Department of Parks and Recreation

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• Thank You & Awards
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AT WARMINSTER COMMUNITY PARK (WCP)
As a reminder, this 243-acre parcel was received as a public benefit transfer (free) from the US Department of the Interior’s Federal Lands to Parks program 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. We invite everyone to visit the site, take a walk, cross country ski, bike or rollerblade, play on the playground, picnic in the pavilion or relax by the pond.

DCNR Grant Update:
We have made numerous improvements throughout the summer and fall at WCP. As we move into winter, there are still several items that must be finished before the State may complete their final inspection and award the funds allocated to the Township. Our deadline is December of 2010, but we hope to have all capital improvements finalized by mid- spring. The maintenance facility at the end of the runway will be used for storage so that we don’t need to transport equipment and supplies to WCP from other areas in the township; this should save many man-hours. Mulch, playground carpet, millings, sand and other park supplies will be stored on site. The basketball courts were completed and lined in November. Two courts are available for play on the runway near the main parking lot. The labyrinth garden is on hold for future work but we hope to find some Eagle Scouts to assist with this project. The Grand Opening of the Warminster Township Bark Park will take place on April 17, 2010, but we hope to open it to local users by mid-January. Please watch the Bark Park website for updates: www.warminstertownship.org/barkpark.

Wind Turbine Grant
State budget cuts may have played a part in the Parks Department not receiving grant funding for the wind turbine, but we will consider review of the application and try again if municipal funding permits. We still hope that use of a wind turbine to offset some of the electric costs for the new maintenance facility will become a reality.

Safety Town
Warminster Rotary has launched their fundraising campaign to help the Township build Safety Town at WCP. This miniaturized version of Warminster Township is a place for children to ride bikes and play in their own make-believe town. Plans have been drawn up and the Rotary invites area business to join the Township, Ann’s Choice Wood Shop, Middle Bucks Vo-Tech School Students & local businesses to get involved! Imagine your business sign on one of the buildings. Proposed costs are pending, however this is an example of the sponsorships that will be available for 5-year leases: Single buildings $500; Double Buildings $750; Triplex $1000; For more information, please contact Warminster Parks or Warminster Rotary at PO Box 209, Warminster, PA 18974.

Special events and activities at WCP are already scheduled into 2011.
If you wish to hold a special event at any of the Township parks, especially Warminster Community Park, we recommend that you submit a Special Event Permit (SEP) as soon as possible to reserve your date. SEP’s can be downloaded on the township website: www.warminstertownship.org. Events must be presented and approved by the Park Board at their monthly meetings, so organizations should submit permit requests at least three (3) months in advance of the event.

DONATIONS APPRECIATED! The Parks & Recreation Department would like to thank the following organizations for recent monetary and in-kind donations: Voicenet, Centennial School District, Rich Grandfield, SJ Paone Development & J. Mattero Recycling. We’d also like to recognize the following:

Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue held their annual event at Warminster Community Park on September 20th. As a result, they donated $893.76 towards the dog park scheduled to open in 2010. Info: www.huskytailsonthetrails.com

The Ivyland 5K donated $150 to the Parks Department. Each year, the town of Ivyland opens its streets and its hearts to runners of all ages. The best part is the pancake breakfast! For more info: www.ivylandborough.org/5krun.html

VANDALISM – It Hurts Everyone This past year there was an increase in amount of vandalism in the parks. Munro, Meadow Run, Crooked Billet, Szymanek, Werner and the WREC were all hit repeatedly. Instead of spending tax dollars to improve the parks, we were 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.

WARMINSTER’S BARK PARK - OPENING SOON!
For more info and an application: www.warminstertownship.org/barkpark After a long wait and construction snafus, we anticipate that Warminster’s Bark Park, located at Warminster Community Park will be open for business by mid-January. Membership applications will be available on-line after January 1. In an effort to keep our community canines as safe as possible, pet owners will be required to complete an application, provide proof of current vaccinations and County licensing, pay an annual fee and in exchange will receive the Rules and Regs, Bark Park etiquette & safety info, a Bark Park ID tag and a Paw Pass gate card. We highly recommend that new members attend a one of our monthly Bark Park workshops: Tue, Jan 26, Feb 23, Mar 23 OR Apr 27. These one-night workshops are provided FREE at the WREC by a certified trainer so that area residents and their canine friends get the most of the dog park experience. Please call to register!

Hours for the park will be 8:00 AM-Sunset – weather and conditions permitting. The Bark Park has been designed to include two (2) separate fenced-in areas for the dogs to run off-leash. In addition, the following facilities will be available:

* A shared covered pavilion with benches in each of the two main areas * Water fountain/shower for the dogs (seasonal) * “Pooper-Scooper” dispensers with biodegradable disposable bags & collection cans * Trash containers * Information sign board in the reception area just outside the Bark Park where rules are posted. * Locking security gates * All parking must be restricted to the main parking lot

The State Dog Warden, our Municipal Animal Control Officer and dog training professionals have assisted with the preparation of this park. Once you and your dog enter the Bark Park, it’s tempting to just stand back and watch all the activity. But everybody will have a much more rewarding time if you observe basic rules. Please remember that dog parks aren’t a right, they’re a privilege – don’t let the bad behavior of a few ruin things for everyone else who will utilize the Bark Park, now and in the future.

Starting January 4, the P&R Department will be selling County Dog Licenses, Mon-Fri, 9:00 am-4:00 PM. These licenses are required for all canines 3 mos. of age and older.

Trail Maps Available On-Line! Over 6 miles of paved trail which bisect the park to create a multitude of walking, biking and running opportunities are available at WCP & Munro! Besides being posted on the bulletin board, a map can be downloaded from the Township website for personal use.