The Upper Providence Township Park and Recreation Board aims to foster a sense of community in the Township. By utilizing the recreational areas and supporting Township oriented organizations, the Park and Recreation Board helps to foster connections within the community.
The Park and Recreation Board consists of up to seven members, representing each of Upper Providence Township’s five districts and two members serving “at-large.” All members of the board are volunteers, reside within the Township, and are appointed by Council for up to two four-year terms. Currently serving on the Park and Recreation Board are Dylan Atkins (1st District), Joseph Sena (1st District), Timothy Schuller (2nd District), Tom Scanlon (3rd District), Ryan McQuade (4th District), and George Plotts (4th District). There is currently a vacancy for the 5th District. You may apply for the open position online here.
“A main purpose of the Recreation Board is to recommend support, including funding, for initiatives that foster a sense of ‘community’ within the Township,” says 1st District Board Member Joe Sena.
The Recreation Board supports the development of passive and active use of recreational areas and opportunities within the Township in alignment with Council’s Comprehensive Plan to foster this sense of community. To do this, the Board determines appropriate use of Township park and recreational facilities and assists the Township in monitoring conditions at these parks and recreational facilities, including recommending maintenance and upgrades. The Recreation Board may also recommend the use of Township-owned lands for parks and recreational purposes as well as developing guidelines thereto.
Some examples of this is that each season, the Park and Recreation board reviews permit applications for the use of Cherry Street Park to host practices and games by schools and youth sports organizations such as Rose Tree Soccer Club and Media Little League.
“We try our best to optimize schedules among the several permit applications by considering different aspects of the organization such as size and tie to our community so that we can provide enjoyment of these spaces for all of our residents,” says Joe.
Other examples of sponsorships include the Upper Providence Seniors organization where the Park and Recreation Board recommended that Council provide grants to help them run activities such as theater trips and holiday luncheons. Grant support has also been recommended by the Park and Recreation Board for Penncrest High School’s AM Prom and Band and for equipment upgrades for the community organization athletic leagues.
Joe says that his favorite part about being on the board is having the opportunity to give back to the community and meeting Upper Providence Township residents.
“We live in a beautiful place in Upper Providence Township and being on the Park and Recreation Board is a way to give back and contribute to that space. Being on the board you get a better insight into the community and are better able to help with managing recreational space,” Joe remarks.
Residents are encouraged to attend and discuss new ideas or proposals at the Park and Recreation monthly meetings on Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM at the Upper Providence Township Office. In addition to this, residents are encouraged to apply for the 5th District vacancy. If you are interested in giving back to the community in this way, please apply using the volunteer form located here.