Fines for violating park rules could reach $1,000

Melody Asper

West Manheim Township officials are working to develop a set of rules for the township's new park, and have proposed fines of up to $1,000 for violations.

Recommendations in a draft set of rules prepared by township Solicitor Linus Fenicle include such things as setting park hours, speed limits, and reservation fees for pavilions and ball fields.

Firearms, slingshots, firecrackers, fireworks, explosives, arrows or other dangerous weapons within the park would be prohibited.

It is also proposed that no camping and/or sleeping will be allowed on park property, or in any vehicle on park property; no fires will be allowed except for those in grills; no parking will be allowed on the grass; no alcohol nor illegal drugs will be permitted on the premises; and no trapping nor hunting will be permitted.

Additionally there would be no motorized off-road vehicles allowed anywhere within the park - including but not limited to, ATVs scooters, snowmobiles, motorcycles and dirt bikes.

The ban on motorized off-road vehicles is necessary, said park board chairwoman Christine Gienski, because the noise from the vehicles disturbs nearby residents and park visitors, and the motorized vehicles are also destroying the walking and bicycling trails that have already been installed.

The proposed regulations also state that all pets must be kept on a leash and under control at all times, and are only allowed in specific areas as designated by the Board of Supervisors.

The proposed ordinance would make violations of the park rules and regulations a summary offense and violators could be punished with a fine of up to $1,000 per incident.

If adopted, the ordinance would give sole authority for the establishment of the park rules and regulations to the supervisors, Fenicle said.

The township purchased the 113-acre Warner farm west of the Baltimore Pike, between Wilson Springs and St. Bartholomew Church roads, about eight years ago to use the tract for a community park.

Township officials plan for the park to eventually contain a perimeter trail of 1.8 miles with a total of 3.5 miles of trails, including interior connectors; and a wide variety of sports fields, activity areas and picnic spots.

Chairman Supervisor Scott Barnhart said the complete set of proposed rules and regulations will be reviewed by the supervisors, and possible changes discussed, at the township's regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 4 starting at 6 p.m. at the township building on Baltimore Pike.

Source: http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_12371252

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