West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
June 21, 2006
Minutes

Attending: Les Bair, Bob Cifone, Michael Dolan, Mary Lou Enoches, Jerry Napiecek, Michael Pillagalli, Ed Smith, and Megan Zug

Township Representatives: Ken Lehr and Kent Wise

Friends of the Park: Peggy and Holly Niemeyer

Meeting called to Order: 7:00 PM by Chairman Jerry Napiecek

After a review of the minutes submitted for the May 17, 2006 meeting, a motion was made by Mary Lou Enoches to accept the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Bob Cifone and passed.

The Financial Report dated May 31, 2006 was reviewed. There were no questions or comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Parks: Kent Wise said the number one priority for the crew at this time is cutting the grass and taking care of the ballfields at the various Township parks. Kent Wise informed that the crew is working on the Community Park flower beds adjacent to N. Five Points Road, planting new flowers and a new tree. The landscaping efforts in the area surrounding the gazebo have been completed. Kent Wise reported that the Eagle Scout project to build a Japanese Garden in the back area of the Community Park is complete. Kent Wise said the crew has topped off the play areas at Coopersmith and Barker Parks with playground safety mulch and indicated the play areas at Community Park still need to be done. Kent Wise said the ramps for the new skate area at the Robert E. Lambert Park were delivered on Friday (June 16^th). He indicated the crew would spend the next week putting the ramps together. Kent Wise reported that the summer help is working our well, stating that Doug Anderko and Scott Laudenslager have been a big help. Kent Wise said the new swings at Community Park would be assembled by certified installers. The Parks Department would not be taking on any new work until August.

Recreation: Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Recreation Program informed that the 2006 program will start next week (June 26^th). The Summer Recreation staff orientation was held on Saturday June 3^rd and the junior counselor orientation was held last Monday. Ken Lehr informed that Al Roth would be in the office daily starting next Monday (June 26^th). Ken Lehr reported that at this time there are 102 campers registered at Barker Park with eight openings available, 130+ campers at Community Park and around 60 campers at Coopersmith Park with plenty of room still available. The 2006 Summer Recreation Program is scheduled to begin on June 26^th and run through August 18^th.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Teen Program informed that there is nothing new to report at this time. The 2006 Summer Teen Program is scheduled to begin on June 26^th and run through August 18^th.

Friends of the Park: Megan Zug reporting for the Friends of West Goshen Parks informed that the members provided support at the June 11^th Children's Concert. Megan Zug indicated the fundraising efforts continue for the new swings at the Community Park.

Old Business: Ken Lehr reporting on bus trips informed that there were issues with the May 27^th trip to Yankee Stadium.  Ken Lehr indicated that the Township lined up the bus transportation with Krapf Coaches and stated that Krapf's failed to secure a bus driver for this trip. Ken Lehr reported that this resulted in a 1½ hour delay for the departure to New York. The bus did not arrive at Yankee Stadium until the 3^rd inning. Krapf Coaches issued a full refund (that was passed on to the people attending the trip) as well as a letter of apology to the Township. Ken Lehr stated that the Township did use Krapf Coaches for the June 10^th trip to RFK Stadium and indicated that the bus was ready to go one hour ahead of time. Ken Lehr said the Township would continue to utilize Krapf Coaches for upcoming trips. Ken Lehr reported that the Township is planning a fall return trip to Yankee Stadium on September 30^th indicating that the Yankee's have not posted the start time for the September 30^th game at this time. Ken Lehr reported that the Township is planning an open bus trip to New York City on December 2^nd, a trip to Radio City Music Hall on December 11^th and a February 2007 trip to the Franklin Institute to see the King Tut Exhibit.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series said that 450 people attended the June 11^th Children's Concert. The next concert will feature the U.S. Navy Band on June 25^th. Megan Zug said she received negative feedback from people attending the Children's Concert pertaining to the ability of the entertainer to keep the young viewers attention. Megan Zug said the feedback indicated the entertainment at last year's Children's Concert did a better job of keeping the young viewers attention throughout the program. Information on the Summer Concert Series is listed below:

Ken Lehr reporting on the July 4^th Decorated Bike Parade said that flyers advertising the event were distributed to the area schools in early June. Ken Lehr stated the Township was looking for volunteers to support set-up, registration and clean-up for this year's event. Jerry Napiecek, Bob Cifone, Michael Pillagalli and Ed Smith indicated they would be available to provide support. The Decorated Bike Parade is scheduled for Tuesday, July 4^th at 10:00 AM.

Ken Lehr reporting on Community Day informed that a planning meeting was held at 6:00 PM prior to the Park and Recreation Board meeting. Ken Lehr indicated that the crafters interest in this year's event is sluggish at this time. Mary Lou Enoches said that Chester County Hospital experienced the same situation with their May Festival. The members of the Park and Recreation Board suggested putting up the banners advertising Community Day earlier (Labor Day) this year. Ken Lehr indicated the Township would also like to line up antique car and military vehicle displays for this year's event.

Ken Lehr reporting on Harvest Day informed there was nothing new to report at thins time. The 2006 Harvest Day festivities will be held at the Community Park on Sunday, October 29^th. 

Ken Lehr reporting on Robert E. Lambert Park said the dedication for the new park is scheduled for Sunday, July 16^th at noon. Ken Lehr indicated that the members of the Park and Recreation Board would be receiving invitations for the grand opening in the mail. Ken Lehr reported that the opening festivities would include appearances by nationally know skateboard pros Rodney Jones and Dorian Tucker. Additionally, a trained dog demonstration will be featured at the new dog area of the park. Finally, the winner of the May Battle of the Bands "Durant" is also scheduled to perform. Ken Lehr informed that the Township has hired six attendants to staff the new skatepark. Ken Lehr indicated that three of the new attendants are Township residents and two are also involved with the Summer Recreation Program. Ken Lehr said that the new attendants would report to him. A Nextel phone would be provided for the attendants. The new attendants will attend an orientation session from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM tomorrow (June 22^nd). Additionally, the new attendants would provide help with the installation of the skatepark equipment. Ken Lehr informed that the Township had not determined the operating hours for the new skatepark at this time, indicating that the operating hours would be flexible and subject to change based on usage patterns. Ken Lehr stated that people are already utilizing the playground area of the new park. Kent Wise informed that even though there is still construction at the site, the use of the playground equipment is a safe activity. Michael Pillagalli asked if the Township is planning to charge a fee for using the new skatepark. Ken Lehr reported the Township is not planning to initially charge a fee and indicated a decision on a fee structure would be made at a later date. Ken Lehr said patrons wanting to use the new skatepark must be registered with the Township. Additionally, patrons under the age of eighteen must have a parent sign the authorization. Michael Pillagalli expressed concern that adding a fee for usage of the skatepark after an initial free usage period could cause problems. Holly Niemeyer stated that the Township must advertise that a fee for skatepark usage is coming so the patrons do not view this fee as something that is being taken away from them. Michael Pillagalli suggested talking to Dave Fairman to determine if not charging a fee initially for skatepark usage is a good idea. Ken Lehr said that the Board of Supervisors would make the final decision on the fee structure for the new skatepark. Les Bair suggested assessing a registration fee for the new skatepark. Megan Zug stated she would also support a moderate registration fee for the new skate park. Ken Lehr said the Township is currently discussing a $50 annual fee for township residents and a $100 annual fee for non-residents for the new skate park, or a $5.00 fee for each visit. Mary Lou Enoches asked Ken Lehr to take the following concerns/recommendation back to the Board of Supervisors.

• The members of the Park and Recreation Board feel that some type of fee for usage of the new skate park is desirable.
• The Township needs to communicate up-front that access to the new skatepark would initially be free (viewed as a gift to the community) and that a usage fee would be coming at a later date. 
• There may be a frenzy of activity/interest for the new skate park once word gets out that access to the facilities are free. There is concern that the number of patrons wanting to utilize the new facilities could greatly exceed the capacity.

Kent Wise reported the new facility would hold about 25 skateboarders on an average and stated the facility could hold a maximum of 40 to 50 skateboarders at one time. The first year budget for the new facility includes funding for the attendants and no line item for proceeds from a usage fee. Kent Wise stated that the Township has the responsibility of maintaining the area within the new park. Bob Cifone suggested that a minimal fee should be assessed for usage to cover the staffing requirements for the new skatepark. Ken Lehr said the skate rules would be posted at the new park, the Township's website, and the Township Newsletter.  Michael Pillagalli recommended also including the rules for the new skatepark in any literature for the park. Bob Cifone asked if there is the ability to lock the skate park, dog park, and tennis courts separately. Kent Wise informed that only the skatepark would be locked during off-hours and the other facilities would remain open. The dogpark would be open year-round. Finally, Kent Wise stated that the new Township skatepark can not be compared to Boarderline Skatepark in West Chester, informing that the Township's skatepark is an outdoor facility and the equipment is not as fast.  Michael Pillagalli indicated that the Township needs to be prepared in the event usage for the new skate park takes off.

Ken Lehr provided an update on the Jerrehian property, informing that the Board of Supervisors would be looking at the request for a zoning change for this property at next weeks meeting.

New Business: Ken Lehr reviewed a letter the Township received from Tracy Behringer of the Chester County Suicide Prevention Task Force requesting the use of the Community Park on Saturday, November 4^th to hold a 5k race/1 mile walk. Kent Wise indicated he would be able to support this event and stated he would not be able to guarantee that the restroom facilities would still be open this late in the fall.

Megan Zug informed that she noticed a sign at the Radnor Township Park near one of their ballfields warning patrons to be aware of objects leaving the field. Megan Zug stated that West Goshen Township may want to do something similar around the Township ballfields. Kent Wise indicated that the Township does have "park at your own risk" signs adjacent to the Township ballfields.

Michael Pillagalli asked if anyone had information pertaining to the demolition of the old barn on Fern Hill Road next to the weeping beech tree.  Michael Pillagalli stated that this was one of the last standing barns in the area and indicated that he would notify the state of this issue tomorrow (June 22^nd).

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for July 19, 2006.

   Respectfully Submitted,
   Ed Smith