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CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION BOARD |
Present
Announcements
- Parks & Recreation will be hosting a Wildflower Walk at the Pickering Creek Trail on April 28th
Standing Items
Minutes
Mr. Ammerman moved to approve the minutes for March, and Mr. Mount seconded. Mr. Mount called for discussion and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.
Township Events Announcements
- Parks & Recreation will be hosting a Wildflower Walk at the Pickering Creek Trail on April 28th
- The first Park & Recreation Sunday Brunch will be held at Charlestown Park on April 21 11am - 2pm. The event will include a community yard sale.
Youth Sport Reports
Mr. O’Brien from PMYC provided via email:
- New signage with the new PMYC logo is being acquired. A 4′ x 8′ sign for the clubhouse and a 3′ x 5′ sign for the press box.
There were no questions regarding the signage from the board.
Mr. Kaczmar from the Great Valley Mountain biking team provided via email:
- The coaches are coordinating the practice routines and schedule for this season, which will be available soon.
- The use of Brightside Park for practices is expected to be the same as previous years.
Mr. McNamee from the PASC reported:
- The season will kick-off in 2 weeks
- Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend is a built-in rain day
Trails Report
There were no updates this month.
Charlestown Township Park and Brightside Farm Update
The spring inspection of Charlestown Park took place in the middle of April. The pedestrian bridge was again highlighted as a concern. Mr. Mount will request a review from the township engineer to identify the next steps.
EAC Updates
Ms. Armstrong informed the board that on May 2 the EAC will be working in the riparian buffer at Brightside Park to repair trees and plants.
Mr. Ammerman thanked the EAC and volunteers for the Charlestown Road cleanup.
There was additional discussion on efforts to engage with more volunteers for Parks & Recreation and EAC projects. Mr. Rubinfield suggested engaging with township HOA leaders to post events and volunteer requests within the HOA communication groups.
Ms. Armstrong provided details on the Pennsylvania Native Species Day on May 16th at Brightside Park. Information will be available regarding native and invasive species that residents might come across. Master watershed stewards will be on site providing educational sessions.
Old Business
Charlestown Park & Rec To-Do List
Ms. Kane will provide the board with the dimensions to cover the cistern by the Pickering Trail. There was additional discussion regarding what may be required to fully cover the cistern opening.
New Business
Girl Scout Gold Award Project Proposal
Ms. Singh, a local Girl Scout working on her Gold Award, provided the board with a proposed project at Charlestown Park to enhance the park, promote biodiversity, sustainability and community involvement:
- A small gazebo
- Repair or replacement of park benches
- Planting of a native species garden
- Informational signage about each native species
- Located at the triangular intersection of trails closest to the PMYC clubhouse.
- Completion in the Spring of 2025
Mr. Mount highlighted that the gazebo may require a building permit, with additional information surrounding permits available on the township website.
Mr. Mount asked for more information on the care and maintenance of the native plantings. Ms. Singh will work with her mentor to identify plantings that are mostly maintenance free and deer resistant.
Ms. Kane highlighted the long term maintenance of the gazebo. The proposal would have the gazebo made of a sustainable low maintenance wood.
Mr. Mount asked for clarification on the replacement of the benches. Ms. Singh clarified that the benches will primarily be repaired and any that cannot be repaired will be replaced with something matching what is at the park.
Mr. Ferraro inquired if there was a way to connect the value to community groups who could pass on stewardship from year to year. Ms. Singh provided a few community scouts and school groups that may be interested in being involved.
Mr. Mount moved to proceed with the proposal and refine the scope, and Ms. McFadden seconded. Mr. Mount called for discussion and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.
Other Business
None
Adjournment was at 8:19 p.m.
