Charting Our Future
The Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan

During the spring of 2008, the Parks and Recreation Department Staff, Board and the Comprehensive Plan Study Committee embarked on a journey with an unknown destination. The goal was to evaluate the current status of all aspects of the Department (financing, programs, management, maintenance, etc.), identify strengths and weaknesses, gather public input regarding the wants and needs of the community and develop a chart for the future direction of the Parks and Recreation Department. During this process, key people were interviewed, focus group meetings were held with organized associations and monthly committee meetings were conducted. A key component of the planning process was the Citizen Survey which was sent to a random sampling of Township residents.
And the survey says. . .
The planning process identified the following key issues and interests in the Township. These are not listed in any particular order.

1. Protect open spaces and natural resources
2. Build a community identity for the Parks and Recreation Department as a key asset of the community
3. Provide sufficient recreation facilities for citizens to enjoy throughout their lifetime
4. Develop trails to create a connected community
5. Enhance park management and maintenance
6. Target recreation programs that address residents’ needs and respond to changing lifestyles
7. Enhance existing parks and recreation facilities through the introduction of convenience improvements,
. ...accessible accommodations a and aesthetic improvements

The plan resulted in a revised Mission Statement for the Department and 6 main goals which provide the foundation of the recommendations and action plan. The goal categories are: Park Land; Recreation Facilities; Greenways, Trails and Open Space; Programs and Services; Management and Financing. Within each goal, specific tasks are listed and rated according to their priority. The Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan is a “living document” that will guide elected and appointed officials, community groups, citizens and staff as they Chart the Future of the Parks and Recreation Department. Copies of the plan will be available on the Township website (www.springtwpberks.org) through the Parks and Recreation Department.

GREENWAYS & TRAILS UPDATE

Township of Spring Greenways & Trails System
Linking Our Lives

Throughout the year, the Township’s Greenways and Trails Committee has continued to host regularly scheduled meetings and to work on implementing the Greenways and Trails Plan.  The Township has secured the services of YSM, a landscape architect firm from York, PA to complete the design and bidding specifications for the Shoener Lake Trail.  These documents are scheduled for completion by the middle of 2009.  Once the plans are completed and approved, the Township will seek grant funding for the development of the trail around Shoener Lake located between Reedy Road and Yerger Boulevard. The Committee has also been working on developing a logo and a consistent signage system for use throughout the Township.  The signs will be placed throughout the trail system including those trail sections that consist of sidewalks to identify the trail and direct trail users.  The route that the Committee has proposed as Phase I of the system will begin at Shoener Lake and connect to Drexelwood Park, the Wilson School District High School Complex, West Lawn Park, Red Caboose Park, Midvale Manor Park, Cornwall Terrace Park, Wilson School District Southern Junior High School Complex, Wilson School District Whitfield Elementary, Breneman Park and will end at Cacoosing Meadows/Shoener Lake.