Hempfield Park set to get additional bathrooms and concession stand

The Hempfield supervisors have approved the $277,000 purchase of a prefabricated building that will be installed at Hempfield Park.

The building will house bathrooms and a concession stand, said Marissa Haynes, director of parks and recreation. The supervisors on Monday approved buying the building from CXT in a 4-1 vote with Supervisor Tom Logan opposing it.

“I’m sorry I just can’t swallow $277,000 for a bathroom,” he said.

The new building is part of ongoing improvements at the park off Forbes Trail Road in the northern part of the township. In recent years, a dog park and sports fields have been added.

Township officials are seeking bids for a third phase of the work, which Haynes said will include a dance floor in the amphitheater, regrading of the lawn at the venue, additional shade trees and the creation of an accessible pathway.

The project is being funded through a 2021 bond and a $369,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said Township Manager Aaron Siko.

The amphitheater hosts the free Amp Up Your Summer concert series that typically draw a large crowd.

The prefabricated building was a cheaper option than constructing restrooms and a concession stand piece-by-piece, Haynes said.

“It did come in lower than we anticipated because we have it being smaller,” she said.

The cost of the all-weather, concrete prefabricated building includes all of the fixtures, delivery and installation.

Delivery is scheduled for February, said engineer Dan Schmitt.

The work is part of a decadelong vision to improve the park that was spurred by an updated master plan for the township completed in the last couple years.