“There’s a time each year
That we always hold dear,
Good old summer time;”

Although George Evans and Ren Shields wrote this song over 100 years ago, the lyrics still hold true. Regardless of age, everyone looks forward to the summer season. Whether you’re a student (or teacher) anxiously awaiting your escape from the classroom, an adult looking forward to that week’s vacation with the family or someone who just wants the warmer weather to stick around long enough for the flowers to bloom, summer is usually greeted with open arms.

The Parks and Recreation Department has worked through the winter to prepare a summer full of activities for you and your family. Summer 2008 hosts our traditional Summer Playground and Tot Lot Programs as well as all kinds of camps from field hockey and dance to computers and golf. Summer isn’t just for kids though. Fly fishing, gardening, retirement courses and multiple trips are available for adults of all ages.  The Department has once again joined forces with the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department to offer additional environmental programs. Please contact the County at 610-374-8839 to register for these programs. The ever popular Discount Amusement Park Ticket Program is being offered again through the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society. As always, park facilities are open to the general public for your use and enjoyment. Pavilions, athletic fields and courts may be reserved by contacting the Department.

Work continues on implementing the Greenways and Trails Plan, the Shiloh Hills Park Phase I Development Project and the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan. A random Citizen Survey will be mailed in early summer to gather residents’ input on the future of parks and recreation in the Township. As part of our efforts to continually improve our existing facilities, the Department recently completed the installation of new play equipment at Colony Park and is working with the Spring Township Lions’ Club to restore the caboose at Red Caboose Park. We need the support of the entire community to embark on these projects. Please contact the Department with any questions about our programs, facilities and projects.

We look forward to seeing you “In the good old summertime” in our parks and programs!

Judy Houck, CPRP
Parks & Recreation Manager