UPPER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — What is the future of Upper Macungie's parks?
Township officials want local and nearby residents to help shape an upcoming "Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, and Open Space" plan through a public survey.
An alert on the township's website states that the plan has been initiated due to the municipality's population increase of 30% since 2010, and the expectation that it will grow by another 22% by 2040.
According to the township, the plan will:
- Determine growth opportunities for the parks and recreation system.
- Evaluate the township's management of its recreation programs and facilities.
- Establish goals and objectives for the township and its Parks and Recreation Departments.
- Identify the steps needed to achieve the goals and objectives of the plan.
The township owns and operates nine parks and recreational areas that span 450 acres, according to the post.
Additionally, a 180,000 square ft. community center proposed for Grange Park recently had initial contracts awarded, along with a $46 million price tag.
The survey for residents in and near Upper Macungie Township can be found here.
It is expected to take 15 minutes to complete. Feedback at public meetings will also be accepted during the planning process.
Answers being sought
Questions asked in the survey focus on a variety of pursuits the township hopes to tackle.
Prioritizing open space features such as wildlife habitat vs. sports fields, what uses are prioritized by visitors,
Accessibility limitations, travel methods, missing amenities and recreational facility availability are also discussed in the survey.
The survey also seeks public feedback on what the township's role in preserving or managing agricultural lands should be.
3,500 acres are preserved from development according to the township, equating to about 20% of the township's total area.
This includes 486 acres of woodlands, agriculture, and flood plain lands, 620 acres of recreation lands, 973 acres of agricultural conservation easements, 1,275 acres of agricultural conservation security, and 157 acres of township agricultural lands.
