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CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
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Present
Announcements
Nature photographers from the Valley Forge Audubon Society are offering a field session where they will share tips about cameras, photographic techniques, composition, and more at Brightside Farm Park on Sunday, April 30th, at 8 a.m., weather permitting. Details are on the website
The Environmental Advisory Committee will host a Pennsylvania Native Species Day at Brightside Farm Park on May 18th, 2023. The event features prizes for a children’s art contest and a quiz for adults.
Standing Items
Minutes
No minutes were approved.
Trails Reports
The Brightside Farm Trail, which is near the area where there used to be hedgerows, has left the meandering path looking unusual. As grass starts to grow, Mr. Mount said the Board will have to reassess how the trails are laid. Also, the taking down of the hedgerows left a lot of debris on the grass trail particularly the trail perpendicular to the garden area. It is somewhat prickly to walk alongside and is especially hard on leashed animals.
Ms. Armstrong asked about the next steps and timing for Resource Environmental Solutions, aka RES. Mr. Mount referred all RES questions to the Township Office since Ms. Armstrong wants to be kept in the loop. Mr. Mount is not aware of a detailed schedule or document of the management plan. Ms. Armstrong is curious about why the work has stopped this time of year.
Park Reports
Mr. Mount stated that the open space inspection report by Theurkauf Design & Planning has been received. It repeats the list of projects, plus mentions invasives (also referenced in prior years). Two highlights mentioned are the large bridge displaying signs of rot and a piece of fence is detached near the basketball court. He will contact the office about repairing the fence since it is an attractive nuisance (but not a danger).
Ms. Armstrong asked about stumps at Charlestown Park. She also mentioned that some white pines showing too much yellow, which means they are weakened. They will not be able to fight off an incoming fungal blight and need to be fertilized. There are some near the Devault Post Office and at the Park.
EAC Report
Ms. Armstrong and Mr. Goodman are working on officially naming two streams. One is coming from Pickering Creek and one from French Creek. She is very involved in the research to provide the best names for these local resources. The EAC is starting a battery collection program.
Youth Sports Report
No report was received.
Ms. Armstrong had seen on social media that motorized bikes were on the trails used by the Great Valley Mountain Biking Club. Mr. Mount hasn’t heard anything but while reaching out for a report from the clubs, he will include them. The GVMB Club is active in the fall.
Old Business
Ms. Kane is not here tonight to discuss P&R’s priorities. Mr. Mount stated that repairs are scheduled for the observation deck at Charlestown Park. He wanted to give a big thank you to all the volunteers that made Earth Day so successful. Ms. Armstrong added that Pfizer Inc. may be a source for potential corporate volunteers. Discussion followed about donations and signers for banking for events and the P&R.
New Business
There was none.
Other Business
Adjournment at 7:38 p.m.
Lisa Gardner
Recording Secretary
