 |
CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
|
Present
Standing Items
Minutes
Ammerman made a motion to approve the November minutes, and Robinson seconded. With no discussion or opposition, the minutes were approved.
Township Events Announcements
Fox reported planning is underway for the 2025 events calendar. The schedule will maintain consistency with 2024 events, with specific dates to be finalized and approved.
Youth Sports Reports
PMYC reported completion of a successful football season and commencement of basketball season. A break-in occurred at the clubhouse, though no items were stolen and no vandalism occurred. The board discussed various security enhancement options, including motion-activated lighting and cameras.
Trails Report
Spring trail maintenance planning is underway, with May 10th identified as the target date for trail cleanup with a focus on McDevitt Trail.
Charlestown Township Park and Brightside Farm Update
Damage to Charlestown Park bathroom bricks was reported and is being addressed.
Japanese knotweed infestation was discussed, particularly regarding a patch near the community garden area in Brightside Park. The board explored options for removal, including potential coordination with RES for treatment, noting complications due to the plant’s proximity to Pidgeon Run.
EAC Updates
Armstrong informed the board that the EAC received notification of BCNR grant approval to fund a student conservation team for multiflora rose removal in the Brightside buffer area during 2025. The township will provide matching funds. Additionally, 2025 will mark the final year of the Keystone 10 Million Trees Program.
Scout Program Report
Robinson delivered a program update to the Board of Supervisors on December 2nd, receiving positive feedback. Scout service days have been scheduled for April and October 2025, with plans for project coordination.
Sarabella Firkin presented an update on her completed bird sanctuary Silver Award project in Charlestown Park, located near the Snack Shack area.
Old Business
Trail and Park Kiosks
Current focus is obtaining adequate resolution GIS information for map displays. Design will maintain consistency with existing trails materials, including established color schemes and themes.
New Business
Holiday Open House/Event Brainstorming
2025 event calendar will continue successful programs including concerts, Charlestown Day, and the Sunday Funday series. Board discussed enhanced promotion strategies, including new real estate-style yard signs for better visibility and increased social media outreach. Particular attention was given to improving awareness of events at more isolated locations.
Other Business
Swiss Pines Update
Kane updated the board that the committee is compiling ideas for presentation to the Board of Supervisors in March. Plans include a tour of a renovated mill/mansion property for comparison purposes. Community input workshops are being planned to gather resident feedback on property usage. The board’s discussion included potential community garden space and bamboo removal challenges.
Board Member Update
Chairperson Dan Mount announced the completion of his term and decision not to seek reappointment. January meeting will include election of new chair. Mount expressed gratitude to the Board of Supervisors and fellow Parks and Recreation board members for supporting his 6 years of service.
Adjournment was at 7:35 p.m. with refreshments served.
