Department of Parks and Recreation

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AT WARMINSTER COMMUNITY PARK (WCP)
As WCP becomes more popular, the number of residents from Warminster and the surrounding communities that enjoy this new park continues to grow. We invite everyone to visit the site, take a walk, bike or rollerblade, play on the playground, picnic in the new pavilion or relax by the pond. This 243-acre parcel was received as a public benefit transfer (free) from the US Department of the Interior with a real estate value of over $15 million. To the residents of this community who strive to preserve open space, the value is priceless. There will never be another opportunity for this municipality to preserve such a large parcel of open space for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

Grant Update: This Spring, the Township received word that we had been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to continue our Master Site Plan development of WCP. Once all the State paperwork is complete, we anticipate that work will begin on the dog park, labyrinth garden and maintenance facility in 2008.

BIRDERS ENJOY WCP!
WCP provides habitat to a variety of birds. But the grassland habitat we have is rare and disappearing in other parts of the county and nation. We are fortunate to have nesting Grasshopper Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows and Spotted Sandpipers, considered rare nesters in Bucks County. These birds bring birders to Warminster, and our habitat is helping them survive in the County. Think of the un-mowed fields at WCP as a nursery for these unusual species and think of the money saved by not mowing! Also come to enjoy the Eastern Meadowlarks, Killdeer and Red-Winged Blackbirds that are more common.

The Department extends our thanks to Ann’s Choice resident, Russ Neiger, for providing updates on the residents of the bird boxes that were built in the AC woodworking shop for WCP. Residents should be aware that some meadows are scheduled to be mowed in late August, leaving enough time for habitat development prior to winter.

TRAILS COMPLETED!
If you haven’t been there lately, the Parks Department, with assistance from Public Works, has added almost 3 miles of additional trails at WCP. These new 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. There are now over 5 miles of paved trail at WCP. Please note the newly posted trail signs for everyone’s safety!

POND LIFE
Residents have noted increased algae growth in the WCP pond this long, hot summer. We are taking steps to treat this problem and hope to have it resolved by fall. Unfortunately, the pond was built with all the proper ingredients to trigger this problem - shallow, gentle slopes, clear, warm water, bird droppings...Although the aerator helps with the DO (dissolved oxygen) content, our PH is still too high. Joe Alvare, Five Ponds Manager will be assisting us in resolving this problem using his experience and certifications.

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.

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 is busy raising funds for this venture that will be placed around the perimeter trail and will be accessible for all. 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.

SPORTS CAR CLUB OF AMERICA (SCCA)
The Phila. Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) will be concluding their Autocross events at Warminster Community Park on October 28. They were allocated 9 days throughout the year to provide Autocross and driving schools for auto enthusiasts. The Department would like to thank them for the donation which resulted from the Holbert Memorial Event on August 19, 2007. These funds will be used towards additional improvements at WCP. Last year, they donated the “spring cars” that are near the playground. SCCA invites all persons interested in autocross to contact them at the website: www.phillyscca.com

TREE & SHRUB DONATIONS
Fall is upon us and we are about to enter the period for late season tree and shrub installation. If you are interested in making a donation, please contact us before November 1, 2007. 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.