MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:                            LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING                                                       JANUARY 27, 2016

 The following were in ATTENDANCE:

BOARD MEMBERS	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Greg Mahon, Chairman	Donna Paul, Township Representative
Susan Parry, Vice Chairman- arrived at 7:05	Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary
Richard Grove, Secretary
Scott Duncanson
Bob Pelles
Carolyn Kohr
James Kaiser

Mrs. Paul called the January 27, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:00 pm.

REORGANIZATION – ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Mr. PELLES made a motion to elect Mr. Greg Mahon as Chairman of the Recreation and Parks Board.  Mr. KAISER seconded the motion.  Motion carried 6-0.

Mr. MAHON made a motion to elect Ms. Susan Parry as Vice Chairman of the Recreation and Parks Board.  Mr. DUNCANSON seconded the motion.  Motion carried 6-0.

Mr. PELLES made a motion to elect Mr. Rick Grove as Secretary of the Recreation and Parks Board.  Mr. KAISER seconded the motion.  Motion carried 6-0.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:

Mr. GROVE made a motion to approve the minutes from the November 18, 2015 meeting.  Mr. KAISER seconded the motion.  Motion carried 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

Wass Park

There were no public comments.

LIAISON REPORT – COMMISSIONER H. EDWARD BLACK:

Mrs. Paul stated Commissioner Young will be the liaison for the Board with President Black as the alternative for 2016.  Commissioner Young was not present at the meeting and there was no liaison report.

RECREATION AND PARKS STAFF REPORT/ACTIVITIES REPORT:

Mrs. Paul discussed the following activities from her monthly memo:

• Two Boy Scout Eagle projects are planned for the future. Steps will be built at Creekwood Park to enable boat access.  The other Scout project will take place at Cedar Spring Run Park.  The project entails a “Little Library”.  A red box will be installed to provide a book exchange for public use.  The Township received a grant from the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors to help with this project.  The Board discussed these projects.
• Charter Homes will provide a presentation in the future on the recreation component for Arcona. Comments will be needed by the Recreation & Parks Board members.
• Softball and baseball fields requests and scheduling has begun.

OLD BUSINESS

Yellow Breeches Park

Mr. Mahon stated he hasn’t thought about this issue over the holidays.  Ms. Parry received a call back from Laurie who said she would be interested in the stakeholders meeting.  She could help facilitate the meeting and stated grants maybe available for the meetings.  Mr. Grove stated there have been permanent changes made for the park.  There are no parking and no swimming signs posted for the park and the parks are open from dusk to dawn.  He stated Mr. Vernau is moving forward on changes with the park and would like the Board’s recommendations.  Donna stated she checked and there isn’t a large demand for garden spots.  Discussion ensued.  The Board agreed picnic tables, camping, pavilions aren’t desirable based on the issues from last summer.

Mr. Mahon stated maybe they could have a meeting to discuss a game plan prior to having a large meeting with the stakeholders.  Mrs. Paul stated there isn’t a lot of time until the park opens again in the spring.  She also stated 6-8 gravel parking spaces would be added in the park and would be graveled.  Mr. Mahon stated he would reach out to John Eby and Mr. Vernau about a meeting with them in the next two weeks to discuss ideas.  Mr. Duncanson spoke about choosing a use for the park and developing it for that specific use.   The Board looked on the Google map and reviewed the outline of the park and surrounding area.  Discussion ensued.  Mr. Mahon stated he would talk with Mr. Vernau this week and discuss having a subcommittee with staff to get a general game plan and take the lead for a larger stakeholder’s meeting.  Ms. Parry and Mrs. Kohr agreed to meet with Mr. Mahon about the park.  The Board agreed on the following ideas for the park:  enhance the take in and take out spots for the creek including parking, path, and trash cans; and make minimal changes to the park itself.

NEW BUSINESS

Egg Hunt

Mrs. Paul stated the Easter Egg Hunt will take place on March 19, 2016.  She asked for volunteers and Mr. Pelles, Ms. Parry, Mr. Grove, Mr. Kaiser, Mr. Duncanson, Greg Mahon and Mrs. Echterling stated they would help.  Mr. Kaiser will ask his daughter about being the Easter bunny this year.  Mrs. Paul will work on the donation letters, contacting Metro Bank for volunteers, and setting up a time for the girl scouts to help with stuffing the eggs.

Gardener’s Gathering

Ms. Parry asked for ideas for the workshops.  The following ideas were provided:  organic lawn care, composting, fairy garden, pruning trees, and an herb container gardening.  Ms. Parry will work on setting up the workshops and speakers for organic lawn care, pruning, and herb container gardening.  Mrs. Paul stated once all the workshops are set she can help with the advertising.

Park Improvements

Mrs. Paul discussed a memo from Mr. Vernau asking the Board to consider some park improvements on some specific parks.  Below are the parks:

• Highland Park – an alternative use for the tennis court.
• Creekwood – installation of a paved boat launch, similar to the one at LACP, near parking areas.
• Yellow Breeches –discussed tonight.
• Windsor Park open area – walking path, tot lot, benches, chess table(s)

The Board discussed the parks and decided to keep these parks and ideas in mind during the park tours. Mrs. Paul stated the recommendations should be done before the end of the year and Mr. Grove suggested having them before the budget process.

Mrs. Paul provided the Board a list of the schedule meetings and park tours for 2016.

ADJOURN

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board adjourned at 8:04pm.

Next meeting is Wednesday, February 24^th at 7:00 pm.