Why now: The last Comprehensive Recreation Plan was prepared in 2000 prior to the most recent population surge. Currently the township owns28 parks and most of the 500 year floodplain surrounding the Little Lehigh River and Swabia Creeks. (Credit should be given to previous supervisors and township leadership for aggressively collecting floodplain over the years.) Since the last plan we have also constructed the community center and hired a Recreation Director.

Since so much has changed so rapidly in the township over the last 10 years a comprehensive review of our Parks system makes alot of sense at this time. For ex. I’ve been extremely supportive of creating a township supported dog-park funded largely by private donations and fundraising. This is a great example of an idea that can be explored within the context of reviewing all 28 of our township parks to find the best potential future home for a possible dog park.

Outcomes: As part of this review we’ll be able to assess any needs our community may have that aren’t currently being served, the strengths of our system and identify any weaknesses. It’s important to note our current Parks and Recreation committee has done an excellent job over the past few years identifying a 5 year plan and budgeting for on-going park maintenance. The upcoming comprehensive review will only give the committee more resources and strenghten their ongoing efforts by tying the process into the larger budget picture more clearly.

Participate! We need the public to come to the kickoff meeting! It will be held at 6pm on Monday the 17th. There will be opportunities to voice your feedback, thoughts and your take on the future direction of our parks system. I hope to see you there!