MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	February 28, 2024
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD MEMBERS	TOWNSHIP PEPRSONNEL
Greg Mahon, Chair	Helen Grundon, Administrative Assistant
Scott Duncanson, Vice Chair	Tom Stambaugh
Rick Grove	Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary
Susan Parry
Megan Klenzing

Ms. Helen Grundon called the February 28, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:00 pm.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Mr. Duncanson motioned to approve the minutes from the January 24, 2024 Regular Meeting, as amended. Ms. Parry seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Highland Park
There was no public comment.  Ms. Grundon reported that a recently broken picnic table had been repaired.  She also noted the purchase of a security system for the park had been postponed as staff await a new proposal. Another pocket park may be scheduled for the fall.

Mr. Mahon asked for an update on the bench swing.  Mr. Stambaugh said there was no funding in the current year’s budget for replacement of the bench swing.  There is also uncertainty about a backboard replacement for the tennis court.  Ms. Grundon noted that the tennis court was being resurfaced and updated with ADA access. Mr. Mahon said it would be important to monitor and assess the park for potential replacements of amenities.

Liaison Report
Commissioner Nagy reported that the Board of Commissioners had recently approved the commitment of matching grant funds for improvements to the water access at Creekwood Park, which was one of the priorities identified by the Recreation and Parks Board.  He noted the improvement may lead to a need for increased parking as it draws additional interest. Ms. Grundon noted the lack of directional signage for access to the park, which may need some attention.

TOWNSHIP STAFF REPORT
Ms. Grundon presented the Recreation and Parks Staff Report. She noted that trash collection at all parks was completed.  GIS work is currently underway at Lower Allen Community Park, which involves the tagging of benches, toys, grills, tables, etc. Storm preparation was completed, and the metal spring toys have been painted.  The new counter in the barn was built and installed.  A new gazebo was installed outside of the barn and the old one will be relocated to the pond area.

Regarding rentals, Ms. Grundon noted that field rental forms had been distributed and a meeting will be held with representatives of all the youth programs to facilitate a coordinated process for field rentals. At LACP, barn rentals are booked through the middle of July and pavilion rentals are coming in slowly. Two new residents signed up for garden plots and there has been an increase in inquiries about the campsites. To conclude her report, Ms. Grundon noted staff were clearing the brush at LAC. She also said that a fallen tree at Beacon Hill had been cleared but it damaged the pavilion roof which needs to be repaired.

Requests for field rentals have begun and are due at the beginning of February. Field lease agreements will be reviewed with renters. Ms. Grundon also noted she would attend an upcoming 2024 PA Parks and Rec Expo in Seven Springs March 12-15.

OLD BUSINESS
Ms. Grundon gave an update on plans for the Easter Egg Hunt that will be held at LACP on Saturday, March 23, 2024 beginning at 10 AM. Three different age groups are scheduled at 20-minute intervals. Ms. Grundon reported that candy and prize donations were well underway. Volunteers will meet at the barn beginning at 8:30 AM. Ms. Grundon indicated that she would distribute an email with details in advance.

Next, Ms. Grundon provided an update on the planned Gardeners Gathering. To date, no presenter has been secured. She noted the date conflicts with an Arbor Day event being held in Lemoyne. Members discussed the possibility of alternate focus ideas or rescheduling the event for the fall.

Lastly, Ms. Grundon noted that solicitation of vendors for the September 19 Yappy Hour was underway.

ADJOURN:
The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board was adjourned at 7:40 PM. The next meeting will be Marh 27, 2024 at 7:00 PM.