Hempfield residents asked to give input on 2 proposed township parks
Hempfield residents have an opportunity to give their input on two proposed parks for the township.
A survey, posted on the township’s website and Facebook page, allows residents to give their opinion on conceptual plans for parks slated for Walden Court Drive and at a property along Route 136 near Hempfield Area High School. Township supervisors have been discussing the plans since last year.
“The survey will provide the township with vital information about the current recreational needs in our community,” said Aaron Siko, Hempfield’s director of parks and recreation. “As residents view the plans for the two conceptual parks, they can share their opinion on the features included, and what else they’d like to see in new parks.”
How do you feel about new parks in Hempfield? Take a look at the completed plans for potential new parks in our...
Posted by Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County on Tuesday, October 6, 2020
The almost 4-acre Walden Court property, which is close to West Hempfield Elementary School, could consist of wetlands, play areas and pathways. The wetlands area, which will work as stormwater control, will be in the middle of the lot. Raised platforms and walkways will connect to a perimeter walkway.
Three passive play areas with pavilions and picnic areas, along with “nature-based” play activities, are shown in initial plans.
The project would be completed in two phases, costing almost $800,000.
The 17-acre parcel along Route 136, or Spartan Community Park, is located near Hempfield Area High School. Plans call for an inclusive playground and spray pad, outdoor classrooms and nature education, sports courts like basketball and pickleball, pavilions and picnic spaces along with a garden and art sculptures.
The project, which would be completed in three phases, would cost more than $4.4 million.
Full plans, which are not a commitment to build but a way to see if the sites are feasible for development, can be viewed on the township’s website, hempfieldtwp.com, under the Parks & Recreation tab. The survey, included in the plans, is the final step in the master site development plan process, Siko said.
“It will help us to determine the next steps for these parcels,” he said. “The feedback is especially vital when trying to obtain grants and additional community support.”
Siko said he hopes to receive the majority of responses by Oct. 23.
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