Park rules adopted

Melody Asper

West Manheim Township has officially adopted a set of rules for residents to abide by when using the new township park.

According to the new ordinance, violations of the park rules will be a summary offense that can be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per incident.

At Tuesday night's meeting, the Board of Supervisors formally adopted the ordinance, which not only sets rules but also establishes such things as speed limits and reservation fees for pavilions and ball fields.

The new ordinance expressly prohibits within the park:

-- all firearms, slingshots, firecrackers, fireworks, explosives, arrows or other dangerous weapons;

-- camping and/or sleeping (overnight) on park property, or in any vehicle on park property;

-- fires except in grills;

-- parking on the grass;

-- alcohol;

-- trapping or hunting;

-- motorized off-road vehicles 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, park visitors and wildlife. Motorized vehicles also could destroy the walking and bicycling trails that have already been installed, she said.

The new regulations also state that all pets must be kept on a leash and under control at all times, and they are only allowed in specific areas as designated by the Board of Supervisors. The ordinance states that all pet owners must clean up after their pets.

The township bought 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.

At a recent township meeting, Gienski told the supervisors that the park now has more than five miles of trails ready for use. All trails have been opened and continue to be cared for by volunteers, said Gienski.

The park board also has recently installed six new benches near the trails and eight new picnic tables - two of which are handicap-accessible.

West Manheim's park was purchased, and continues to be built, with no tax dollars ever being used. From its inception, the township recreation park has relied on grants, fundraisers, township impact fees and donations from residents and businesses.

The township paid $450,000 for the farm, with $200,000 of that amount being paid for by a state grant and several other grants that have been added through the years. The balance of the purchase price of the farm was paid off with recreation fees paid by developers.

Township officials hope to eventually provide separate areas for a variety of activities such as a skate park; baseball, softball and soccer fields; walking trails; plus more picnic areas and pavilions.

The park's master plan that was created in December 2004 also includes a 2.75-acre pond for fishing and boating and a 1,200-linear-foot BMX track.

Chairman Supervisor Scott Barnhart said the new park rules go into effect immediately. Signs listing the regulations will be posted as soon as possible near the main entrance to the park, Barnhart said, and at other areas within the park where deemed appropriate.

Source: http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_12700188

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