-a-Park application and agreement be combined into one document. Ms. Grundon will apply edits to the documents as discussed and present them at a future meeting.

2023 Yappy Hour Update
Ms. Grundon noted the event was scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 4:30-7 PM at Lower Allen Community Park. She reported a positive response to invitations and reviewed the list of vendors participating in the event. Advertising for the event has been shared on the township website and Facebook page, as well as included in the newsletter. Additionally, Cumulus Media will promote the event on the radio and via their community calendar. Additional pet-friendly vendors are still welcome. There is no fee for vendors to participate.

NEW BUSINESS
Park Tour Notes Review
Ms. Grundon introduced the discussion to review the notes from the summer park tours.

Members first discussed a proposed Adopt-a-Park project including the development for GIS mapping for each park to highlight the features and amenities offered at each. Posted QR codes would direct visitors to relevant information, availability, and instructions for rental facilities.

Mr. Grove recommended concentrating the discussion on projects estimated to cost more than $10,000 to be included in the upcoming capital budget request. Those items will be included in the letter of recommendations to be presented to the Board of Commissioners for the upcoming budget.

Board members reviewed each park’s short- and long-term goals to determine what projects would require inclusion in the budget request. Ms. Grundon will draft a recommendation letter for review by members.

Mr. Duncanson suggested a future review of the prior LACP master plan.

ADJOURN:
The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board was adjourned at 8:30 PM. The next meeting will be August 23, 2023 at 7:00PM.