(1/1) The Hamiltonban Township and Fairfield Borough Joint Parks and Recreation Commission members are moving forward with the next project in phase 2 for the Community Park: a tree planting. The Community Park has been an exciting project long in the works for the township, dating back to 2007, when the idea of a community park was first introduced. Commission members are pleased to bring
grant/tax money back to the citizens of Hamiltonban Township and Fairfield Borough to promote healthy exercise and recreation.
Thus far, phase 2 has included the completion of a quarter mile walking path with five adult fitness challenge stations, the construction of a swing set, and a natural play area. The fitness stations are ADA accessible and include a chest press, lat pull down, balance steps, dual leg press and a dual ski-walker. More recently, the commission finished placing five Interpretive Panels in the
park that denote the importance of the Adams County area culturally, naturally, economically and historically. The pollinator meadow was planted last May and it bloomed beautifully this fall. It will get a mow down and over-seeding this spring for its completion. Two mason bee houses have been placed in the meadow, and signage for the meadow, pond area and solar panel have been placed to educate
the public to each element. Furthermore, the Children’s Natural Play area saw the addition of a set of balance beam logs, joining the already present sand play area, hopscotch tiles, rainbow colored crawl through pipe, giant climbing rock and three stump seats.
As part of the next project in phase 2, the commission applied for a Tree Vitalize grant that is supported by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to purchase twenty-four trees for the park. That grant would have paid for the trees with a match by the commission. Unfortunately, Hamiltonban did not receive the grant, as there were a large number of applicants vying for
the grant monies this year.
However, the following week, Stephen Zimmerman from Gettysburg Green Gathering (GGG) came to the commission meeting asking if they would be interested in partnering to plant trees in the Hamiltonban Community Park. The commission was tasked with raising the funds at $100 per tree and gathering volunteers to help plant. GGG will order the trees from a Frederick, Maryland nursery. The commission
members developed a flyer for tree donor information and asked members of the community for help in planting trees in the Hamiltonban Community Park. Within just a few weeks commission members had to shut down the program because they had received over 30 tree orders with most purchasing a tree dedication marker in addition. Commission member Coleen Reamer stated, "We are so thankful for our
community and their involvement in helping the Hamiltonban Township and Fairfield Borough Joint Parks and Recreation build a beautiful neighborhood park for all to enjoy. It has been built solely with community donations, community grants and Pennsylvania DCNR grants... entirely!"
On Saturday, March 28, members of the commission, GGG and community volunteers will plant and mulch all 30 trees. All who would like to participate in the tree planting are welcome! For more information about the upcoming tree planting, feel free to contact the Hamiltonban Township office number at 717-642-8509.
In regards to the future of the Hamiltonban Community Park, phase 3 of the park is slated to begin in another 18-24 months and will include the expansion of the walking path and addition of other elements that will be determined over the next six to eight months. The commission will continue to seek donations and grant monies to help finish this project.
