Department of Parks and Recreation
Warminster Township
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NAWC Update #4
Over the past several months, you may have heard reference to a Master Site Plan (MSP) for the new park at NAWTC. What exactly is a Master Site Plan? Simply put, a Master Site Plan is a document that provides the Township with an organized approach to the development of the park. It is sort of a blueprint for park development.
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Why does the Township need a Master Site Plan? The property at NAWC is the largest municipal park property in the area - To begin development of such a park with no thought as to how facilities would affect and relate to each other, or without considering such important factors as storm water management, utilities, emergency access, and handicapped accessibility, would be irresponsible. The MSP addresses all of these issues and more. Regardless of what facilities are (or are not) developed, it would have been inappropriate for the Township to move forward without a guide to follow. A Master Site Plan is also required by the state and other potential sources of grants and funding to help with the costs of the project. What does the approval or acceptance of the Master Site Plan commit the Township to do? NOTHING. The acceptance of the plan means that we have a bound document of how the park could ultimately look. In the plan, the development phases start from Street Road and move towards Bristol Road, which is logical since Erickson Retirement Community is building most of Phase I. However, we are already seeking grants to install infrastructure throughout the entire park. One member of the MSP Study Group likened it to building a body - you have to start with a strong skeleton before you can add the other parts. The Parks & Recreation staff is also working on a DCNR Keystone Grant application for Phase I of the park, and has already made some changes to that portion of the MSP so that we can prepare the best application possible and improve our chances of being funded.
What's all this discussion about $52 million? A document such as a master site plan is not complete unless it includes cost estimates for the facilities it suggests, and nearly $52 million was the total cost, over a minimum of 10 years phased development, for the entire park. However, the Township accepted this land from the Federal government in perpetuity - that's how long we have to develop the park. The consultant who prepared the plan for NATC developed estimates for all aspects of development - additional studies; infrastructure (remember, there is almost nothing on this property except for the runway); and facility, trail, and field construction. She also made certain assumptions - that all work would be performed by outside contractors; that all fields would be lighted; and that no work would be donated by the many sport groups that will see new fields and facilities on the new park.
Yes, $52 million is a daunting, even scary number, but no Township official has ever said that we are going to spend $52 million for the new park. The Township has determined that we are not going to approach the park as one big project, but as a series of small steps to move forward to the ultimate goal of completion. If the needs of this community change along the way, then we'll adjust the plan.
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There are many things that a master site plan does not include. It does not contain plans or construction documents for facilities, nor does it include any engineering work required to build facilities.
As with any development project, each time the Township moves forward with construction of a portion of the park, the services of the Township engineers, and perhaps architects, landscape architects, arborists, and other specialists will be needed.
Where do we go from here? Now comes the hard part! Finding the funds, in-kind donations and volunteer services to make this plan a reality! We are already developing partnerships with various county, state and federal agencies to work on reforestation, wetland generation, historical and wildlife education programs. The preparation of grants has also begun, but we can use all the help we can get and will not get there without the support of this community.
Erickson Retirement Community has begun construction a portion of Phase I, which includes the park access road, adjoining trail, landscaping, lighting, pond with walking trail, large parking lot on the runway, turn-around connection with Lower Munro Park and a cul-de-sac at Kirk Road. As mentioned above, the Parks & Recreation staff is working on a Keystone Grant application in the hope of receiving a state grant to help us build the facilities to supplement this phase with a picnic pavilion, handicapped accessible playground, perimeter historical walking trail system, dog park, reforestation project, wildflower meadow, wetland education program to prevent geese infestation, preliminary utility connections and a maintenance building. The Warminster Skate Alliance is also trying to raise funds for a skate park. The Erickson portion of the project should be completed by autumn of 2003, and we hope to have a grand opening celebration in October 2003.
What can residents do? Stay informed and become involved. If you want to see the large master site plan map, please visit the Parks & Recreation office - we'd be happy to show it to you. The plan document itself is large, but you're welcome to come to the WREC and read through it. Continue to read the updates that we will provide in future directories. If you hear your neighbors talking or read a story in the newspaper that raises questions in your mind, please call us at 215-443-5428 or e-mail us at recreation@warminstertownship.org. The only way this park can be realized is with the input and support of you - the community we serve.