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Charlestown Township Parks & Recreation Board
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Present
Announcements
The meeting was recorded.
Minutes for Approval
The January minutes were approved.
Old Business
New Business
Great Valley Mountain Biking Club
Mr. Kaczmar introduced himself and will be the new contact, replacing Mr. Leary as the rep for Township meetings. Brightside trails need to have some clearing done on the existing trails. This was approved by an email prior to tonight’s meeting. New trails need to be discussed further. There is an opportunity to obtain a new property for the Township. It is near the Middle and High School. This may change the trails situation and the Township is waiting for more information.
Charlestown Park
April 1st is the new opening date for restrooms at the Park, unless there are further government restrictions. The playgrounds and pavilions are not open, but it is not “policed”. Trails and open areas are still accessible, but social distancing is of course, encouraged. The Township is not obligated to sanitize.
Mr. Theurkauf has completed his spring report of the Park and Mr. Lawrence will be distributing it to the clubs.
Earth Day
(Canceled after this meeting) Earth Day is still planned for April 18th. (Canceled) The Township Manager will let Mr. Lawrence know if it is canceled. Report areas needing attention to Mrs. Csete, she has divided the Township into sections needing work and assign the groups.
Charlestown Day
Mr. Lawrence stated that once Earth Day is over, the next push will be for Charlestown Day. He needs Members of the P&R Board to each take on one aspect of the Day. One person needs to head the 5k with GoFast, one person needs to deal with vendors, etc., and a few Members need to get together to decide on a band. Many bands have come forward and want to play that day. Mr. Lawrence may suggest some of them for the Historical Concert series.
Trails
Mr. Beyer discussed the importance of prioritizing the needs of each individual trail. Then, when someone or a group comes forward and wants to volunteer, it will be easy to point them to the perfect fit for that group.
The responsibility of the trail steward is more of a leadership role now than just a watchful eye. The steward will be prioritizing for individuals or action groups/corporate sponsors, plus taking suggestions or complaints.
- McDevitt Trail will be stewarded by Mr. Beyer and Mr. Mount.
- Mr. Mount volunteered for the Jenkins Trail, but it has no activity right now.
- Brightside Farm is stewarded by Mr. Longua and Mr. Mount.
- Thompson Trail was blazed by Mr. Quay, Mr. Beyer will contact him, since it has enormous potential.
- Mr. Lawrence will be stewarding the Park Trail.
- Ms. Beyer will oversee the Pickering Trail.
Trail stewards please report to Mr. Beyer your top 2 priorities.
The Pickering Preserve assessment by Mr. Theurkauf’s rep will be soon. Mr. Lawrence told Ms. Beyer he hopes that there can be a Member there during the assessment.
Ms. Beyer found a site called Phillygoatproject.org. Therapy goats can be hired to graze in ppl’s back yards, or parks, etc. They eat invasive species, so Ms. Beyer reached out and received the initial information needed for trails in Charlestown.
- It is not free.
- The group is in need of funds since many of their events have been canceled.
- They are therapy trained animals.
- They use electric fencing to partition off an area.
- The biggest issue is dogs off leash scaring the goats.
- Members had many ideas for closing the trail to dogs.
- If spooked, goats will go thru fencing, even if electrified.
- These goats eat aggressive invasives such as Multiflora Rose and Mile-a-Minute Vine.
- Ms. Beyer said a lot of the trail is closed anyway due to inaccessibility, and during this time they could begin to re-cut the trail.
- Older scouts might be able to help with cutting the trail or to help keep dogs off the closed trail.
- Ms. Beyer will find out more next week.
Lastly, Mr. Lawrence suggested a field trip to each of the parks and trails so that everyone knows where they are, including Horseshoe Trail and where it is within the Township.
PASC Report
Practices are suspended until further notice.
PMYC Report
Practices are suspended until further notice.
Brightside Farm Park
There is no date for bench dedication. Signs are ordered.
Mr. Buck said he needs to re-engage with contractors and check on their availability. The garden is under the same restrictions as the Park, due to the virus. Gardeners are to keep 6 feet apart. The portable restroom is closed. All plots are subscribed, and there is a waiting list. There are 60 spots (20’ x 20’). A new fence would expand the garden, then smaller spots will be added. He will email fence updates and specs.
EAC Report
No updates.
Other Items
The plans for the Park, such as reestablishing sports clubs and restrooms, is likely to be changing, so Mr. Lawrence will be emailing Members. The next meeting may be via conference call.
Adjournment was at 8:15 p.m.