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Home»Recreation and Parks Minutes»Recreation & Parks Board
4-27-16 Minutes

Recreation & Parks Board
4-27-16 Minutes

MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:                            LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING                                                       APRIL 27, 2016

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

BOARD MEMBERS TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Susan Parry, Vice Chairman Donna Paul, Township Representative
Scott Duncanson Thomas G. Vernau, Township Manager
James Kaiser Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary
Bob Pelles-arrived at 7:14  
ABSENT:  
Richard Grove, Secretary  
Greg Mahon, Chairman  
Carolyn Kohr  

 

Ms. Parry called the April 27, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board to order at 7:07 pm.

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

Highland Park and Playground

Mike Storm, from Highland Park, spoke about the park abutting his back yard.  He spoke about the kids that come to play basketball after school and sometimes into the dark.  He spoke about their foul language, rude behavior of the kids, trash being left everywhere, and the other issues he and the neighbors have faced.  He spoke with Mr. Chianos and police officers.  The officers stated unless they catch them, there isn’t much they can do.  He has tried speaking with the kids and it hasn’t worked.  Discussion ensued.  Mr. Vernau stated that all the parks will be closed by dusk per Township ordinance in the summer.  He stated he hasn’t heard about this issue before and will be discussing it next week in a Staff meeting.  The Board thanked him for coming to the meeting to express his concerns.

MEETING MINUTES

Mr. PELLES made a motion to approve the February 24, 2016 meeting minutes.  Mr. KAISER seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Mr. KAISER made a motion to approve the March 23, 2016 meeting minutes.  Mr. DUNCANSON seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

LIAISON REPORT – COMMISSIONER YOUNG:

Commissioner Young was not present at the meeting and there was no liaison report. 

WINDSOR PARK DISCUSSION:

Mr. Vernau discussed the outcome of the 2012 public meeting with residents discussing options for Windsor Park.  He stated Township resources are being used to maintain the grass and he would like it to be a park where the kids can play but not a destination park.  Mrs. Echterling read the ideas discussed during the May 2012 public meeting.  He asked the Recreation Board for their input/ideas for the park.  Mr. Duncanson suggested play equipment, walking path, and chess tables.  Discussion ensued.  The Board agreed with a passive approach to the park.

Mr. PELLES made a motion to recommend to the Board of Commissioners a passive approach to Windsor Park for development.  Mr. KAISER seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

CREEKWOOD PARK

Mr. Vernau showed the Board the location on the map for Creekwood Park in Allendale.  He spoke about Mrs. Beinhaur’s desire to sell a property to the Township.  He stated the Board of Commissioners approved an appraisal on the land.  He wanted to let this Board know about the potential purchase of the land.  Mr. Duncanson thought it would be a great extension of the Park.  He stated they could spend more time on their park tours to review the area and wait until it is purchased for ideas for the land.  The Board discussed the potential of adding parking and creek access.

RECREATION AND PARKS STAFF REPORT/ACTIVITIES REPORT:

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

  • Cedar Spring Run Park-two grants closed and bollard light placement.
  • Highland Park – tennis backboard will be replaced.
  • Fields at Township Parks are reserved through the fall.
  • Reservations for the Barn/pavilion are picking up for the season.

Mrs. Paul stated the tasks completed in March were listed in her memo for the Board to review.

OLD BUSINESS

Gardeners Gathering.

Mrs. Paul stated she will pick up the hanging plant donated by Stauffer’s.  She stated Blooms By Vickrey will not be donating this year. She will be picking up the gift cards and refreshments from Weis and Giant.  She has the survey ready for the event.

Ms. Parry stated Royer’s will not be donating this year.  She is going to Highland Gardens, Black’s Landscaping, and Ashcombes on Friday to pick up donations.  She stated Mr. Schach will be selling books and two master gardeners will be at the event.  She said she has pamphlets about organic lawn care to hand out during the event.  Discussion ensued.  She asked everyone to be there at 9am at the Barn. 

NEW BUSINESS

Park Tours

Ms. Parry stated she won’t be available to attend the May park tours.  Mrs. Paul asked everyone to meet at the Township Building at 6pm to start the park tours.  She will send an email to everyone reminding them of the upcoming park tours. 

ADJOURN

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

Next meeting is Park Tours, Wednesday, May 25th at 6:00 pm.