Charlestown Township Parks & Recreation Board Great Valley High School Thursday, June 20, 2019

Present

Announcements

There were no announcements.

Minutes for Approval

The May minutes were approved.

Old Business

New Business

PASC and PMYC Report

Mr. Lawrence asked everyone to attend the July meeting and please read through the outdated lease agreement for the clubs. He will gather feedback and compile it, then present it to Mrs. Csete. She will forward it to the solicitor. After Mr. Thompson reviews it, then it will appear on the Supervisors agenda.

• Lighting-Mr. Lawrence asked Mr. Shure about the possibility of the clubs pulling out. Is the lighting a fixture like the snack shack that would stay as a Park asset? Or, would the lighting be modular? Mr. Shure said the expectation is to stay since there is meaningful investment with the community.
• Length of contract-Flexible is key, and the easier to renew or replace the better. First the two clubs need to figure out how to “deal” with the Township. They may form an umbrella organization rather than combine their organizations. Mr. Fitzgerald will look over the lease for the PASC.
• If a turf field ends up not being feasible, Mr. Lawrence thought the top 18” of the field for PMYC would need to be reinstalled.
• Mr. Shure estimated $40,000 spent of Charlestown Park field maintenance.
• The Township may have the following environmental concerns: drainage and stormwater runoff, life expectancy of the surface (≈10 years), increase of parking and Park traffic, and the need for gates or fencing to protect the investment vs general public use and aesthetically improving the Park.
• There are probably “not properly abandoned” wells available for irrigation if needed.
• Mr. Lawrence reminded the Members that the survey taken in 2012 did not rank soccer or sports play fields as a big priority for Charlestown Township. The Board is likely to take this into consideration.
• Future discussions will be about field design, lighting and its maintenance and repair, and grant applications.
• Mr. Lawrence had no report from Mr. O’Brien (PMYC) but will follow up with him. The Members also realize the differing structures of the clubs, since the PMYC’s origin is voluntary and has no incoming funds. In contrast, PASC payroll is now at $200,000. But it is in need of volunteers. The PASC has about 17 teams that would use the turf (or 800 players).
• There will be a 50^th Anniversary Beef & Beer fundraiser in the fall for the PASC.
• A big thank you to the PASC for removing the tree that fell on the path between fields 2 & 3.

Trails

Mr. Beyer asks that all trail and volunteer leaders submit availability to him for July and August Trail repair and invasive species removal. You may list specific sites you wish to work. He has 75 hard copies of Trails Building and Maintenance Guide, and Mr. Lawrence will supply a pdf link.

A big thank you to Ms. Smith and a volunteer for clearing invasive species this month. Mr. Findlay asked her to let the EAC know when it happens again, and perhaps he can assemble more help.

The Pickering and the McDevitt Trail need remediation and may be receiving help from Johnson & Johnson volunteers. Using the “burrito” method will require many volunteers. Mr. Lawrence will contact a few groups after they go through the process once.

Ms. Smith suggested a schedule for 2020. She is gathering data and together they come up with a calendar for specific species removal. They will decide about herbicide usage or which method will be best per species. Mr. Lawrence said they need to consider adopting the Penn State guidelines for herbicide spraying. Mr. Mount suggested incorporating Mr. Theurkauf’s Open Space Report with the calendar, Mr. Lawrence will contact him for input.

EAC Report

Mr. Findlay reported that the Tree of Heaven (a favorite of the Spotted Lanternfly) is growing in numbers at Brightside Farm Park and along Hollow Road. There are about 6 trees with a diameter of about 12”. There are a few in Charlestown Park near the bridge. The removal is likely to run into a large sum of money. Other topics discussed:

• The grant application for the riparian buffer will not be likely for fall 2019.
• The Bird Town Program by the Audubon Society is on hold.
• There is a program reintroducing freshwater eels into local streams since there is a deficit that is causing a crawfish overgrowth.

Charlestown Day 2019

The next Charlestown Day on September 14 so there are only 2 meeting between then and now. Please attend the July meeting.

The next Charlestown Day will include a 5k. Mr. Lawrence has found a planner for this and they are in the process of establishing the route. The route will either circle the Park a few times or they will work with the University of Valley Forge. The Sports Management students may help by doing parking etc., but Mr. Lawrence said the school may allow the 5k to travel through their grounds. He should know by the July meeting. Mr. Lawrence needs to contact the Manatees and the Science Tellers.

The EAC may have a volunteer “sandwich board” person roaming the crowds to try and raise awareness and volunteers for their group.

Adjournment

Adjourned at 9:00 p.m.