Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan

Transcription

1 Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan Adopted July 13, 2005 Developing Public and Private Recreation Partnerships for the Betterment of Conewago Township

2 LIST OF OFFICIALS Conewago Township, Dauphin County Conewago Township Board of Supervisors John D. Rochat, Chairman Galen Shelly, Vice-Chairman Jay M. Brandt Shirley Bretz, Secretary Dolores Kuntz Assistant Secretaty/Treasurer Community Planning Consultant RETTEW Associates, Inc Gettysburg Road, Suite 100 Camp Hill, PA 17011

3 Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan Table of Contents Report Element Introduction...1 Authority to Plan...1 Population Analysis...2 Importance of Population...2 Types of Parks...3 Recreation Standards...3 Inventory...4 Natural Features and Other Public Lands Parks and Recreation Analysis Community Survey Existing Land Use Planning and Ordinances Comprehensive Plan - Recreation Goals and Objectives Vision Statement Overriding Goal Objectives for Action Parks and Recreation Needs...20 Parkland Distribution...20 Implementation Strategies Park and Recreation Budget...23 Tables Table Population and 2010 and 2020 Population Allocations Table 2 Recreation Facility Standards Table 3 Danny Fisher Memorial Field Inventory Table 4 Conewago Elementary School Inventory Table 5 Hills of Waterford Inventory Table 6 Mt. Calvary Christian School Athletic Facility Inventory Table 7 Inventory of Adjoining Recreational Facilities Table 8 Regional Recreation Opportunities Table 9 Facilities Matrix Table 10 Existing and Required Acreages Mini park, Neighborhood Park, and Community Park Appendixes Appendix A Community Survey Results Appendix B Action Plan Appendix C Sample Land Dedication/Fee-in-lieu of Ordinances Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan i

4 Maps Map 1 Existing Recreation Facilities Map 2 Existing Natural Resources Map 3 Proposed Facilities Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan ii

5 Introduction Conewago Township is located in the rural, albeit, developing southeastern quadrant of Dauphin County, and is strategically located between the Harrisburg and Lancaster Metropolitan Areas. Surrounding municipalities include Derry Township to the north, Londonderry Township to the west, South Londonderry Township to the east, and Mount Joy Township to the south. Pennsylvania Routes 743 and 283 are the major transportation corridors which allow people to live in the rural setting of Conewago Township, and work and shop in the developed metropolitan areas. The combination of these factors makes Conewago Township a great place to live and raise a family. This is the final component of a community planning program, which began with the preparation and adoption of a Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and an Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan. These studies and legislative ordinances are community based and are meant to ensure the same high quality of life that is experienced by existing township residents can be enjoyed by future township residents. The last remaining activity is to develop a Parks and Recreation Plan that will ensure reasonable access to active and passive recreation opportunities for all residents of the township regardless of age. The preparation of this Plan involved the following process: 1. Community wide Survey 2. Inventory and analysis of existing facilities 3. Identification of deficiencies and projected needs 4. Recommendations 5. Implementation Strategies Authority to Plan Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 as reenacted and amended (MPC) Section 301 includes guidelines for a Comprehensive Plan related to various community development issues; however, for the purpose of this Plan, the MPC is specific in that it requires a Community Facilities Plan which addresses parks and recreation needs, pedestrian and bikeway systems, open space, and greenways. Section 503 (11) permits a township to develop provisions requiring the public dedication of land suitable for the use intended; and, upon agreement with the applicant or developer, the construction of recreational facilities, the payment of fees in lieu thereof, the private reservation of land, or a combination, for park and recreation purposes as a condition precedent to final plan approval. However, the land or fees, or combination thereof, are to be used only for the purpose of providing park and recreational facilities accessible to the development, and that the governing body has a formally adopted recreation plan, and the park and recreation facilities are in accordance with definite principles and standards contained in the subdivision and land development ordinance. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 1

6 Section 604 establishes the purpose of zoning, which includes in summary, the promotion, protection, and facilitation of public health, safety, morals and general welfare, and provisions for adequate recreational facilities and public grounds. Population Analysis Conewago Township is located in the dynamic and growing Southeast Planning Section of Dauphin County. Conewago Township, Derry Township, East Hanover Township, Londonderry Township, South Hanover Township, West Hanover Township, and Hummelstown Borough make-up this dynamic region. As shown in Table 1, Conewago Township had a Year 2000 Population of 2,847, which represents 5.7% of the region s population. The southeast region of Dauphin County had a Year 2000 Population of 50,324. As part of a Regional Growth Management Plan, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission developed a set of future population allocations for all the municipalities in Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties. From 2000 to 2010, Conewago Township s population is expected to increase from 2,847 to 3,116, and the Region s population is expected to increase from 50,324 to 54,146. Because of the strategic location of Conewago Township and the Southeast Region of Dauphin County to major highways and the Harrisburg and Lancaster Metropolitan Areas, this trend is expected to continue through Table Population and 2010 and 2020 Population Allocations Municipality 2000 Population % of Region 2010 Population % Growth % of Region 2020 Population % Growth % of Region Conewago Township 3, , , Southeast Region 50,324 54, , Dauphin County 251, , , Source - Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Importance of Population Past, current and future population trends all play an important role in planning for future public services including recreation. Conewago Township is expected to grow by 298 people over the next twenty years, which represents a 15.7% increase over the township s 2000 population. Needs analysis will be conducted based on existing and future population. The amount of recreational land and facilities needed to accommodate the existing and future population of the township will be based upon needs of the local population. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 2

7 Types of Parks The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) and the Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration developed numerous Parks and Open Space Classifications. The following are parks that will fit the geography and needs of Conewago Township: Mini-Park Parks consisting of approximately 2,500 square feet to one acre in size. They are geared generally for those living within a service radius of less than one-quarter of a mile. Neighborhood Park Parks consisting of approximately ten acres or less that are developed for informal active and passive recreation activities. They serve people living within a onehalf mile service area. Community Park Parks that are generally larger than a neighborhood park, usually containing between 20 and 50 acres. Their focus is to meet active and passive recreation needs as well as preserving unique landscapes and open space. The service area for a community park is three miles. School Park - Public school sites with facilities that could serve as a neighborhood or community park. Sites are determined by the location of school district property. Greenways Linear parks that focus on passive recreation and the natural environment, and frequently form connections throughout the community. Natural Resource Areas Areas set aside for the preservation of significant natural resources, landscapes, open space, and visual aesthetics and buffering. Single Purpose/Special Use Parks Parks and facilities oriented toward single-purpose use. Private Park/Recreation Facilities Privately owned but contribute to the public recreation and parks system. Recreation Standards The process of parks and recreation planning has been occurring for years throughout the world. The information and knowledge gained from the experience of park planners has been translated into recreation guidelines by the National Recreation and Parks Association. These guidelines are generally centered on population, land area, and service area. They can be used to evaluate how existing facilities meet the needs of the Township s existing population and against the Township s future population to determine the form and function of future recreation facilities. Table 2 provides the recommended guidelines for Mini-Parks, Neighborhood Parks, and Community Parks. It is important to keep in mind that these are suggested guidelines that need to be reviewed and adjusted against the conditions that they are applied to. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 3

8 Table 2 Recreation Facility Standards Mini-Park, Neighborhood Park, and Community Park Type of Park Acres/ 1,000 People Size Range One acre or Mini-Park.25 to.5 less Neighborhood Park 1.0 to 2.0 Community Park 5.0 to 8.0 Population Served 500 to 2,500 5 to 15 acres Up to 5, to 40 acres Source - National Recreation and Park Association Service Area Less than.25 mile.25 to.5 mile 5,000 to 10, to 2 miles Inventory Before an analysis of future needs can be performed, an inventory of existing physical facilities must be conducted. In addition to the physical facilities, amenities associated with the natural environment were also identified. Conewago Township is not actively providing park and recreation programs or active recreation opportunities; however, as part of the Conewago Township Municipal Complex, the township does maintain the Danny Fisher Memorial Picture 1 - Danny Fisher Memorial Park Field, which can be better described as a picnic area/open space. As identified in the Lower Dauphin Area Regional Comprehensive Plan, there are two recreation facilities located in the Township. The Danny Fisher Memorial Field and the recreation facility associated with the Conewago Elementary School, located on Schoolhouse Road. Map 1 graphically shows the location of these facilities in the Township and Tables 3 and 4 represent the physical inventory Picture 2 Conewago Elementary School of these facilities. Tables 5 and 6 represent an inventory of the proposed private recreation facilities that are proposed. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 4

9 Site Name Owner/Maintenance Site Type Total Acres 2 Facility Information Tot Lot Table 3 Danny Fisher Memorial Field Facility Inventory Danny Fisher Memorial Field Conewago Township Natural Resource Area Number of Facilities Condition Usage Jungle Gyms Baseball Fields T-Ball Field Softball Fields Soccer Fields Basketball Courts Football Field Tennis Courts Volleyball Courts Track Multi-Fields Horseshoes Picnic Area 1 Needs Rehabilitation Minimal Walking Trails Health/Fitness Circuit Entertainment Pavilion Bike Trails Restrooms Vehicle Parking 1 Lot - 5 Spaces Positive Aspects of the Facility Centrally located in the Township. Built upon the proximity to the Municipal Complex and surrounding undeveloped land. Negative Aspects of the Facility Overall size. No defined activity. Not known as a recreation facility. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 5

10 Table 4 Conewago Elementary School Facility Inventory Site Name Conewago Elementary School Owner/Maintenance Lower Dauphin School District Facility Type School Park Total Acres 8 Facility Information Number of Facilities Condition Usage Tot Lot 1 Satisfactory Regular Jungle Gyms 1 Satisfactory Regular Baseball Fields 1 Satisfactory Regular T-Ball Field 1 Satisfactory Regular Softball Fields 1 Satisfactory Regular Soccer Fields 1 Satisfactory Regular Basketball Courts 2 Satisfactory Regular Football Field 1 Satisfactory Regular Tennis Courts Volleyball Courts Track Multi-Fields 1 Satisfactory Regular Horseshoes Picnic Pavilion Walking Trails Health/Fitness Circuit Entertainment Pavilion Bike Trails Restrooms Indoor Only Satisfactory Regular Vehicle Parking 50 spaces Positive Aspects of the Facility Centrally located in the Township. Well maintained. Accessible. Negative Aspects of the Facility Primary use is for school activities and events, which limits availability for public use. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 6

11 Table 5 Hills of Waterford Facility Inventory Site Name Hills of Waterford (Proposed) Owner/Maintenance Facility Type Total Acres 1.89 Homeowners Association Private Neighborhood Park Facility Information Number of Facilities (Proposed) Condition (Not Constructed) Usage Tot Lot Jungle Gyms Baseball Fields T-Ball Field Softball Fields Soccer Fields Basketball Courts Football Field Tennis Courts Volleyball Courts Track Multi-Fields Horseshoes Picnic Pavilion Walking Trails Health/Fitness Circuit Entertainment Pavilion Bike Trails Restrooms Vehicle Parking Positive Aspects of the Facility Provides recreation and open space for residents that live in the Hills of Waterford Development. Negative Aspects of the Facility Is not accessible by residents other than those of the Hills of Waterford. Undeveloped at this time. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 7

12 Table 6 Mt. Calvary Christian School Athletic Facilities Facility Inventory Site Name Owner/Maintenance Mt. Calvary Christian School Athletic Facilities (Proposed) Mt Calvary Christian School Facility Type Total Acres 28 Facility Information Tot Lot Private Number of Facilities (Proposed) Jungle Gyms Baseball Fields 1 T-Ball Field Softball Fields 2 Soccer Fields 2 Basketball Courts Football Field Tennis Courts Volleyball Courts Track 1 Multi-Fields 3 Horseshoes Picnic Pavilion Walking Trails Health/Fitness Circuit Entertainment Pavilion Bike Trails Restrooms 1 Vehicle Parking 185 Condition (Not Constructed) Usage Positive Aspects of the Facility Multi-use and accessible. New construction. Negative Aspects of the Facility Primary use is for school activities and events, which limits availability for public use. Controlled by a private entity. May not be open to general public use. Not constructed as of this report. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 8

13 Table 7 is an inventory of recreational facilities in adjoining municipalities in Dauphin County. Table 7 Inventory of Adjoining Recreational Faculties Facility Name Municipality Facilities Acres Hershey Recreation Center Sunset Park Derry Township Londonderry Township Pool, Tennis Courts, Wooden Play Gym, and Fields Basketball Court, Baseball Field, Sand Volleyball, Pavilion, Jungle Gym, and Concession Stand Brae Burn Park Londonderry Township Tennis Courts 5 Sunset Golf Course Londonderry Township 18 Hole Public Golf Course 136 Londonderry Elementary School Londonderry Township Source Lower Dauphin area Regional Comprehensive Plan and RETTEW Softball/Baseball Fields, Soccer Field, Playground, and General Purpose Fields unknown 19 6 Table 8 is an inventory of regional recreation facilities, which are all within 30 miles of Conewago Township, or approximately a 45 to 60 minute car ride. Table 8 Regional Recreational Opportunities Name County Acreage Wildwood Park Dauphin - Fort Hunter Park Dauphin - City Island Dauphin - Little Buffalo State Park Perry 830 Fowlers Hollow State Park Perry 104 Big Spring State Park Perry 45 Colonel Denning State Park Cumberland 273 Kings Gap State Park Cumberland 1,454 Pine Grove Furnace State Park Cumberland 696 Gifford Pinchot State Park York 2,338 Big Tree State Park Dauphin 900 Memorial Lake State Park Lebanon 230 Swatara State Park Lebanon 3,515 Susquehanna River Trail Dauphin - Lancaster County Recreation Trail Lancaster - Chickies Rock County Park Lancaster - Source - Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Lancaster County Open Space Plan The Danny Fisher Memorial Field and Conewago Elementary School are the only two publicly owned facilities in the Township, and the residents of Conewago Township must share the district s facilities with yearly school use and events, and other member municipalities of the school district. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 9

14 Conewago Township is fortunate that the Conewago Elementary School is centrally located in the Township and is easily accessible by the residents of the Township and the district; however, as mentioned above, the use of the district s facilities is limited. The Danny Fisher Memorial Field is not developed as an active recreation park. Table 9 is a recreation matrix of the facilities in the Township. As identified in Table 9, the following recreation facilities are not provided in the Township: Volleyball Court Tennis Court Track Horseshoe Pits Picnic Pavilion Walking Trail Health and Fitness Circuit Entertainment pavilion Bike Trails Public Pool Table 9 can be misleading in that it shows a variety of recreation facilities and uses available to township residents. This study includes two facilities that have not been constructed Hills of Waterford Mini-Park and the Mt. Calvary Christian School facilities, which both will be under private control. Removing these facilities from consideration considerably changes the accessibility of facilities and uses. As is evident in Table 9, the Conewago Elementary School is still the predominate provider of recreation land and facilities in the Township in either presentation. Picture 3 Mt. Calvary Christian School Proposed Site Picture 4 Hills of Waterford Proposed Site Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 10

15 Table 9 Facilities Matrix Conewago Elementary School Hills of Waterford (proposed) Mt. Calvary Christian School (proposed) Facility Information Danny Fisher Memorial Field Active Recreation Passive Recreation Tot Lot Jungle Gyms Baseball Fields T-Ball Field Softball Fields Soccer Fields Basketball Courts Football Field Tennis Courts Volleyball Courts Track Multi-Fields Horseshoes Picnic Table Picnic Pavilion Walking Trails Health/Fitness Entertainment Bike Trails Restrooms Vehicle Parking Public Pool Source - RETTEW Private Recreation Facilities Private recreation facilities are privately owned but contribute to the public recreation and parks system. The residents of Conewago Township have access to the following privately owned recreation facilities in the Township: 1. Adventure Sports and Golf Center 2. Gymnastic Center of Hershey 3. Family Athletic Center Picture 5 Adventure Sports Golf Center Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 11

16 4. Penn Hershey Sports Training Center 5. Conewago Motel 6. Hershey Conewago Campground 7. Mt. Calvary Christian School 8. Hills of Waterford Mini-Park With the exception of the Mt. Calvary Christian School and the Hills of Waterford Mini-Park, these private facilities Picture 6 Hershey Conewago Campground are located on PA Route 743 and are easily accessible to township residents and residents of the region. Convenience and ease of access are important to the success of these facilities. Map 1 graphically shows the location of these private recreational facilities. Natural Features and Other Public Lands Picture 7 Penn Hershey Sports Training Center Just as important as the physical facilities are the Township s natural resources. Unfortunately, Conewago Township does not contain an abundance of important natural resources. The Conewago Creek is the single largest natural feature in the Township. The Conewago Creek Association has been actively working to improve the water quality of the creek and watershed, and promoting recreational opportunities watershed wide. As part of this effort, the Association has developed a brochure that lists ten ways to protect the watershed, along with a map that identifies various recreational opportunities. A copy of the brochure can be obtained at Picture 8 Conewago Creek the Conewago Township Municipal Building, or by contacting the Conewago Creek Association or visiting their web site at The Conewago Creek Watershed is a 53.2 square mile area in the rolling farm hills and woodlands of Lancaster, Dauphin, and Lebanon Counties. The Conewago Creek begins in the western portion of West Cornwall Township, Lebanon County. The creek Picture 9 Conewago Creek flows through Mt. Gretna Borough and State Game Lands No. 145, a heavily forested area. The creek forms the boundary between Dauphin County and Lancaster County, where it continues to flow through agricultural and rural residential areas. There are many outdoor recreational opportunities available in the watershed, including hiking, biking, and fishing to name a few. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 12

17 Parks and Recreation Analysis The analysis of parks and recreation needs began with a community-wide survey, inventorying existing conditions, and developing a population projection on which to base future needs. This analysis applied the NRPA guidelines for mini-parks, neighborhood parks, and community parks against the Township s existing and future populations. As identified through the inventory process, the Township owns the Danny Fisher Memorial Field, which is centrally located in the Township on the same property that the municipal building is located on. However, that field is not developed with adequate recreation facilities or of adequate size to be considered meeting the needs of the community. There is one private mini-park proposed in the Hills of Waterford Residential Development located in the northeast quadrant of the Township, and a private recreation facility proposed by Mt. Calvary Christian School in the southern end of the Township along the Conewago Creek. The Conewago Elementary School is centrally located in the Township and could be connected to the Township s property. Applying the NRPA guidelines against the 2000 population, the Township should have between.75 to 1.5 acres dedicated to mini-parks. The amount of land area required to meet NRPA guidelines increases to.77 to 1.6 acres in 2010 and.83 to 1.7 acres in There is one mini-park proposed in the Hills of Waterford Residential Development consisting of 1.89 acres. According to standard guidelines, and based on the Township s 2000 population, there should be between 3.0 and 6.0 acres dedicated as neighborhood parks. The amount of land area required to meet NRPA guidelines increases from 3.11 to 6.2 acres in 2010 and 3.3 to 6.6 acres in Applying the NRPA standards for community parks, the Township should currently have between 15.0 to 24.1 acres dedicated to a community park based on its 2000 population. The amount of land area required to meet NRPA guidelines increases from 15.5 to 24.6 acres in 2010 and 16.5 to 26.4 acres in The NRPA guidelines are located in Table 10. Table 10 Existing and Required Acreages Mini-Park, Neighborhood Park, Community Park Type of Park 2000* Existing 2000* Requirement 2010** Requirement 2020** Requirement Mini-Park Neighborhood Park Community Park Source - National Recreation and Park Association * Census Population ** - Population allocation by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 13

18 Community Survey In 2001, the Conewago Township Board of Supervisors conducted a Community-wide Attitudinal Survey to ascertain the thoughts and concerns of the community. The driving force behind the survey was recreation, land use planning, and an opportunity to gauge the overall wellness of the community. A total of 964 surveys were mailed to the citizens of Conewago Township of which, 301 were returned for a return rate of 30%. The following survey questions relate directly to recreation: 1. Do you feel there are sufficient recreational opportunities within Conewago Township? 43.71% - Yes 48.68% - No 7.62% - Did not Respond 2. Are you in favor of Conewago Township Developing additional Park and Recreational opportunities and programs in the Township? 34.77% - Very Much in Favor 30.46% - Somewhat in Favor 22.19% - Not in Favor 6.95% - Don t Know 5.63% - Did not Respond 3. Where do you feel future recreation activities should be located? 16.89% - Throughout the Township in Neighborhood Parks 23.84% - In one large centralized park 22.19% - In a few parks in sections of the Township 8.94% - Location is not important 20.53% - Not in Favor 7.62% - Did not Respond 4. How do you think the Township should use Open Space? 27.81% - Natural Resource Protection 7.62% - Parks and recreational use 47.35% - Combination of Resource Protection and Recreational Use 3.97% - Other 13.25% - Did not Respond 5. Are you in favor of the Conewago Township Board of Supervisors creating a Park and Recreation Board? 34.44% - Very Much in Favor 30.79% - Somewhat in Favor 24.83% - Not in Favor 5.96% - Don t Know 3.97% - Did not Respond Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 14

19 6. Are you in favor of the Conewago Township Board of Supervisors preparing a Park and Recreation Plan to address the current and future recreation needs of the Township? 34.77% - Very Much in Favor 29.47% - Somewhat in Favor 3.64% - Not in Favor 3.64% - Don t Know 16.29% - Did not Respond The results of the community-wide survey are located in Appendix A. Existing Land Use Planning and Ordinances Conewago Township is located in the developing southeastern region of Dauphin County and is within minutes of the Harrisburg and Lancaster Metropolitan Areas. PA Routes 743 and 283 are major transportation corridors through Central Pennsylvania and Conewago Township. The Township shares a common border with Derry Township and Londonderry Township in Dauphin County, and Lancaster and Lebanon Counties to the south and east. The Township s strategic location in Central Pennsylvania, along with the extension of public sewer and public water into the northwest quadrant of the Township, and plans to extend public sewer along Route 43, makes it prime for residential and non-residential growth. Other amenities, such as the Conewago Creek, large areas of open space, natural beauty, and pristine farms also contribute to the desirability of the Township. To plan for future services, and to protect the Township s special amenities, the Board of Supervisors has adopted a Comprehensive Plan, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, and Zoning Ordinance. The Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1981, followed by the Zoning Ordinance in 1985, and the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance in Of the three land use planning tools, the Zoning Ordinance has the greatest amount of authority to control the type and density of development in the Township. The Comprehensive Plan supports the Zoning Ordinance and establishes policy regarding the future growth of the township, and is in the process of being updated. Finally, the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance controls how land is developed. Section 503 (11) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code permits a township to develop provisions requiring the public dedication of land suitable for the use intended; and, upon agreement with the applicant or developer, the construction of recreational facilities, the payment of fees in lieu thereof, the private reservation of land, or a combination, for park and recreation purposes as a condition precedent to final plan approval. The authority to require parkland dedication or payment of fees in lieu of land dedication is relegated to the subdivision and land development ordinance. A copy of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance is on file at the Conewago Township Municipal Building. A zoning ordinance regulates the type and density of development, and is an important tool in determining placement of recreation facilities. If an area is zoned for very low density residential it would be inappropriate to propose a mini-park since individual building lots would most likely be larger than a park itself. Mini-parks are better suited in areas that are proposed for higher density development. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 15

20 The Zoning Ordinance creates the following zoning districts: A Agricultural R-C Residential Country R-S Residential Suburban R-M Residential Multifamily C-G Commercial General W-M Wholesale Manufacturing F-A General Floodplain A copy of the Zoning Ordinance and Map is on file at the Conewago Township Municipal Building. The Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1981 and is not a legislative tool; however, it establishes the policies that support a zoning ordinance, and subdivision and land development ordinance. The Plan also establishes policy regarding recreation in the Township, and supports the preparation of a Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan. The 1981 Comprehensive Plan did not establish specific goals for recreation in the Township; however, the Lower Dauphin Regional Plan, which Conewago Township is a part of, but has not adopted, establishes the following region-wide recreation goals: Maintain and strengthen the link between the school district, municipalities, and local recreation program providers. Obtain and develop additional parkland for both active and passive recreation as opportunities arise. Support the implementation of the Swatara Creek Greenway and River Conservation Plan. Develop a greenway plan for the Lower Dauphin area, perhaps in conjunction with Derry Township and/or other neighboring municipalities. Develop ordinances requiring developers to provide adequate recreation land for new residents or fees in lieu of land. A copy of the Township s 1981 Comprehensive Plan and the proposed Lower Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Plan are on file at the Conewago Township Municipal Building. Vision Statement The culmination of this process is the development of a Vision Statement which should be the compass to guide the Township. The following Vision Statement was developed around the community survey results: Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 16

21 The Conewago Township Park and Recreation Program has developed into a full service citizen focused organization with support of the Conewago Township Board of Supervisors. The Conewago Township Board of Supervisors has established a Parks and Recreation Board to oversee recreation and recreational programs in the Township. The Park and Recreation Board is open and cooperative with private recreation providers in the Township and supports those activities and programs sponsored by private organizations. The Board has engaged in open communication with the Lower Dauphin School District to help offset the need for new recreation facilities in the Township. The environmental amenities of the Township are preserved through the use of open space subdivision design, and linear trails and greenways. New recreation programs are developed to support the needs of the Township citizens. Miniparks are privately owned by homeowners associations and serve the immediate needs of new multi-lot subdivisions. Neighborhood parks and special use parks are strategically located throughout the Township, and a community park is centrally located in the Township and connects the Township s administration building and the Danny Fisher Memorial Field to land occupied by the Conewago Elementary School. Due to the presence of wetlands, an environmental education area could be developed at the proposed Community Park to compliment environmental educational resources offered by the School District. Overriding Goal A goal identifies what a community intends to accomplish. A goal should be broad, not identifying specific activities, and should be oriented to achieving the Vision of the community. The following is the Overriding Goal of this Plan: Provide a coordinated and comprehensive system of public and private parks, recreation programs, greenways and open space that will meet the active and passive recreational needs of all residents in the Township, and that incorporates the area s natural resources. Objectives for Action The Objectives provide a framework for Township Officials that will help guide and achieve the Overriding Goal and in a larger sense the Recreation Vision. The following objectives have been established to implement the Overriding Goal: 1. Create a Parks and Recreation Board to oversee the implementation of this Plan, facilitate coordination between private recreation organizations, and establish new recreation programs. 2. Amend the Township Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances to incorporate Open Space design standards to protect environmentally sensitive land and retain the rural character of the Township. 3. Improve and maintain the Danny Fisher Memorial Field. Picture 11 Environmentally Sensitive Land Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 17

22 4. Ensure current and future facilities are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 5. Establish one Recreational Planning District to implement the physical recommendations of this Plan. 6. Work with and support the Conewago Creek Conservation Association. 7. Initiate and support efforts to establish a greenway along Conewago Creek. 8. Establish an open line of communication with local legislators regarding grant opportunities and funding of public park improvements. 9. Allocate the total required park acreage in a manner that best fits the recreation needs of the Township. 10. Amend the Conewago Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance by updating the park land dedication and fee in lieu of park land dedication regulations to modern day requirements. 11. Initiate the process to acquire land for a new Community Park that would connect the Danny Fisher Memorial Field, the Township Administration Building, and the Conewago Elementary School property through land dedication, purchasing, gift, or a combination of the three. Picture 10 Proposed Community Park Area 12. Initiate the process to acquire land for Neighborhood Park and Special Use Parks in areas of the Township that are poorly served by parks through land dedication, purchasing, gift, or a combination of the three. 13. Encourage the creation of Mini-Parks owned and maintained by a homeowners association that serves the immediate needs of those residents that live in the subdivision. 14. Prepare a master plan for development of new parks to ensure the land is being utilized to its fullest potential. 15. Work with public and private organizations regarding identification of funding opportunities to offset the cost of improvements to the park system. 16. Offer the residents an opportunity to vote on a dedicated millage rate for acquisition of new parks, park improvements, and development of new recreation programs. 17. Identify a Parks and Recreation Board member, or municipal employee that can follow and prepare grant applications for acquisitions and improvements. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 18

23 18. Coordinate and meet with senior citizens of the Township to ensure their recreation needs are being addressed. 19. Utilize the township newsletter or develop a web site to inform citizens and other public and private recreation organizations of schedules and events. 20. Inform the residents of the Township of recreation opportunities through maps and literature in the newsletter, web site, or strategically placed around the Township. 21. Develop a welcome package for new residents of the Township regarding recreation and other municipal services offered to them. 22. Develop a recreation directory identifying all public and private recreation organizations in the Township. 23. Support and encourage improvements to public and private recreation facilities that promote pedestrian access and comfort. 24. Develop recreation activities and programs for citizens of all ages, with emphasis on adult evening activities and senior citizen activities. 25. Develop summer programs that can be run by college students, retired citizens, or stay at home parents. 26. Establish a formal written agreement with the Lower Dauphin School District for access and use of the district s recreation facilities. 27. Identify bike routes throughout the Township that interconnect parks and other points of destinations. 28. Develop a subdivision and land development plan review policy with the Conewago Township Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors that ensures all development plans are forwarded to the Park and Recreation Board for review and recommendation on the recreational proposal and to ensure implementation of recreation goals. 29. Hire a part time Park and Recreation Coordinator to establish new programs, secure grants, and communicate with the community. 30. In addition to providing active and passive recreation opportunities, the Township should be open to new forms of recreation such as family fun centers, in-line skating and skateboard facilities, all terrain vehicle trails, and rock climbing walls to name a few. 31. Establish a budget for the Park and Recreation Board beginning at $2.50 per capita, which is approximately $7, per year. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 19

24 Parks and Recreation Needs By the year 2020, Conewago Township will need an additional 35 acres of parkland. Of the 35 acres, 1.7 acres are reserved for mini-parks, 6.6 acres are dedicated to neighborhood parks, and 26.4 acres are reserved for a community park. As identified above, there is a clear deficiency in the required amount of parkland in Conewago Township. Based on National Park and Recreation Standards (see Table 2) the allocation of the 35 acres could be as follows: NPR Standards Two new one half acre Mini-parks One new 6.6 acre Neighborhood Park One new 26.4 acre Community Park The above distribution of the required acreage is based on NPR Standards. However, these standards do not account for local conditions that may prevent implementation of those rigid standards. The Conewago Township Park and Recreation Plan recognizes that the existing geography of the Township prevents strict implementation of those standards, and the final allocation of the 35 acres to a particular park type remains an issue. To effectively implement this Plan, the entire Township is classified as a Recreational Planning District for both land dedication and fee in lieu of payments. Parkland Distribution Park type, acreage distribution, and location will vary from the NPR Standards because of existing development patterns and environmental constraints in the Township. The following option should be considered by the Township and further refined by the Parks and Recreation Board when created: Establish a Community Park that connects the Danny Fisher Memorial Field, Township Administration Building, and the Conewago Elementary School property. Construct two new Neighborhood/Special Use Parks Parks, one east of Pennsylvania Route 743, and one west of Pennsylvania Route 743 to accommodate new development occurring in the Township. Construct Mini-parks owned and maintained by a homeowners association in new multilot residential developments. Designate the Conewago Creek as a Greenway. Utilize existing and proposed private recreation facilities in the Township to offset the need for new public facilities. Amend the Township s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to include Open Space development provisions to protect environmentally sensitive land and retain the rural character of the Township. Identify pedestrian paths, bikeways, and sidewalk improvement areas that connect physical recreation facilities to developed areas of the Township. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 20

25 Implementation Strategies (Source: Community Recreation and Parks A Handbook for Pennsylvania Municipalities) The future of recreation in Conewago Township has been molded by a multitude of activities led by public input. The Plan establishes the Vision, Overriding Goal, and a series of Objectives to achieve the Overriding Goal. Implementation of those objectives includes financing opportunities, and land acquisition techniques. The successful implementation of the Plan will involve a combination of the following strategies: Financing Opportunities Tax Support The majority of funding for recreation and parks comes from the municipal general fund that is primarily supported by taxes. The competition for those dollars is extremely competitive; therefore, it is necessary to budget and provide services efficiently. Bonds Financing the purchase of land or the construction of a major recreation facility can t be done using current revenue resources. Bonds are promissory notes that spread the cost of large scale capital projects over a number of years. Concessions Concession operations can provide a substantial revenue source. Concessions sell or rent merchandise or provide special services such as refreshments. Municipalities can manage concessions themselves or let a community group who wants to raise funds do it. Fees and Charges Fees and charges play a big role in financing public recreation and parks, and can include entrance fees to facilities, admission fees to performances, rental fees for building use, sale of merchandise, permit fees for pavilions, and registration fees for recreation programs. Gifts and Donations It isn t uncommon for an individual, business, or foundation to donate major gifts of land or money for recreation and park purposes. Donated funds and land aren t something municipalities can rely on to support operations, but they should not be overlooked either. Business Sponsorship Conducting recreation programs and special events underwritten by business sponsors requires organization and planning. Corporations most often support athletic programs, cultural and performing arts programs, special events, and capital projects. Funds should be solicited from local businesses since they have a vested interest in the community. Grant Programs Government grants most often finance the planning, acquisition and development of recreation and park areas and facilities. Membership Dues Membership dues are used in recreation and parks to offset a facility s operating costs. Examples are season passes sold for swimming pools or yearly memberships to a community center. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 21

26 Fund Raising Fundraising is used to fund everything from recreation programs to buying a van to capital construction projects. Fund raising requires planning and coordination. Fee in Lieu of Land dedication This practice requires developers to pay fees for public park purpose in lieu of land dedication. This practice is commonly used and should be supported by the Parks and Recreation Plan. Parkland Acquisition Purchasing Property The municipality and seller negotiate and agree on a price. The following techniques are often used to close the sale: 1. Option to buy, which gives a municipality the right to purchase the property with no other competition until a set date, allowing time to raise money for the acquisition. 2. Retention, which allows the seller to occupy the property for a set period of time after the sale. 3. Life estates, which allows the seller to occupy the property for the rest of their life. 4. Bargain sale, when the seller reduces the price of a property below fair market value because of tax advantages they may receive. 5. Transfer, when one agency purchases a property then transfers it to another. Mandatory Dedication This practice requires land developers to dedicate part of their development s area for park purposes. With sufficient planning, mandatory dedication can be a reliable method of financing needed recreation facilities. This practice is commonly used and should be supported by the Parks and Recreation Plan. Eminent Domain or Condemnation Municipalities can acquire property from an unwilling seller when the acquisition and use of the property is of greater benefit. This technique is highly controversial and is usually employed as a last resort. Easements Easements give the municipality the right to use someone s land for a specific purpose. Trails often rely on easements to pass through private property, and can be written on a permanent or temporary basis. Lease This is a common way to acquire use of land or buildings for a specific period of time, and is usually defined as 25 years of the life expectancy of the facility. Gifts Property gifts are a donation from the property owner to a municipality. The owner receives a tax write-off for the value of the property. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 22

27 Park and Recreation Budget Recreation is currently not funded by the Township. This Plan is recommending the creation of a Parks and Recreation Board to implement the recommendations of this Plan, to assist in developing new programs and facilitate usage of fields between private recreation organizations. Upon creation of the Parks and Recreation Board, it is recommended that the Board establish a budget equaling $2.50 per capita, which equates to approximately $7, per year. The Parks and Recreation Board can employ additional funding techniques, such as selling advertisement space, concession revenue, community events, and donations to offset operating expenses. Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan 23

28 Appendix A Community Survey

29

30

31

32

33 Conewago Township Resident Survey Results Comments from Questions 26 through 32 and Your Turn section 26. Recycling Public sewage Work with Derry Twp. to have public sewage lines brought down Rt. 743 No additional services Public water Periodic Township letter Police protection Bulk trash Fire protection Township wide trash hauler Community events Meals on wheels program Drinking water Walking paths Parks and recreation areas Walking paths Ambulance services Regional police coverage not state (takes too long) Trash removal Road and drainage maintenance Effective Township government Public water needs for fire department Public transit Regional fire protection Let people decide what they want to do with their own land (within reason) Roads need widen and updated for increase traffic Public water and natural gas in Laurel Woods Place to take grass clippings Library Combine with other municipalities to control development Community clean-up weekend (such as Mount Joy Township) 27. Ridge Avenue Route 743 and 341 Bachmanville at Farmhouse Cedar Schoolhouse and Stauffers Church Guard rails are needed at Mustang Hollow on Church and Old 743 Enforce 55 mph on Rt. 743 Colebrook Road and Rt. 743 Colebrook Road and Old Hershey Road Boxwood hedges hide stop sign on Old Hershey Road Nye and Primrose Roads

34 Roundtop and Old Hershey Rd. Guard rails at bad corners of Ridge Road Meadow Lane road upkeep Rt. 341 and Meadow Lane (poor visibility) Beaver Road Better storm drainage at intersections Valley Road and Route 743 Gates and Cedar Road (people run stop sign) Street lighting on Old Hershey Road Mapledale Road North Hertzler and Hoffer Nye and Church Road Bullfrog Valley and Sandhill Roads Nye and Church Roads Roads need to be plowed prior to midnight for second shift workers Stop sign needed at Steinrock and Rt. 341 Cross roads at Township building New bridge on Kosh Road Rebuild and pave Mapledale Road Meadowview Road Limited sight distance on Hill and Mill Roads Install snow fences to stop drifts in winter Deodate Road at Colebrook Road Tree trimming around signage Colebrook Road and Meadow Lane Chestnut Road and Roundtop Road Stouffer Church Road and Cedar Road Bachmanville Road and Cedar Road 28. Less and less personal freedom and more government control Don t continue to take farmland and change into a town or suburb Over development Open Space New residents want more services that raise my taxes and do not need Lack of public sewer or water Junk vehicles Too many city people trying to change over the country John Risser s dog kennel stinks and is a noise nuisance Inadequate road shoulders Moving out of your Township because of taxes Lack of affordable housing for new families Poor lighting for night driving Businesses in residential areas under the premise of at home occupation Trailer parks Property taxes Lack of community feel

35 People do not appreciate the good things that have been provided No place to ride bike (fast drivers on roadways) Slow dial-up internet speed No sidewalks for safe walking No planning ahead No public parks Slow action of Board of Supervisors Final inspection on new homes or additions before homeowner moves in Neighbors Poor ratio of taxes to services Un-kept properties Properties that never mow their grass Lack of recreation facilities Ridiculous zoning (calling 2 acres suburban, banning using barn for ponies, forbidding in-home businesses, forbidding fencing) Road Runner auto sales not maintained Open manure pits Urban sprawl Farmer mentality too close to Hershey Signs Subdivisions Commercial development Turnpike interchange Small businesses within residential areas Electricity going out so often Leash laws needed Occupational tax Slow approval process for plans Lack or recreational parks and facilities Small elementary school Rock bands playing in neighborhood Water supply quality Lack of park and recreation commission Trash burning Land use regulations need updated (need regs. for large pig farms, subdivisions) 29. Road signs Keeping growth to a minimum Bridges widened Growth has been slower than surrounding municipalities No tax increase for the Township Need a dog barking ordinance Inspecting of septic tanks Donation by Twp. to Conewago Summer Camp and playground Zoning enforcement Excellent snow removal

36 Street cleaning The long awaited 537 Plan This survey School playground Business development OLDS management ordinance A comprehensive plan and local gov. that tries to ensure rural preservation New blood More citizen participation in Township government More progressive planning New face on board of supervisors Excellent service by Donna Spittle at Township office Denying access to the Turnpike 30. Roads Too many developments Appearance of Township building (needs residing) Over crowding Tax increases Reassessment from Dauphin County Lost population over the last 10 years, need sewer system and industrial parks Lack of building codes Traffic Land restrictions permit for increases in stormwater runoff Concert noise from Hershey is discourteous and should be illegal No planning ahead No office staff Storm drainage problems Keeping out public water Malfunctioning septic systems Elementary school not being able to accommodate all students Poor handling of Hershey Foods Distribution Center resulting in loss to Twp. Septic tank pumping requirement Adventure group is noisy and causes traffic problems To many permits such as the permit to repave Lack of progress on public sewer project Better speed enforcement for Colebrook Road Wells becoming contaminated Lights from adventure sport golf Too much construction Sewage check (3 years) to often Septic certification mess Traffic on Rt. 743 Township snow removal Removal of the dead deer on the roadways Speeding

37 Vandalism Trash along roadways Conewago place rehab. facility Continuance of status quo Township restrictions on agriculture use Lack of information on required changes (sewer) Zoning needs updated to allow limited industrial to aid in taxes Group homes in residential areas 31. Leave it alone Care about the less influential and not just the ones that have the money Less housing, more industrial development Public sewage lines on Rt. 743 Stop development Merge with Derry Township to get a better vision of the 21 st Century Act now on Comprehensive Planning and Zoning for plans for future growth Rename Meadow Lane, which is under the Hershey post office because there is a Meadow Lane in Derry Township Keep agriculture Get rid of kennels More service for our tax dollars Public water and sewer without tax hikes Left and right turning lanes on Rt. 743 After school child service More affordable housing for new families Care for the people who have lived in the Twp. all their lives Address zoning and recreation update for new growth environment Farmer fertilizing smell Lower taxes Recycling Dysfunctional families Change mindset of supervisors Build 4 lane highway between Rt. 283 and Hershey to limit traffic on Rt. 743 Strict enforcement of regulations Community parks Community Pool Stricter enforcement of people not upkeeping their properties Ice cream and pizza shop in town Turnpike interchange at Rt. 743 Get farmers off board- their ideas do not reflect what is best for the majority of citizens Elect supervisors who look more into the future Let people use their properties without being charged to do it ($250 fee) Put service limits on time supervisors are in office Agricultural preservation would become the highest and most protected priority Stop urban sprawl so our community does not lose its charm Lower Dauphin getting big and busing must cost a fortune

38 Install sewer treatment plant for all to hook-up too Update mailing lists address Neighborhood park to Laurel Woods Add a park like Shank Park Land use planning Improve road conditions Snow removal Withdrawal from Lower Dauphin School District Lower or eliminate head tax ($250) Stop joy riding with Township vehicles for breakfast and lunch runs Better and faster police enforcement Wish we did not have an Elizabethtown phone number Government responsiveness to needs Encourage small commercial development to support tax base Township financial support for public sewerage Enlarge elementary school More Township ordinances Eliminate nuisance tax Shift School property tax to income tax Television cable provider other than from Hershey Fix the roads instead of patching problems Provide more information to residents (web site, newsletters) Lower proposed sewer rate Need a park and recreation commission Lower school taxes 32. Hiking trails Walking Anything that involves children Community get-togethers Festivals and Carnivals Outdoor family concerts Community picnics Community yard sales Conewago Township Community Building Craft shows Continue to support Elementary School and Sports Association Bike path Swimming pools Tennis courts Land purchase and create a park for the residents Golf Picnic Areas Horseback trails Swimming program Maintained park and picnic area

39 Better soccer and baseball fields Athletic programs Youth and children programs One day trips Skateboarding park Recreation center Arts and crafts Hunting Fishing Centralized park Use land next to Twp. Building for concerts, neighborhood fairs, art shows. Create a community here- right now it is a very cold place to live. Low profile recreational activities that are typically associated with rural communities Leave what open space we have alone Anything to keep kids busy Work with Derry Township Indoor pool Target practice Beautification and good land uses Indoor volleyball Shooting range Restrooms Covered Pavilion w/picnic tables (all weather material not pressure treated wood) Children recreation equipment User fees for park (self supporting) Bike trail to link with Hershey Senior Citizen place and activities Roller blade trail Youth activity center Adult activity center Summer Day Camp for kids Wooded Parks YOUR TURN I think public sewer should be brought down from Hershey to the Conewago School before any recreational money is spent. The longer we wait to get public sewer the more it will cost. We have the money to do it, why not use the money for a good use. Hershey could say sometime that they no longer want to take it, then we will have a much higher cost in putting in a treatment plant. On the topic of Land use-i have a real problem with any Government telling a land holder what he may or may not do with his land. Unless he is creating a health or safety hazard, leave him alone and stop dictating.

40 Surely the Twp. Engineer could have come up with a better plan to update the 537 plan. Surrounding Townships did not go through this knee jerk. Sometimes the Township Supervisors act like a bunch of old farmers who think they can stop all growth-too many lawyers and realtors not willing to play the who you know game-work with residents. Have a lawn-mowing ordinance and send letters to residences who do not mow their grass or jungle. Take telephone complaints, rather than requesting written complaints. Urban sprawl and overcrowding are the biggest reasons for the decline of the Quality of Life in any community. Our neighboring Derry Township is no longer appealing due to this. For example, look at the Jacob s Creek development. What once was beautiful fields and fence rows that were home to deer, fox, raccoons, skunks and various birds, is now a pathetic eyesore of homes bunched so close together you could hear your neighbor fart! And this idea of a parks and recreation committee is just ridiculous. For what!?! Pay a bunch of people to sit around and find more ways to mess up our Township? Again, look at Shenk Park in Derry Twp. It is so over-run with people that it isn t even enjoyable. And half the people using it aren t even from Derry Township. While walking the trail around Shenk Park one day all I ran into was litter (cigarette butts, beer cans, etc.) and dog crap from people walking their dogs. This is not what our Township needs! We have ball fields and a playground at the Elementary School and that s good enough. Let s keep our community healthy! Let s preserve the farms, fields, woodlands and wide open spaces we now have. Let s set the example for other communities to follow instead of becoming undesirable and unappealing like Derry Twp. Don t let greed destroy our community where kids can still ride bicycle on the roads and explore the nature around them! The Supervisors need to take responsibility for decisions made and not let them up to contracted professionals. Sewage should be provided for all communities not just a few favored places. Conewago s current Comprehensive Plan to provide for growth in residential, commercial, etc. and protect and preserve our Ag. Base & open space through agriculture. SHAME ON YOU for not even having it in the survey or asking if it should be kept in place or maintained. It s a slap in the face to the volunteers who put many hours into developing it.

41 We have 3 buildings on our property but cannot use even one for a small business. We have a barn, but cannot have ponies on our 2 acres. We have children, but cannot construct a fence to protect them. This Township has all the petty regulation of subdivision, but none of the advantages-no sidewalks, community activities, etc. I want to see the following: 1. The $250 fee for a zoning request eliminated. It prevents many people from even asking because they cannot afford to waste so much money. That is discriminatory! And silly, to boot. Government is supposed to be ours, but many of us cannot afford to use it. 2. Use the open space we have near the Township to provide free and low cost community activities for residents. DON T BUILD NEW STUFF!! 3. Enter into an agreement with Derry for discounted use of existing facilities. It will cost the Township far less than building anything new. 4. Ease up on use restrictions. This is not the burbs, so give up the illusion and bring back the animals and small businesses that make it a rural community! There is a quality about Conewago Township that is priceless, namely, its natural rural beauty and space, and a population sparse enough so as not to ruin these tangible AND intangible attributes. That is not to say we are without recreational opportunities. Pristine wooded areas allow hunting, a railroad bed to the south provides hiking, biking and horseback riding opportunities, and a privately owned motorcycle and four wheeler area offers memberships to interested persons. The more traditional baseball, soccer and Cub Scouting activities are available at the local elementary school, and more recent facilities include miniature golf, go cart tracks, driving range, indoor gymnasiums, restaurant, and convenience store all in close proximity along Rt For those needing more thrilling or sophisticated entertainment, there is nearby Hershey with its amusement park, sports arena and stadium, theater, golf courses, swimming pool, library, and movie theaters and even more restaurants to name a few. To suggest that the township needs even more of this is rather puzzling if not downright absurd. How many similar communities wish they had a third of these diverse opportunities, practically within biking distance or a short drive? We are totally against the fabricating of even more needless and redundant attractions that would act as a magnet for substantially increased development. As we stated earlier, the unquestionable virtue of this township is its rural character, and that truth is increasingly underscored as one nearby community after another prostitutes themselves in domino fashion as developers push and shove for every square inch of land. The result becomes just another dime-a-dozen sprawling neighborhood with the associated traffic, noise, overcrowding, crime, cookie cutter housing, the trading of natural beauty for commercial ugliness, the misunderstandings between newcomers and farmers (who were here FIRST), and the need for more and more expensive services, to name a few. For anyone finding those conditions desirable, there are plenty of nearby communities to which they can move and feel

42 right at home. The unanimous loud and sustained applause erupting at meetings when the turnpike interchange was shot down, and when residents spoke up against a township wide sewer system, clearly says it all. Harsh as it may sound, one wonders why individuals so blind and unappreciative of Conewago s country lifestyle are living here in the first place and grumbling because it s not what they want. We would offer two brief conclusions: 1) If large amounts of land go onto the market, we would rather see the township purchase them for low profile community parks than to allow them to succumb to housing developments, and 2) we support the possibility that with neighboring local governments forming new regional alliances, specific regions can retain their true and desirable identities. That is, areas having heavy industrial and commercial infrastructure likewise continue that trend. This would seem to make a lot more sense than every municipality having to be all things to all people, however inappropriate, and destroying themselves in the process. It is very disappointing that recycling is not available. Continued use of uncertified septic systems is dangerous. Lack of progress toward sewer system is unfortunate. State Police coverage is unreliable and not timely. To put sewer and water in the township completely would be foolish. Extend it to the areas that desperately need it. A police force in this township would make more trouble then it would help. I can no longer walk safely on Ridge Rd. We need to restrict development. Also, we are within short distances of any recreation you might want. Spending money on parks when most residents have yards seems a waste of money. Use these (eyes) to see the swamplands. All in all I am quite satisfied by the services and leadership in the township. Every time some new development/family activity (ex: hog/chicken farm) come up there is an out cry re: quality of living change-but few if any regulations/zoning concerns/etc. are ever changed. No one has really looked into developing a long term land use/development plan-look at the mess 743 has become and the safety issues with all the new establishments driveways. No changes in speed, # of establishments, etc. have been addressed. This area is growing-face up to it & plan! Use & plan well or lose it with no rights to complain for your lack of action. Rumors are flying around that we need 5 Board members. 3 are enough. School taxes are outrageously high for the limited amount of amenities. We use 1) State Police 2) Volunteer firefighters 3) No library 4) limited parks. No one is policing how schools are

43 spending the money!! Why can t they operate more like corporations where there is some accountability by schools. Their answer to every problem is more money. We need recycling! Curbside or at least a recycling center. Bike, walking and jogging paths & some nice parks for kids to play. Kids should be able to get to parks via walking and biking paths Entire Township should be linked by biking and jogging paths. Bike, walking and jogging paths & some nice parks for kids to play. Kids should be able to get to parks via walking and biking paths. I ve only lived in this area for a few years and I m not very familiar with what goes on in the township government. I do feel that it is important to be frugal-spending hard earned tax money as efficiently as we possibly can. Thank you for all your hard work. I appreciate and pray for my local officials. We live in a rural area. Let s keep it that way. I hope this township does not become like Derry Township. Please limit building. This township is the only open area in the Hershey-E-town corridor. Please use resources wisely. There are no services available for seniors. The role of township government should be to do only required services. Maintenance of roads, snow removal, schools and maintaining low taxes by retarding or preventing development should be the primary concern. There should be no regulation of farm & suburban water & sewerage. Why are you looking for new ways to spend my money? All these recreation activities & new services cost me taxes. This survey is a joke. The township government only does for itself and its friends. All the rest of us are stuck footing the bill. When are you going to come around and fix everyone s yard that was plowed up during this winter? Your people that are supposed to plow snow seemed to have plowed more dirt than snow this year. The roads were not cleared in a timely manner, but I guess we were saving money. What a joke!!! The sewage act we are going through now is doing nothing but costing the residents even more money. People are having a hard time paying taxes without this extra expense thrown on top of them yet. How do you expect residents on fixed incomes to keep up with this? Other townships have way more than we do in this township and their taxes are not as high as ours. How do you explain this? Why do we have such a huge surplus of money but do not have the services that other townships enjoy? Sounds like mismanagement to me!!! I am not in favor of any program of any sports that will result in higher taxes. We can not afford it! Bottom line----lower taxes on your residents now!!

44 Conewago Twp. is bereft, in my opinion, in the following areas: Zoning-or lack of zoning in area. Police protection-minimal. State police are responsible parties, not local entity. Lack of recycling plan & implementation. Need for public water service-no more septics. Disparity of farming, residential and professional entities in Twp. Little opportunity for dialogue. Recreational opportunities and places are sorely needed for the youth of our area. As a resident who is over 65 yrs. old I am very concerned about our future generation & would support safe places & services for children & youth. It now occurred to me that Senior Citizens Centers are available for seniors, what about youth? Please work faster to get us safe water, fire hydrants, and proper sewers. Thanks. As a former resident of Londonderry Township, I was very impressed with the facility at Sunset Park. The ball fields are very well maintained with a lighted score board. I understand that revenue from Sunset Golf Course provides funds for upkeep on the park. This facility has pavilions and a kids park that provides family activities and a gathering place for township residents. For added revenue the park can be rented for parties, cook outs, family reunions, etc. I believe this could be a great benefit for our families and children. Conewago is good because it is rural and government is not controlling our lives except over taxation and services that we don t need and don t want. Taxes paid are equal to adjoining twps. but services are greatly inferior for recreation, police, youth programs, senior programs which also reflects in the value of homes. I like you am basically conservative. Let me take this opportunity to compliment you Gentlemen for the job you have been doing for the Township. Do not permit the discharge/target practice with firearms except on designated target range. Turnpike access on Route 743 with road improvements on Route 743. #2 answer: We live in a mobile home ct. and don t own but I ve lived here for 30 yrs. same spot. We have only a small yard. #4-A,B,C,D-We would have loved the Hershey warehouse built across the street here on Valley Rd. because everyone that is retired was counting on a part time job. #32-In this Ct. we do have a lg. play area for children but owner said they can t afford a few swings or sliding boards because of insurance & some one getting hurt-that s B.S.-when we moved here 30 yrs. ago children had that swings and things. When Ralph Heisey designed this that was done then new owner says can t have this & that. When we moved here 30 years ago and ground rent was $35.00 a month which included garbage pick up/water/sewer now it s $ a month & we pay garbage pick up & we have to put up with children in our yards all the time. Can t even put up a fence plus cat & dog crap we must clean up & don t even have an animal & never did.

45 P.S. It s about time we have a survey. We should have a survey for PMI-that takes care of this park-98% of all above most likely don t even concern the township. My wife & I moved into Laurel Woods in 1971, we raised 4 boys in our house. During that time we had to rely on Derry Township facilities and services. During that time period I appealed to the Board of Supervisors -What a run around I got. Each election produces more of the ignorant people running the township as far as the needs for sewers, need for public water, need for recreational facilities, need for police protection, need for fire protection, need for community services. Nothing has changed in over 30 years. I could go on & on-just compare with Derry Township-Taxes not that much different. But do they have the rec. facilities, the hiking trails (some with state grants), library) senior centers, & progress into the 21 st century. Here s the problem: My mailing address is Hershey, but I live in Conewago Township. I know nothing about my township or any opportunities that exist there. I don t know where the boundaries lie or which portions of which roads are Conewago or Derry or whatever. I don t think I ve ever been to Elizabethtown, except to the elementary school. All of my shopping and recreation is accomplished in Hershey. I ve lived here for less than 2 years. Somehow, news & happenings reach me from Hershey, but nothing much from Conewago Township. If no recreational services are provided, can the township join in with Elizabethtown or Hershey' recreational programs so Conewago could use their services and not have to pay a high fee for using their services? We pay taxes & it seems like we have no services being used for our children or any for outdoor recreation. I think this detracts from living here in Conewago Township. Would like to see information sent to the residents on how & where our tax money is going & how it is being spent. A quarterly newsletter would be nice to see & need to get residents involved & informed of what is going on. I would hope that we do not grow too big too fast, and also hope we do not encourage retailers to build up our highway with stores we already have access to. The area here is quite beautiful and green and a nice quality of life so far. If we get overpopulated it will be a shame. In my few experiences with the Township Board, I have even seen self-serving projects go forward. The sewer project comes to mind. It s hard to believe that even at this level of government, elected officials cannot keep their own vested interests out of it. Oh well, welcome to this America. Remember, just because you are in office, you don t have to create projects that our tax money pays for! We are better served by a thrifty board. Please work to maintain the open, rural character of our township. Avoid the temptation to solve our tax problems by fostering the development of our open space. I question the cost/benefit ratio of such a solution. The best way to maintain our open space is to do everything possible to keep of our family farm operations viable and competitive.

46 Appendix B Action Plan

47 Park and Recreation Objectives Immediate (1 Year) Short Term (2-5 Years) Long Range (6 Years & Beyond) Prime Responsibility Estimated Cost Funding Sources 1. Adopt the Conewago Township Park and Recreation Plan. X Board of Supervisors $ Conewago Township Board of Supervisors 2. Create a Parks and Recreation Board X Board of Supervisors $10,000 Conewago Township Board of Supervisors 3. Prepare an amendment to the Conewago Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to update the recreation land dedication or fee-in-lieu of land dedication provisions. 4. Adopt the amendment to the Conewago Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance updating the recreation land dedication or fee-in-lieu of land dedication provisions. 5. Establish an open line of Communication with other public and private recreation providers in the township. 6. Establish a formal written agreement with the Lower Dauphin School District for access and use of the district s recreation facilities. 7. Coordinate with senior citizens of the township to ensure their recreation needs are being addressed. 8. Utilize the township newsletter to inform citizens of recreation schedule and events. 9. Conduct an annual meeting of all public and private recreation providers to discuss fundraising activities and scheduling needs. 10. Develop a welcome package for new residents of the township regarding recreation and other municipal services. 11. Identify a Park and Recreation Board Member, or municipal employee that can follow and prepare grant applications for acquisition and improvements. 12. Develop recreation activities and programs for citizens of all ages, with an emphasis on adult evening activities and senior citizen activities. 13. Develop summer programs that can be run by college students, retired citizens, or stay at home parents. 14. Hire a part time recreation coordinator to establish new programs, secure grants, and communicate with the community. 15. Budget $7,000 per year for the Parks and Recreation Board. 16. Initiate the process to acquire land for recommended Neighborhood Parks. 17. Initiate the process to acquire land for recommended Mini-Parks. 18. Initiate the process to acquire land for recommended Community Park. 19. Acquire the necessary acreage for the recommended Neighborhood Parks. 20. Acquire the necessary acreage for the recommended Mini-Parks. 21. Acquire the necessary acreage for the recommended Community Park. X X X X Park and Recreation Board, Planning Commission, and Consultant. Park and Recreation Board, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors $ Conewago Township Board of Supervisors $ Conewago Township Board of Supervisors X X X Park and Recreation Board $ Park and Recreation Board X X Park and Recreation Board $ Conewago Township Board of Supervisors X Park and Recreation Board $ Park and Recreation Board X X X Park and Recreation Board and Township Secretary $ Conewago Township Board of Supervisors X Park and Recreation Board $ Park and Recreation Board X Park and Recreation Board and Township Secretary $2, Conewago Township Board of Supervisors X Park and Recreation Board 0 Park and Recreation Board X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Park and Recreation Board, and Board of Supervisors Park and Recreation Board, and Board of Supervisors Park and Recreation Board, and Board of Supervisors Park and Recreation Board, and Board of Supervisors Park and Recreation Board, and Board of Supervisors Park and Recreation Board, and Board of Supervisors Park and Recreation Board, and Board of Supervisors Park and Recreation Board, and Board of Supervisors Park and Recreation Board, and Board of Supervisors Park and Recreation Board, and Board of Supervisors $2, $3, User fees, and Conewago Township Board of Supervisors User fees, and Conewago Township Board of Supervisors $7, Conewago Township Board of Supervisors $7, Conewago Township Board of Supervisors $5, Conewago Township Board of Supervisors $5, Conewago Township Board of Supervisors $5, Conewago Township Board of Supervisors $52, Supervisors Supervisors $208, DCNR, DCED, and Conewago Township Board of Supervisors DCNR, DCED, and Conewago Township Board of $8, DCNR, DCED, and Conewago Township Board of

48 Appendix C Park and Recreation Advisory Board Ordinance Park and Recreation Fee-in-Lieu Ordinance

49 (1, Part 9) Part 9 Park and Recreation Advisory Board 901. Title. This Part shall be known as the "Conewago Township Park and Recreation Advisory Board Ordinance." (Ord , 8/9/2006, 1) 902. Establishment; Terms of Office; Compensation. There is hereby established a Conewago Township Park and Recreation Advisory Board, which shall consist of five residents of Conewago Township who shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The terms of office shall be for a period of five years or until their successors are appointed. All members appointed to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board shall serve without pay and shall serve their full terms unless they voluntarily resign or are removed by the Board of Supervisors for dereliction or neglect of duty. Vacancies in the Park and Recreation Advisory Board occurring otherwise than by expiration of the term shall be for the unexpired term of the vacant position, and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. The terms of office shall be so fixed that the term of one member shall expire each year. Inasmuch as a Township Park and Recreation Committee was previously established by Conewago Township Board of Supervisors, and inasmuch as the appointees thereto, and the terms of office thereof, generally correspond with the provisions of this Part, those appointees shall now serve on the Park and Recreation Advisory Board created herein for the duration of the term of office to which each was originally appointed, which terms expire on September 30, the first of which expires on September 30, (Ord , 8/9/2006, 2) 903. Organization. During the month of October of each year, the members of the Park and Recreation Advisory Board shall reorganize and shall elect their own Chairman and Secretary and select all other officers to serve for a period of one year. (Ord , 8/9/2006, 3) 904. Duties of the Board. The Park and Recreation Advisory Board shall be responsible for reviewing the recreational programs and facilities of the Township and shall make recommendations to the 7/11/

50 ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNMENT Board of Supervisors for new programs or facilities or for improving existing programs or facilities. It is anticipated that the advisory role will enable the Board to be the eyes and ears of the Supervisors as to public park and recreational needs and will allow the Advisory Board to concentrate on plans and programs since the Board of Supervisors will have operational and budgetary responsibility. The Advisory Board shall submit an annual report to the Board of Supervisors on or before March 1 of each year, which shall include an analysis of the community recreation areas, facilities and leadership, with particular reference to the extent and adequacy of the program and its effectiveness in view of the public expenditure involved and the public needs to be met. The Advisory Board shall submit such other reports as the Board of Supervisors may request from time to time on specific subjects relating to parks and recreation. The Advisory Board shall meet no less than quarterly with the Board of Supervisors to exchange ideas and information. (Ord , 8/9/2006, 4) 905. Staff and Technical Assistance. Within the constraints of the Township budget and other demands, the Board of Supervisors shall work with the Advisory Board and supply such secretarial and technical assistance to the Advisory Board as the Board of Supervisors deems practical and appropriate. (Ord , 8/9/2006, 5) 906. Rules and Regulations; Violations and Penalties. 1. Rules and regulations may be proposed by the Park and Recreation Advisory Board for use of various Township recreation areas and facilities. All rules and regulations shall be adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. 2. Enforcement remedies. A. If it appears to the Township that a violation of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this Part has occurred, the Township may initiate civil enforcement proceedings by complaint or such other means as may be provided by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure; provided, however, that if the violation involves health, fire, public safety, solicitation, curfew, water, air or noise pollution, summary criminal proceedings may be filed pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure. B. Civil enforcement remedies. (1) Any person, partnership or corporation who or which has, violated or permitted the violation of rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this Part shall, upon being found liable therefor in a civil enforcement /11/2007

51 (1, Part 9) proceeding commenced by the Township, pay a judgment of not more than $600, plus all court costs, including.reasonable attorney fees incurred by the Township as a result thereof. No judgment shall commence or be imposed, levied or payable until the date of determination of a violation by the District Justice. If the defendant neither pays nor timely appeals the judgment, the Township may enforce the judgment pursuant to the applicable Rules of Civil Procedure. Each day that a violation continues and each section of this Part, including rules and regulations adopted hereunder, which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute a separate violation. (2) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed or interpreted to grant to any person or entity other than the Township the right to commence any action for enforcement pursuant to this section. (3) District Justices shall have initial jurisdiction over proceedings brought under this section. C. Summary criminal violation and penalties. Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this Part, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before a District Justice in the manner provided for the enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000, plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation continues or each rule or regulation which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord , 8/9/2006, 6) 907. Operational Responsibility. The Conewago Township Park and Recreation Advisory Board shall be responsible for the operation of all Township recreation areas, facilities and programs, subject to the budgetary authorization established for those purposes by the Conewago Township Board of Supervisors. (Ord , 8/9/2006, 7) 7/11/

52 SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT 2. Excavation and Grading. Where any excavation or grading is proposed or where any existing trees, shrubs or other vegetative cover will be removed, the applicant shall consult the County Conservation District representative concerning plans for erosion and sedimentation control and to also obtain a report on the soil characteristics of the site so that a determination can be made as to the type and degree of development the site may accommodate. 3. Drainage Facilities. A. Storm drainage facilities shall he designed to convey the flow of storm water runoff in a safe and efficient manner. The system shall insure proper drainage along streets, and provide positive drainage away from buildings. B. Plans shall be subject to the approval of the Township. The Township may require a primarily underground system to accommodate frequent floods and a secondary surface system to accommodate larger, less frequent floods. Drainage plans shall be consistent with local and County drainage plans. The facilities shall be signed to prevent the discharge of excess runoff onto adjacent properties. 4. Streets and Driveways. The finished elevation of proposed streets and driveways shall not be more than one-foot below the regulatory flood elevation. The Township may require profiles and elevations of streets to determine compliance with the requirements. Drainage openings shall be sufficient to discharge flood flows without unduly increasing flood heights. 5. Sanitary Sewer Facilities. All sanitary sewer systems located in any designated floodplain district, whether public or private, shall be floodproofed up to the regulatory flood elevation. No on-lot sewage system shall be permitted in the identified floodplain. 6. Water Facilities. All water systems located in any designated floodplain district, whether public or private, shall be floodproofed up to the regulatory flood elevation. 7. Other Utilities and Facilities. All other public and private utilities including gas and electric shall be elevated or floodproofed to not less than 1 1/2 feet above the regulatory flood elevation. (Ord , 9/13/1989, 509) 510. Recreation and Open Space Requirements. 1. All residential subdivisions or land development plats submitted after the effective date of this Section shall provide for suitable open space and/or recreation land in the Township in order to: /11/2007

53 (22, Part 5) A. Ensure open space and adequate recreational areas and facilities to serve the future residents of the Township, as set forth in the Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan. B. Maintain compliance with Township recreational standards and similar guidelines as developed by the National Recreation and Parks Association. C. Reduce increasing use pressure on existing recreational areas and facilities in the Township. D. Ensure that all present and future residents have the opportunity to engage in many and varied recreational pursuits. E. Protect stream corridors, natural areas and open space corridors for the benefit of the environment and enjoyment of Township residents. 2. Exemptions from Dedicating Public Land for Public Open Space and Recreation. A. Any single- and/or multifamily residential subdivision or land development plan for which a preliminary or final plan has been submitted prior to the effective date of this Section which is ultimately approved and development is substantially completed within five years of approval. B. Any residential subdivision or land development plan, whether singleand/or multifamily that contains fewer than 50 dwelling units may be exempted by the Board of Supervisors from dedicating open space or land for recreational purpose, but shall pay the fee in lieu of land dedication as provided in this Section. Requests for the exemption of land dedications shall be in writing to the Board of Supervisors. C. Any nonresidential land development plan may be exempted by the Board of Supervisors from dedicating open space or land for recreational purposes, but shall pay the fee in lieu of land dedication as provided in this Section. Requests for the exemption of land dedications shall be in writing to the Board of Supervisors. D. Minor subdivisions involving lot add-ons and yard extensions with no new residential development shall be exempt from land dedication. Requests for the exemption of land dedications shall be in writing to the Board of Supervisors. 3. Land Requirements for Public Park and Recreation Land and Public Open Space (Determining "N"). A. The minimum amount of land in acres required to be provided for recreational purposes for residential subdivisions or land development plans not exempted from the provisions of this Section shall be calculated as follows: 7/11/

54 SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT (1) Single-family residential developments. In the case of a single family subdivision or land development project, the applicant shall provide a minimum of 0.06 acre (approximately square feet) of public recreation land for each building lot or dwelling unit. (2) Multifamily residential developments. In the case of a multifamily land development project, the applicant shall provide a minimum of 0.06 acre (approximately square feet) of public recreational land for each dwelling unit in the multifamily development. (3) Nonresidential land developments. In any nonresidential land development, a minimum contiguous area of 5% of the total (gross) lot area shall be provided for recreational uses. (4) In mixed development projects involving any combination of singlefamily, multifamily and/or nonresidential developments, the applicant shall calculate the recreation land area requirements for each type of development using the formulas above to combine the figures into a single recreational land area ("N") total. B. Land to be dedicated for public park use shall conform to standards of the Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan and of this Chapter. C. Such land set aside for recreation uses or open space shall be suitable to serve the purpose of active and/or passive recreation by reason of its size, shape, location and topography in accordance with guidelines established in the Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan and shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Supervisors upon recommendation of the Conewago Township Park and Recreation Board. 4. Recreation Land Area and Open Space Location Criteria. The Township Park and Recreation Board, Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors, in exercising their duties regarding the approval of subdivision and land development plans, shall consider the following criteria in determining whether to approve the proposed location of public and private open space and recreation land within the applicant's subdivision or land development plans: A. Recreation Areas, Greenways, and Open Space Areas. (1) Site or sites shall be in conformance with the Township's Parks and Recreation Plan. (2) Site or sites to be used by the public shall be easily and safely accessible from all areas of the development to be served, have good ingress and egress and have access to a public road; however, no public road shall traverse the site or sites /11/2007

55 (22, Part 5) (3) Site or sites shall have suitable topography and soil conditions for use and development as a recreation area. (4) Site or sites necessary for public park use shall be suitable for development as the particular type of park may warrant. The Township will categorize park sites using the standards established by the National Recreation and Park Association, as amended, and the Township's Parks and Recreation Plan. (5) Applicants designing and developing public recreation areas shall consider standards established by the National Recreation and Parks Association or similar standards and provide evidence as to how these standards were incorporated into the reservation and design of public park land. (6) Site or sites for public use shall be easily accessible to essential utilities, such as water, sewer and electric. (7) Site or sites designed for play fields and general recreational uses shall meet minimum size requirements for usable acreage with respect to National Recreation and Parks Association standards with 75% of such area having a maximum slope of 5%. (8) If the site or sites have been disturbed or altered prior to dedication, the applicant shall improve it (e.g., grading, topsoil replacement, seeding, etc.) as near possible, to the condition acceptable to the Township for use as public parkland. 5. Dedication of Public Recreational Land or Open Space to the Township. The Conewago Township board of Supervisors shall determine whether the land to be dedicated for public use is suitable for public dedication and use. Prior to Board of Supervisors approval of public recreation and open space areas to be dedicated to the Township, the Township Park and Recreation Board shall make its recommendation in writing to the Board of Supervisors as to whether the dedication should be accepted by the Township based on the following standards: A. Recreation land dedicated to the Township shall serve a valid public purpose and shall be suitable for recreational purposes by reason of size, shape, location, topography and access. B. Recreation land dedicated to the Township shall meet the recreation land criteria of of this Chapter and other relevant recreational guidelines adopted by reference or adopted by the Township in the Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan. C. When the Board of Supervisors deems it to be in the public interest to accept dedicated land, such acceptance shall be by means of a signed resolu- 7/11/

56 SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT tion to which the property deed and description of the dedicated recreation area shall be attached. 6. Private Reservation of Open Space Land. A. As provided in of this Chapter, the Board of Supervisors may accept the private reservation of open space or recreation areas as a percentage of the required acreage of park and recreation land in lieu of public land dedication. The private land set aside for these purposes shall be suitable in size, dimensions and topography in relation to the proposed use and shall meet all the requirements of of this Chapter. B. The applicant shall satisfy to the Board of Supervisors that adequate provisions are in place to assure permanent retention of all parkland as permanent open space, and that all future maintenance of such parkland or common areas is appropriately addressed by the owner of the property, or a bona fide conservation organization or by providing for and establishing an organization responsible for the ownership and maintenance of recreation areas. C. The applicant/owner shall satisfy to the Board of Supervisors that supervision and/or maintenance of private open space or recreation areas will be the responsibility of a bona fide conservation organization or by providing for and establishing an organization responsible for the ownership and maintenance of recreation areas. D. Such organization shall not be dissolved nor shall it dispose of the public open space and recreation area by sale or otherwise, except to an organization conceived and established to own and maintain the recreation area without first offering to dedicate the same to the township. 7. Fee in Lieu of Public Park and Recreation Land Dedication A. In accordance with 510.2B and 510.2C of this Chapter or upon recommendation of the Conewago Township Park and Recreation Board, or where the Board of Supervisors agree with the applicant that because of the size, shape, location, access, topography or other physical features; or there is nonconformance with the Township's Park and Recreation Plan; or that it is impractical to dedicate recreation or open space land as required by this Chapter, the Board of Supervisors shall require a payment of a fee in lieu of dedication of such land. The fee in lieu of land dedication shall be based on the fair market value (FMV) of improved buildable lots on the property. B. Standards for Determining Fair Market Value (FMV) of Buildable Lots. (1) Where a fee contribution is made in lieu of required land dedication, the value or amount of such contributions shall be based upon "fair market value" (FMV) of improved residential or nonresidential land at /11/2007

57 (22, Part 5) the time of the filing of the final plan with the Township or the first final plan phase of a subdivision or land development plan consisting of multiple phases. (2) The Board of Supervisors shall determine the "fair market value" (FMV) based upon a written appraisal report prepared by the developer or applicant and signed by an appraiser licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and certified by such appraiser to be a fair and reasonable appraisal of such land. The FMV Appraisal report shall be submitted with the final plan application. The appraisal shall be made prior to the filing of the final plan or final plan phase. However, in no case shall a FMV appraisal be conducted more than 120 days from the date of plan submission to the Township. If more than one year lapses from the filing of the final plan, the Township shall prepare a new appraisal and will bill the applicant for the cost of the FMV reappraisal. (3) Fair market value (FMV) shall be based upon an appraisal of an improved buildable acre of land, where "buildable acre" is defined for this purpose as a "typical area of land within the subdivision or land development with a slope of less than 7%, and not located in an area subject to flooding, containing stormwater management facilities, easements, or other similar environmental restrictions." (4) In accordance with 510.7B(2), the approved FMV for a buildable acre shall be adjusted with each phased final plan submission to keep current with actual land value if the subdivision and land development is planned in development phases over multiple years as permitted by this Chapter. (5) The Township, upon the recommendation of the Board of Supervisors, may refuse to accept any FMV appraisal from any developer or applicant for good cause shown. If the applicant or developer and the Township are unable to agree upon a FMV appraisal, the appraisal shall be submitted to and re-certified by another professional appraiser licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and chosen mutually by the Township and the applicant or developer. The appraisal certified by the second appraiser shall be presumed fair and reasonable, and shall be the final FMV appraisal. In the event that a second appraiser is chosen, the Township and the applicant or developer shall pay the appraiser equally for fees for the services of said appraisal. C. Determining the Amount of Fee in Lieu of Land Dedication. (1) The amount of fee to be paid in lieu of dedication of land shall be based on the results of the applicants FMV Appraisal Report and the 7/11/

58 SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT following formula, where "N" equals the required number of acres of parkland as per of this ordinance: "N" x (FMV of one improved buildable acre) = Fee Examples: SF Residential Development with 72 homes on 72 lots (4.32 acres required) x (FMV per acre of $25,000) = $108,000 MF Residential with 48 units (2.88 acres) x (FMV per acre of $25,000) = $72,000 Nonresidential on acre development site (0.72 acres) x (FMV per acre of $25,000) = $18,000 D. Any fees authorized under this subsection shall, upon its receipt by the Township, be deposited in an interest-bearing account, clearly identifying the specific recreation facilities for which the fee was received. Interest earned on such accounts shall become funds of that account. Funds from such accounts shall be expended only in properly allocable portions of the cost to construct the specific recreation facilities for which the funds were collected. E. Upon request of any person who paid any fee under this subsection, the Township shall refund such fee, plus interest accumulated thereon from the date of payment, if the Township has failed to utilize the fee paid for the purposes set forth in this Section within three years from the date such fee was paid. 8. Uses of Fees in Lieu of Public Park and Recreation Land Dedication. A. The fees paid from the subdivision and/or land development should be used for recreational purposes, which are reasonably accessible to the inhabitants of the development that is the source of the fees in lieu of land dedication. In addition, if determined by the Board of Supervisors that the neighborhood area for which the fees were collected is adequately served by recreation land and facilities, the fees may be used for: (1) Acquisition of land and development of facilities at a centralized "Community Park" as recommended in the Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan of 2005, provided that the development is within a two-mile radius of the park. (2) Acquisition of land and development of facilities for a Greenway along the Conewago Creek as recommended in the Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan of 2005, provided that the development is within a one-mile radius of the Greenway system /11/2007

59 (22, Part 5) (3) Acquisition of land and development of facilities within a "Neighborhood Park" as recommended by the Conewago Township Parks and Recreation Plan of 2005, provided that the development is within 0.5 mile of the neighborhood park. (4) Improvement of planned and existing single common community recreation facilities unique to the Township (e.g., movie screens, rinks, swimming pools, specialized fields and other recreational facilities). 9. Combination Option for Land Dedication, Facility Improvements and Fees. A. Upon agreement by the Applicant, the Township may accept open space area, the construction of recreational facilities, the payment of fees in lieu thereof, the private reservation of permanent open space for recreational use, the dedication of land located in other areas of the Township, or a combination of the above. 10. Timing of Land Dedication and Payment of Fees in Lieu of Land Dedication and/or Required Improvements. A. The process for dedicating public open space areas and/or recreation areas; establishing fees in lieu of land dedication; accepting open space areas; the construction of recreational facilities; the private reservation of permanent open space for recreational use; the dedication of land located in other areas of the Township; or a combination of the above may begin during the preapplication and preliminary plan stages of the plan review process. B. The transfer of all land to be dedicated or reserved shall be concluded immediately following final plan approval or approval of the first final plan phase of a subdivision or land development plan consisting of multiple phases. On the approved final plan, or the approved first final plan phase of a subdivision or land development plan, consisting of multiple phases, the Applicant shall include an irrevocable statement of dedication guaranteeing that the required park and recreation land described on the subdivision will be dedicated to the Township. C. Where land dedication or private open space reserves are required, the proposed deed(s) of dedication shall include the legal description of the area and shall be submitted to the Township Solicitor for review and approval during the final plan review process. Title to the land to be dedicated shall be good and marketable and free of all liens and encumbrances, construction debris, or other defects. Following the approval by the Solicitor of the legal documents related to the land dedication and all other aspects of the plan, the Board shall accept the land dedication and approve the final subdivision and/or land development and proceed with the recording of the plan. D. Fees to be paid in lieu of land dedication and any other combination of fees and agreed upon recreational facility improvements shall be agreed to in 7/11/

60 SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT writing prior to final plan approval or approval of the first final plan phase of a subdivision or land development plan consisting of multiple phases. E. Where a fee in lieu of land dedication is accepted, the total fees, determined in accordance with this Chapter shall be paid to the Township prior to any approval of the final plan or approval of the first final plan phase of a subdivision or land development plan consisting of multiple phases. Following the payment of the required fees, the Board shall approve the subdivision and/or land development and proceed with the recording of the plan. F. Where a combination of land, fees and improvements is agreed upon by the applicant, all requirements of A, B and C shall be met, and the applicant shall describe in writing the recreational improvements the applicant will make to the land to make it suitable for its intended purposes, such as grading, landscaping, facility construction, etc. Any agreed-upon park and recreation improvements shall be itemized and addressed in a manner consistent with other public improvements, and processed in accordance with the Township's public improvement guarantee procedures. (Ord. 1989, 9/13/1989, 510; as amended by Ord , 4/12/2006) /11/2007

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