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CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION BOARD |
Present
Announcements
Earth Day was on Saturday, April 9th, and Mr. Mount thanked everyone that helped clean up the Township’s trails, roadways, and parks.
The Wildflower Walk will be on April 24th. Please meet at the Mill near the Pickering Trail at 1 p.m. located on Charlestown Road.
There is a tree identification walk on April 30th, at Jenkins Park. It is being coordinated with the EAC and will be led by ecosystem ecologist Mr. Will Ryan Ph.D. It is from 10-11:30 a.m. Please preregister on the website as parking is limited.
Another Weed Warrior event is planned for June 4th. Volunteers should meet at the Mill, with gloves and a handled digging tool. Warriors will focus on Garlic mustard and narrowleaf bittercress (most pull out easily) on the Pickering trail. It is a 2-hour event from 9-11 a.m.
Standing Items
The March minutes were approved.
Trails Reports
The Pickering Trail was visited by Mr. Mount, at the storm damaged bridge. His visit included a write-up for FEMA funding that was forwarded to Mrs. Csete. The next step will be a draft sketch of a suggested repair, perhaps involving the Township Engineer. The damage includes a 4’ drop off the bridge deck to the ground and a 9’ misalignment of the bridge vs. the trail. Mr. Hubbard and FEMA reps did a walk thru and took pictures two weeks ago.
The Devault Trail Activation Plan has posted another meeting scheduled for April 28th at 7 p.m. and will cover continued planning (tmacc.org). Registration links are found on the Township website.
Park Reports
The Charlestown Township Park inspection report was distributed.
- The report had no major issues but many small repairs are needed. There are no major safety problems, but the top priorities are fixing the erosion and footbridge supports.
- PennDOT will have to respond to the erosion issue at Township Line and Charlestown Road before the Township can attempt to remove this from the list.
- Dead trees need to be removed near lacrosse field #2.
- The Checkerboard Project is complete. Mr. Mount will contact prospective Eagle Scout Larissa Greenway. He would like her to provide a blurb for the Newsletter and social media. These should include the code for the checkers lockbox.
- The Delaware Valley Orienteering Association received all positive responses regarding their desire to set up a course at Charlestown Park. They teach residents how to use a map and compass to get to coordinates. To find out more see www.dvoa.org.
Brightside Farm Park was toured by Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Motel, Mr. Kuhn, and 3 reps from R.E.S. From this, a concept plan(s) with estimates will be received from R.E.S. for a June BOS presentation.
The Jenkins Park inspection report also came out reflecting the same info as in 2021. There was one exception noting an ATV trail that leads to a nearby home. It has not been established if this is an active trail. The Township continues to move forward with improving this park and the master improvement draft is due in a month. There will be a review by the Board and P & R then a public information session. The input received will be put into the final plan for approval.
EAC Report
There is a tree identification walk on April 30th, at Jenkins Park from 10-11:30 a.m. It is being coordinated with the EAC, and will be led by ecosystem ecologist Mr. Will Ryan Ph.D. Please preregister on the website as parking is limited.
Youth Sports Report
No updates were received.
Old Business
Valley Forge General Hospital Commemorative Sign
Mr. Mount talked with Dr. Philip McLeod and clarified the 3 points below for a future Board presentation. It is regarding a commemorative marker for the Valley Forge General Hospital Golf Course.
- Further content of proposal
- Funding -the funding letters have been written for endorsement
- Estimated timeline- the sign would be ready for the hospital’s upcoming 80th anniversary on September 24th, 2023.
New Business
Open Land Conservancy of Chester County
This organization was gifted a Valley Hill tract across from Jenkins Park. The preserve is ≈10 acres that cross into E. Whiteland Township. An unpaved mown trail will loop from the north at Valley Hill through the woods and into E. Whiteland and back. The EAC, and P&R Chairman Mr. Mount, are working together. One point to be discussed is adjusting the parking on the Jenkins Park Plan since it will likely host those also parking to enjoy the newly gifted preserve. Mr. Mount welcomes anyone wanting to be a part of the discussion at the OLC meeting.
Weed Warrior Inaugural Event and future plans
In early April weed warriors pulled Multiflora rose off of the trail and riparian buffer, along the Pickering Trail.
Another Weed Warrior event is planned for June 4th, meeting at the Mill. Bring gloves (and a short handle digging tool if you wish) and join fellow warriors on the Pickering Trail. Garlic mustard and narrowleaf bittercress (easily pulled) will be the targeted invasives. Volunteers should gather at the Mill at 9 a.m. for the 2-hour event.
Charlestown Day Kick-Off Meeting
Ms. Robinson said the volunteers began planning by using the blueprints from last year. Ms. Fox will be helping again this year, but more volunteers are needed. There is a meeting next month for the event on September 24th.
Free Summer Concert Series
In conjunction with the Charlestown Historical Society and the Charlestown P & R, concerts that were stopped due to the pandemic are, per liaison Ms. Robinson, back. Bring your blankets, coolers, and chairs to the three free concerts below and enjoy. As always, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors are needed. Visit the Township website for more information.
- The Malarkey Brother Celtic Folk Rock Band
Thursday, June 23rd, 7-9 p.m.
The Wisner-Rapp House, 3020 Yellow Springs Road, Malvern, PA - One Man Dog: James Taylor Tribute Band
Thursday, July 7th, 7-9 p.m.
Charlestown Township Park, 100 Academic Way, Phoenixville, PA - The Mighty Manatees Band
Wednesday, July 27th, 7-9 p.m.
Charlestown Township Park, 100 Academic Way, Phoenixville, PA
Adjournment was at 8:10 p.m.