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