Department of Parks and Recreation

WARMINSTER COMMUNITY PARK (WCP)
On November 2, 2004, the residents of Warminster had the opportunity to vote on a referendum to approve a $10 million bond to continue further improvements to Warminster Community Park. While residents chose not to approve this referendum, we’d like to thank all the volunteers and individuals who supported this effort.

Even though the Township received this 243-acre property in 2001, the P&R budget and our allocated taxes have not been adjusted to meet the financial burden required to maintain and improve this enormous parcel of property. The challenge to find operational dollars grows more urgent as the fund balance we had saved during the 5 years prior to receipt of the property is rapidly dwindling. By the end of 2005, we will no longer have funds available for grant matches or further significant improvements; however, the Park Board and Park staff will continue working with the Heritage Conservancy to seek additional monies from other sources.

By spring’s end, the Township will have utilized the remainder of our $250,000 grant award from the Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR), to complete the Phase One improvements: the new pavilion and restrooms. The Hallowell family also made a generous donation towards its completion. This complex project is a cooperative venture between the Township, Municipal Authority and outside contractors. We hope everyone will come to the Pavilion Dedication and Warminster Day planned for June 11, 2005!

The portions of Phase I that will be completed by summer include a Giant Playground; NASA Solar System Walk; park access drive, lighting and landscaping; perimeter & pond walking trails; pond; nature area designated; meadows established; water & sewer infrastructure; and a large pavilion with restrooms.

“TREEVITALIZE” PROGRAM CONTINUES
Working with the State Bureau of Forestry, the Heritage Conservancy and other state agencies, the Department anticipates that we will continue our involvement in the DCNR TreeVitalize Program. This program has designated $8 million to plant over 20,000 trees in Southeastern PA. We have already received 50 full-size trees (worth $15,000+) and are looking to plant a multitude of seedlings in the spring. Areas that have been planted will be fenced off to protect the seedlings from visitors – man and animal.

TREE MEMORIALS & PLANT DONATIONS
The Parks & Recreation Department accepts donations of plants, trees and shrubs before March 15 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 from the Township internet site: www.warminstertownship.org.

INTO THE WOODS…
The wooded section of the new park has been designated and posted as a nature area – home for the many birds, deer and other mammals that reside in the park. Deer seeking food during the winter season may be aggressive and should be avoided. When the weather breaks, mammals will emerge from their underground winter homes and should also be avoided. Please do not walk in these wooded areas. Dogs are not permitted in the natural area and should be leashed at all times while in the park. Hunting, trapping, shooting, and disturbing of wildlife, etc., is not permitted and will result in a fine. This area patrolled by the PA Game Commission, Bureau of Forestry and the Police Department.

NO MOW ZONES
Throughout the park system, the Township has instituted several “No Mow” Zones. We have stopped mowing certain areas to allow native plants and grasses to grow. All areas will be posted. These “no mow” zones will allow large areas at WCP to return to meadow and natural habitat. These no mow zones may take several seasons to establish properly. We thank all residents for their patience during this process.