Department of Parks and Recreation
Warminster Township
General Info.
NAWC Updates
Update #1 - 01/01
Update #2 - 01/02
Update #3 - 05/02
Update #4 - 09/02
Update #5 - 01/03
Update #6 - 05/03
Update #7 - 09/03
Update #8 - 01/04
Update #9 - 05/04
Update #10 - 09/04
Update #11 - 01/05
Update #12 - 09/07
Update #13 - 01/07
Update #14 - 05/08
Update #15 - 09/08
Update #16 - 01/09
Update #17 - 05/09
Update #18 - 09/09
Update #19 - 01/10
Update #20 - 05/10
Update #21 - 09/10
Update #22 - 01/11
Update #23 - 05/11
Update #24 - 09/11
Update #25 - 01/12
Update #26 - 05/12
Update #27 - 09/12
Update #28 - 01/13
 |
Other Resources
Department Info.
Directions
Downloads / Forms
Employment
eNews Archive
Ordinance 321
Volunteer
Warminster TV
Township Home Page
Park Information
IN ALL THE PARKS- Parks are open from 7:00 AM to dusk. After dusk, you must have a permit or risk being fined. The walking trails at WCP, Kemper & Munro Parks will be available to residents from dawn to dusk, weather permitting.
- Parks are officially closed during winter weather conditions. Park parking lots, paths and trails are not maintained and may remain snow and ice covered for extended periods. Surfaces may be slippery. Guests may still access park for winter recreational activities; however, they do so at their own peril. Anti-slip winter footwear is recommended.
- All Park buildings are annually winterized (restrooms closed, water/electric turned off) by December 1 to reduce the chance of frozen pipes. Portapotties will be removed from Kemper and Munro in late December, but will remain on site at WCP. Buildings will reopen by April 1.
- To reduce vandalism, park facilities are locked unless park staff or sport organizations are utilizing a park.
- Spring sport organizations should submit field permits by February 1, 2012. Sport fields in all parks are available by permit only. Persons who wish to use pavilions & fields should apply for permits. Permit holders have priority.
- Please do not feed the wildlife, especially the deer and geese, in the parks - supplemental feeding encourages wildlife to become dependent on handouts that are not part of their natural diets.
- If you see people with their dogs running loose, please call the Animal Control Officer (267) 803-4859 or Police (215) 672-1000. Do not try to intervene and put yourself in harm's way.
- Solicitation by vendors is not permitted in any park. Citations will be issued by the Police Department.
- Motorized vehicles, including ATVs - are not permitted in Township parks.
- Parks & Recreation would like to extend our thanks to the many sport groups, individuals and volunteers who assist with park maintenance. If you have questions about the various projects underway,
FRIENDS OF WARMINSTER PARKS
Friends of Warminster Parks is a volunteer, non-profit organization committed to raising awareness and funds for the improvement, preservation and continued development of the Warminster Township Park system. The goal is to raise funds to enhance and develop both passive and active recreational areas in Warminster Township Parks and support recreational programs for the benefit and enjoyment of Warminster residents. We will promote community participation and support for Warminster Township Parks. Meetings are held monthly, usually on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the WREC at 7 PM. We invite you to join us and bring Friends!
For more info about the Friends group, visit the website @ www.friendsofwarminsterparks.org
CHRIST HOME PARK UPDATE
In keeping with the overall plan that was approved by the Bucks County Open Space Review Board and area residents, the Public Works Department installed the base for the circular trail section of the bike/hike trail in the former cornfield in October. The section through the wetlands was put on hold until such a time that DEP/BCCD could review the plans and provide proper identification and permits. This work will be completed, weather permitting, throughout the winter months. Both trails are planned to be paved in 2013. Additional buffer landscaping will be added in the spring and a tot lot will be included closer to Norristown Road.
FINALLY! WE CAN RECYCLE IN THE PARKS!
With the start of the new trash contract in January, Warminster Township can now co-mingle our recyclables and JP Mascaro has provided an option for single-stream recyclable pick up in the parks. Watch for the new marked trash cans and toters. Please be sure to separate your regular trash from the glass, plastic and aluminum so that we may join the recycling stream!
TREE UPDATE
PennVest Grant
In September, 300 new trees were installed as part of the “Plant a Million Trees” grant program. Warminster Township, working with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), was one of the seven local municipalities to receive trees as part of a $2.3 million PennVest Grant to enhance communities. With installation, watering, and 2 years of maintenance covered by the grant, this project greatly adds to the reforestation of WCP.
Tree Tenders – Free Classes
As part of the DCNR TreeVitalize program, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), in partnership with Penn State Cooperative Extension, will offer nine hours of FREE hands-on tree care training for residents of the five-county Philadelphia region. For info, visit the website: www.treevitalize.net.
Tree Donations
More than 50 families have already planted the living memorial gift of a tree or shrub in the park system. These trees commemorate a special occasion, family celebration, or honor the memory of a loved one. If you enjoy a particular park and wish to place a lasting gift to a family member, friend or pet, either living or deceased, consider donating a tree to the community. If you wish to make a tree donation, simply download the form from the township website or call the office and speak with Karen. Several options are available. Memorial trees are installed in early March or after September 15th.
VANDALISM – It Hurts Everyone
With so many people using our parks, we hope to see a reduction this year in the amount of vandalism in the parks. Already Munro, Szymanek and WCP have been affected by useless damage. Instead of spending tax dollars to improve the parks, we are constantly trying to stay ahead of the repair & replacement costs which have resulted from break-ins, arson and general building & equipment vandalism.
If you see it happening, do not intervene or put yourself at risk – call the Police! An Anti-Vandalism Ordinance is in place. There is a reward if your information leads to an arrest and conviction. If you see vandalism, dumping or other hazards, DON’T WAIT!! Please call the Police Department immediately at (215) 672-1000 or 9-1-1.
Birders Can Enjoy The Parks Year Round
109 species of birds have been seen in Warminster from January through April. Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker and Golden-Crowned and Ruby-Crowned Kinglets can be found in Kemper Park in winter. Eastern Bluebirds, American Tree Sparrows and Field Sparrows will be in Warminster Community Park. The coldest days may bring Horned Larks, Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspur or American Pipits to large “barren” fields around the Park. Gull flocks may include Iceland, Laughing, Lesser Black-Backed or Herring Gulls with the common Ring-Billed Gulls. A Short-Eared Owl was spotted over WCP recently. Spring migration starts in late March with waterfowl. Check ponds for Green-Winged Teal, Hooded Mergansers and other unusual ducks. A flock of 120 Tundra Swans flew over WCP in a recent winter. And dozens of species of migrants will show up at Kemper Park beginning in April. You may spot a Northern Waterthrush or Nashville Warbler along with the more common Palm and Pine Warblers.
Please Don’t Feed The Waterfowl!
Parks and Recreation is working with the USDA Wildlife Service to protect the health of our park birds and wildlife. Please do not feed the waterfowl (geese, ducks, gulls, etc.) or the deer in our parks. Feeding these wild animals creates dependence, promotes the spread of disease and upsets the natural cycles. Thank you for your cooperation.
In The Parks
PARK ENCROACHMENT
In numerous parks throughout the system, there are instances of neighbors who have placed woodpiles, sheds, play apparatus, even swimming pools on park property. If your residence backs up to a park, please be aware of your property boundaries before installing anything. Items that encroach on park land must be removed at the cost of the homeowner no matter how long they have been in place.
NO DUMPING REMINDER
For residents who back up to our park system, please be reminded that no dumping is allowed. Since public access is limited behind the homes at Barness, Devonshire, Meadow Run, Ivy Woods and Kemper, we can only infer that neighbors are dumping in the parks. This practice must cease and desist immediately or you may be cited by our L&I or Police Department. Leaves, trees, limbs, trimmings and other yard waste must be removed and disposed of properly through the trash company.
TRAIL MAPS AVAILABLE!
There are now over 5 miles of paved trail at WCP! Maps can be downloaded from the Township website for personal use. Several trails bisect the park to create a multitude of walking, biking and running opportunities. Along the way, you’ll experience some hidden park treasures and enjoy much of the wildlife. Please note the posted trail signs for everyone’s safety!
POOPER SCOOPER ORDINANCE
Ordinance #565 regulates animal defecation on public and private property and the disposal of animal feces. Pet owners are required to clean up after their animals, not only in the parks, but on all public and private property in the Township, or face a possible fine up to $1,000.
WARMINSTER SPORT ORGANIZATIONS
The 14 different Warminster Sport Organizations operate independently of the Parks & Recreation Department. We do not oversee their operations, set prices or policies, or act as a mediator during disputes. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please contact each organization. Phone numbers and websites are listed here.
TREE MEMORIALS & PLANT DONATIONS
The Parks & Recreation Department accepts donations of plants, trees and shrubs before March 30 and after November 1. This allows plants the needed adjustment period before growing season begins or ends. We also have a Tree Memorial program in the park system. If you would like to donate trees, shrubs or flowers, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 215/443-5428 or download the Memorial form by clicking here