West Goshen Township
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
May 17, 2000
Minutes

Attending: Les Bair, Bob Cifone, Dan Dixon, Kathy McDevitt, Michael Pillagalli, Jennifer Grey-Rice, Ed Smith and Joe Waters

Township Representatives: Ken Lehr, Al Roth and Kent Wise

Friends of the Park: Kelly Cifone and Peggy Niemeyer

Public Representatives: Jim Murphy – VFW Post 106 "Bicycle Safety Program"

Meeting called to Order: 7:05 PM by Chairman Dan Dixon

After a review of the minutes submitted for the April 19, 2000 meeting, a motion was made by Joe Waters to accept the minutes as submitted.  The motion was second by Les Bair and passed.

The Financial Report dated April 30, 2000 was reviewed.  There were no questions of comments pertaining to the Financial Report.

Public Representatives: Jim Murphy representing VFW Post 106 reported that the 3^rd annual Bike Safety program is scheduled for Saturday, June 3^rd from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Community Park.  Jim Murphy indicated that he would need 5 volunteers to help with the event and indicated the VFW had distributed 9000 fliers and is expecting a large turnout.  Allstate will also be providing support for the Bike Safety program. Jim Murphy asked if the Township could supply 2 long tables along with 10 chairs for the registration area and 20 red cones to identify the activity stations for the Bike Safety program. Additionally, Jim Murphy requested the use of the Township sound system. Kent Wise indicated that the Township would only be able to supply 10 cones for the event. Al Roth stated that he would be able to supply the remaining cones from the supplies for the Summer Camp program. Kent Wise informed that the Township would be able to supply a microphone and speakers as requested. Jim Murphy reported that the VFW had made arrangements to have a Pepsi trailer and a Swans Ice Cream truck available to provide free sodas and ice cream for the participants.  Jim Murphy requested that the Pepsi trailer and Swans Ice Cream truck be located in the same area as in previous years. Kelly Cifone and the Friends will be selling "Yo Yo" balloons as a fundraiser during the Bike Safety program. Jim Murphy stated that everyone participating in the event would receive a gift.  The VFW will be awarding 15 bicycles, 10 helmets, 10 gift certificates and hats for everyone.

Parks: Kent Wise reported that the crews are busy cutting the grass at the Township Parks. The crews are also in the process of spreading out 100 yards of playground mulch at the various playgrounds and structures throughout the Township Parks.  At the Community Park, work to fertilize the various baseball and soccer fields was completed last week and flowers have been planted at the veteran's memorial.  An "astro-turf" carpet donated and installed by Bill Freeze has covered the trouble area in front of the Amphitheater.  Kent and his crew prepared the area by laying down a stone bed prior to the installation.  Kent Wise indicated that the "astro-turf" installed is similar to miniature golf course grass and is not what he expected. Kent Wise indicated that he might want to replace/upgrade the "astro-truf" at a later date if necessary. At Hallowell field, permanent anchors have been installed for the lock box and 2 sets of permanent anchors have been installed for each of the bases. At the Community Park girl's softball field, 2 permanent anchors have been installed for the pitching rubber. Kent Wise informed that 2 summer helpers are scheduled to start work in June.  Kent Wise indicated that he is still looking to hire additional help.

Recreation: Al Roth reported that everything worked great on the first day of Summer Camp registration (May 13^th) and informed that the first applicant for the Summer Camp program arrived at 5:20 AM. Al Roth indicated that he did not have the final statistics at this time but indicated that all 3 parks still have openings. Al Roth stated that he expects to fill up the remaining openings on the second day of registration scheduled for Saturday, May 20^th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Al Roth and selected Summer Camp councilors will handle the second day of Summer Camp registration. There appears to be a shift in registration demand between the 3 Township parks at this time. Al Roth thanked everyone that helped out with the Summer Camp sign-up and specifically thanked the members of the Friends for their support. Summer Camp Staff orientation is scheduled for June 3^rd at 8:00 AM. The orientation program will include 3 segments. The first segment will have Al Roth providing an overview of the Summer Camp program. In the second segment, a representative from West Chester University will discuss ideas for "rainy day" activities.  The final segment will include CPR instructions and training. Al Roth reported that shirts for the Summer Camp staff, junior councilors and Summer Camp participants have been ordered through Kelly's Sports. The shirts for the Summer Camp participants will be handed out on the first day of the Summer Camp program.  Al Roth informed that there are 15 new councilors for this year's Summer Camp program. Ken Lehr reported that the Board of Supervisors gave their approval to increase the number of Summer Camp councilors as listed below:

Friends of the Park: Kelly Cifone reporting for the Friends indicated she would like to include information about the upcoming July 4^th Decorated Bike Parade in the next Township flier. Ken Lehr indicated that the next flier would be going out the 2^nd week in June.  Kelly Cifone stated that an additional $1,200.00 in funding would be needed to provide higher quality crafts for Community Day. The Friends are continuing their efforts to find sponsors for the Summer Concert Series. At this time, the Friends have raised $5,000.00 to help cover the cost of the Summer Concert Series. Kelly Cifone reported that the Friends are still looking for baby food jars to support the sand art craft scheduled for Community Day.  Les Bair and Kathy McDevitt reported that they saw people enjoying the new gazebo at the Community Park.  The members of the Park Board discussed holding the dedication ceremonies for the new gazebo on a Saturday morning sometime in June.

Old Business: Kathy McDevitt reporting on the MS "Race for the cure" informed that over 600 people, including many entire families, participated in this year's event. The MS "Race for the cure" raised $20,000.00 and provided a good exposure for the park.  Kathy McDevitt gave credit Tracy McDevitt for the continued success of this event.  Kathy McDevitt stated that this year's event received tremendous support from corporate sponsors and specifically recognized the WAWA Corporation for donating free coffee for all participants.  Finally, Kathy McDevitt reported that she distributed fliers of upcoming Township events during the race activities.

Ed Smith reporting on the VFW Bicycle Safety Day informed that this year's event is scheduled for Saturday, June 3^rd from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Community Park.  Ed Smith informed that 4 to 5 volunteers would be needed to help out with the activities planned for the event. All volunteers are asked to arrive at the Community Park by 11:30 AM to help with preparations for Bicycle Safety Day.

Ken Lehr reporting on the Summer Concert Series informed that he had also lined-up a "juggler" to perform during the June 18^th Children's Concert.  Peggy Niemeyer asked if signs could be posted during the Summer Concert Series events to advise patrons that the Friends will not be selling sodas and indicate that sodas can be purchased at the Concession Stand. The entertainment for all of the six concerts planned for the 2000 season has been booked. The schedule is listed below:

Date

Theme

Featured Performers

June 18th

Children's Night Out

Makin' Music

July 2nd

Reggae

Kaya

July 16th

Swing with Me

City Rhythm Orchestra

July 30th

Irish Rock

Blackthorn

August 13th

Viva la Musica Latina

Sabroso

August 27th

Country-Western

Country Joe and the Honky Tonk Heroes

Joe Waters reporting on Community Day informed that during the last Community Day sub-committee meeting, a decision was made that this year's Community Day format should be similar to 1999. A decision was made to go in a different direction replacing current Pony stable with a new stable that will also provide animals for a petting zoo. Additionally, the sub-committee recommended expanding the "Moon Bounce" type activities surrounding the crafters to encourage patrons to browse through (and hopefully purchase) the items that are on display. The food vendors for Community Day should be lined up by the end of May.  The Township has received an oral commitment from Del Bittle to perform at this year's event.  Kelly Cifone is helping with the process of contacting face painters for Community Day. Ken Lehr indicated that all of the required tents and tables have been reserved for Community Day as well as the rain date.  An additional tent will be located near the food vendors to provide a shaded area to sit and enjoy the food.  All of the planing for the year 2000 Community Day activities should be finalized prior to the June Park and Recreation Board meeting.

Ken Lehr reporting on the July 4^th Decorated Bike parade informed that magician John Cassidy has been booked to perform at this year's event. Ken Lehr advised that in the event of rain on July 4^th, John Cassidy would not be available to perform on the July 8^th rain date.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for June 21^st.

     Respectfully Submitted,
     Ed Smith

Copyright 2008, West Goshen Twp.