Department of Parks and Recreation

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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 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 Department.  Spring is upon us and the grass clippings, leaves, trees, limbs, trimmings and other yard waste must be removed and disposed of properly through the trash company NOT in the parks. 

OPEN SPACE
Christ Home Parcel Used to Help Reduce Runoff!
After many months of planning and approvals from the Bucks County Open Space Review Board, work has begun on the Open Space area at Norristown Road.  Plans to improve this natural area include removal of invasive multi-flora rose, installation of a series of terraces and native specie rain garden plantings so that the current wetlands and bird habitats are enhanced and storm water runoff is reduced.

WATERSHED NEWS
Warminster Township has begun working with the Phila. Water Dept. (PDW), PA Environmental Council for the PDW, and the Pennypack Greenway Partnership to review plans for improvements to the Pennypack Watershed whose headwaters lie in the western end of the Township.

TREE & SHRUB DONATIONS
Spring is upon us and the Department will be accepting tree and shrub donations until mid-April. Trees will also be accepted after October 15.  If you are interested in making a donation, please contact us.  Rich Grandfield, certified arborist, continues to evaluate our park trees and make recommendations for removal and trimming.  We will continue to add and replace trees over the next few years each spring and summer using the funds held in tree escrow. 

TREE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers will be needed to help install, stake and mulch trees that will be installed in fall of 2008. If you are interested, please contact us via email: recreation@warminstertownship.org or phone: (215) 443-5428.

VANDALISM – It Hurts Everyone
Vandalism to our parks & the WREC continues to increase and costs everyone money!  Instead of spending tax dollars to improve the parks, we’re constantly trying to stay ahead of the repair & replacement costs which have resulted from break-ins, arson and general building & equipment vandalism! 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.

TREE VITALIZE
Tree Tender Classes Available As part of TreeVitalize, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), in partnership with Penn State Cooperative Extension, will offer nine hours of hands-on tree care training for residents of the five-county Philadelphia region. The free training covers tree biology, identification, planting, proper care and working within your community. The Tree Tender training is designed for lay people and experts alike. The course is offered on weekday evenings at a variety of locations. Pre-registration is required. All residents interested in learning about tree planting and arboriculture are invited to attend, contact the Parks & Recreation office at 215-443-5428 or visit the website: www.treevitalize.net. Click here for a form to sign up.

In March, the Department purchased 50 full size bare-root trees that were planted in Warminster Community Park for our reforestation program.  Some were used to replace trees that were damaged by deer during the winter and others were planted along the new trails in the park.  The trees were purchased at a deep discount ($20/tree) as part of the Tree Vitalize program. 

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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.

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.).  Feeding these wild animals creates dependence, promotes the spread of disease and upsets the natural cycles.  The birds foul our shores, pollute our water and drive away timid species.  Thank you for your cooperation.

FACILITY RENTALS
Park facilities are available for weddings, family picnics, sport activities and business gatherings for a reasonable fee.  Please do not forget to reserve your pavilion or field by completing a facility request permit in the Parks & Rec. Office.  Permit holders have priority.

The WREC's gym ($60/hr) and classrooms ($25/hr) are available for rent to groups & families needing space for meetings, activities and parties. Requests should be submitted at least one month in advance to be granted approval.  WREC programs have priority and staff availability may limit rental options. Rentals are NOT available during holiday weekends.  Please keep in mind that the WREC is NOT air conditioned.

EAGLE SCOUT/GOLD STAR PROJECT
The Township is looking for additional Eagle Scout candidates, Gold Star contenders, or Scout Troops who are interested in community service hours to assist with a storm water protection project.  In accordance with DEP regulations, all of the storm water drains in the municipality need to be marked or stenciled with “no dumping”.  Any troop or scout interested in this project should contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (215)443-5428 as soon as possible.

PARK PAVILION RENTALS
There are several pavilions available for rent in the Warminster park system.  The Hallowell Pavilion, at Warminster Community Park, is available for groups of 25-100+.  All pavilion rentals require a $100 security deposit and a $50 rental fee for Warminster residents ($75/NR) for a four hour period.  Smaller pavilions are available at Kemper and Munro at a lesser fee.  Permit holders have priority at all park pavilions.  If you wish to book a pavilion, contact the Parks & Rec office at (215) 443-5428 for availability and download the form from the website:  www.warminstertownship.org

EAGLE SCOUT PROMOTES FIT FOR LIFE TRAIL
Richard Hillier is working on his Eagle Scout project to purchase and install a fitness trail at Warminster Community Park.  He has raised $1,000 for this venture that will be placed around the perimeter trail and will be accessible for all.  He anticipates beginning work this summer.  The Parks & Recreation budget will provide a partial donation for its completion.  If you wish to contribute to this project, please send checks payable to “Warminster Fitness Circuit” to the Parks & Rec. Department, 1101 Little Lane, Warminster.  All contributing businesses and individuals will be named on a plaque at the start of the trail.