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CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
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ATTENDEES
Members:
Scott Ammerman, Makinlee Fox, Cordelia Kane, John Kulp, Stephanie Robinson
Excused:
Kyla McFadden
SUMMARY MINUTES
Presenter: Scott Ammerman
- S. Ammerman called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Approval of Minutes
Presenter: Scott Ammerman
- S. Ammerman presented the minutes from the March 20, 2025 meeting and asked for a motion to approve.
- Motion: The March 20, 2025 Charlestown Township Parks and Recreation Board meeting minutes are approved. Motion: J. Kulp. Second: C. Kane. 5 YES, 0 NO, 0 ABSTAIN, 1 ABSENT (McFadden).
Township Events Review
Presenter: Makinlee Fox
- The April 27th Wildflower Walk was successful.
- The April 27th Girl Scout Gold Project grand opening was also successful. It was noted that some individuals who use the sports fields were cutting through the exhibit and trampled the new plants, so it was suggested that some kind of small fencing be installed around the perimeter to keep the plants safe.
- MAY 10, 2025 - McDEVITT TRAIL CLEAN-UP: Plans are underway for the May 10, 2025 McDevitt Trail Clean-up. Individuals with chainsaws are asked to attend and lend a hand.
- MAY 26, 2025 - MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: Plans are also underway for the May 26, 2025 Memorial Day Service. Speakers and a bugler are being sought. Boy Scouts from Willistown Troop 78 may do the flag ceremony as in the past.
- SEPTEMBER 27, 2025- CHARLESTOWN DAY: New kids staging and activities area is coming to Charlestown Day as well as new vendors
and food trucks. After discussion, the following motion was made and seconded:
- Motion: The Charlestown Township Parks & Recreation Board approves the investment and implementation of a new kid staging and activities area for Charlestown Day. Motion: S. Robinson. Second: C. Kane. 5 YES, 0 NO, 0 ABSTAIN, 1 ABSENT (McFadden).
- FUTURE ENDEAVOR - Earth Day. It was noted that the Charlestown Parks & Rec Board would like to play a bigger role in Earth Day events throughout our parks.
Youth Sports Reports (PMYC, PASC, GV Mountain Biking Team)
Presenter: Scott Ammerman
- None
Trails Reports (Pickering, McDevitt)
Presenter: Scott Ammerman
- None
Park Updates (Brightside, Charlestown Parks)
Presenter: Scott Ammerman
- Brightside Farm Park
- C. Armstrong reported the following: The PA Outdoor Corps is a program of DCNR and SCA - the Student Conservation Association. They spent April 28-May mechanically removing invasive shrubs and vines from Brightside riparian buffer along Pigeon Creek headwaters. During this time, blueberry bushes were exposed and caged, and other blueberry bushes were planted and caged. The exposing of the shrubs by removing the invasive plants has required many cages, and much more caging will be done in the future.
- A Mountain Bike Mock Race may be planned for Brightside Farm Park. The event coordinator was asked to check with the Township Manager before planning any events at Brightside due to the nesting Kestrels and other bird nesting underway.
- Charlestown Park
- The temporary fix of the Charlestown Park foot bridge was discussed again. S. Ammerman stated he would contact Dan Wright (Township Engineer) for an update on when the permanent repairs would take place.
- We are waiting for GIS map data so we can build and install the new kiosk at Charlestown Park.
Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) Update
Presenter: Scott Ammerman
- C. Armstrong announced that The EAC is celebrating Native Species Day on May 20 at Brightside near the parking lot where the trail begins. They will have information sheets for visitors on invasive plants and on native pollinator plants. They will have other resources for planting native species, the importance of pollinators, and as a way to counter Pennsylvania’s major problem with invasive species. They will award the prizes for the Children’s Art Context.
Scout Program Update
Presenter: Scott Ammerman
- S. Robinson stated the first Scout Days of Service day - Saturday, April 5, 2025 - was a success. Nine scouts from Willistown Troop 78 participated in a 3-hour winter trash clean-up project. About 100 lbs. of trash was picked up. The scouts earned service hours (and a few slices of pizza), and Charlestown Park was cleaned up.
- One girl scout reached out to discuss doing a Gold Award project at Charlestown Park. She will select a project from the pre-approved list.
Old Business
Presenter: Scott Ammerman
- None
New Business
Presenter: Scott Ammerman
- There is currently one opening on the Parks & Rec Board. S. Ammerman recommended that Jared McFadden be placed on the Board. He asked
for a motion to put Mr. McFadden’s name in front of the Board of Supervisors. After discussion, the following motion was made and seconded:
- Motion: The Charlestown Township Parks & Recreation Board approves proceeding with the nomination of Mr. Jared McFadden to the Parks & Rec Board. Motion: S. Robinson. Second: J. Kulp. 5 YES, 0 NO, 0 ABSTAIN, 1 ABSENT (McFadden).
Other
Presenter: Scott Ammerman
- None
Adjournment
Presenter: Scott Ammerman
- With no further business to come before them, the Charlestown Township Parks & Recreation Board meeting was adjourned.