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CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION BOARD |
Present
Announcements
On May 22nd at 9 a.m. there is a Yoga Walk at Brightside Farm Park. There are flyers available, plus flyers for Concerts in the Park.
The next Weed Warrior event is planned for June 4th. Volunteers should meet at the Mill, with gardening gloves. Easy to pull invasives will be the focus on the Pickering trail. It is a 2-hour event from 9-11 a.m.
Standing Items
The April minutes were approved.
Trails Reports
Mr. Hubbard and Mrs. Csete check the status of the FEMA Report from the storm that damaged the Pickering Trail every two weeks. The next steps will include the engineer drafting a plan for the suggested repair. The damage includes a 4’ drop off the bridge deck to the ground and a 9’ misalignment of the bridge vs. the trail. This repair will be beyond what scouts could do, but perhaps after this stage is complete there will be finishing work that they could complete. There are many scout projects available.
Park Reports
Mr. Mount updated Members regarding the RES Landscaping presentation at the last Board of Supervisors meeting in early May. The distributed documents at the meeting included a spreadsheet with the initial steps totaling $49,034 for the first year. This was later approved.
They presented their long-term proposal for drafting a ten-year plan for Brightside Farm Park. The foremost goal is to create a bird sanctuary that would allow the Township to manage the site as a functional grassland ecosystem to support breeding birds.
But before any of this could be done, they needed to obtain the go ahead for the first year to set the initial scientific study in motion.
Some points mentioned by reps from RES:
- It will begin with a scientific study lasting a year, to see if the long-term proposal lines up with their 10-year draft plan (given the scientific findings).
- The initial plan prompted many questions since it suggested removing hedgerows or invasives that make up a large amount of the hedgerow habitat.
- Watch social media and the Township’s website for the public meetings with RES.
The Charlestown Township Park is being inspected by Ms. Robinson. She reported a need for better trash rotation. Mr. Hubbard said there will be work done on the restrooms and the fountains are going to be converted into bottle filler stations.
EAC Report and Youth Sports Report
No updates were received.
Old Business
June 4th at 10 a.m. there is a Weed Warrior invasive weed pulling event at Pickering Trail.
New Business
Charlestown Day Kick-Off Meeting
Before tonight’s meeting, there was a Charlestown Day meeting. The discussion focused on food trucks, frozen treats, sponsors/obtaining financial support (Ms. Fox). Things are progressing on schedule.
Free Summer Concert Series
There are three free concerts planned at Brightside Farm Park this summer. As always, volunteers are needed.
- The Malarkey Brother Celtic Folk Rock Band
Thursday, June 23rd, 7-9 p.m.
The Wisner-Rapp House, 3020 Yellow Springs Road, Malvern, PA - One Man Dog: James Taylor Tribute Band
Thursday, July 7th, 7-9 p.m.
Charlestown Township Park, 100 Academic Way, Phoenixville, PA - The Mighty Manatees Band
Wednesday, July 27th, 7-9 p.m.
Charlestown Township Park, 100 Academic Way, Phoenixville, PA
Girl Scout Gold Project Presentation by Scout Victoria Robinson
Tonight’s preliminary approval for the project could not be completed due to a lack of voting Members in attendance. However, Ms. Robinson from Troop 440 distributed her plans for a Butterfly Garden “Sittery” for her Girl Scout Gold Award Project. Her goal is to bring a social interaction area to the park. It included a detailed list of materials needed with cost estimates and vendor information. The Township may be tapped for a small donation.
Her idea was a triangular area well suited for conversation, with one of the sides being the two existing benches where the path splits toward the clubhouse or nature trail. It will include pollinator plants that have been approved by Kelsey Stanton Murphy of Theurkauf Design and Planning, who may also act as a mentor in the project. It initially includes rubber garden edging, butterfly bushes, new chairs or benches, hand-painted stones, shrubs, and hopefully butterflies and honeybees.
Mr. Mount will forward EAC contact information to Ms. Robinson so that they can review the plan. Mr. Wright will also review it. Ms. Buzzi and Ms. Napoli suggested places and organizations for donations of specific plantings. Ms. Stephanie will oversee it until another scout can continue the upkeep when her daughter Victoria leaves for college. Mr. Mount asked Victoria to return with a plant listing and Mr. Hubbard suggested obtaining at least a conditional approval from the Board. This would allow the project to continue through the lengthy procedure outlined by the Girl Scouts. At the next meeting, Mr. Mount hopes there will be enough in attendance to vote for a recommendation.
Other Business
Ms. Buzzi would like to clean up Route 29 which is littered, especially the banks. It is a very dangerous area that is not conquered on Earth Day. It will require a PennDOT road closure. Mr. Mount suggested starting with a list of volunteers and a timeline. Next, with P&R in agreement, they can talk to Mrs. Csete about what would come next.
Adjournment was at 8:11 p.m.