The Upper Allen Township Park and Recreation Board held its regular meeting on January 28, 2026, and approved the November 25, 2025 meeting minutes. Board leadership appointments were deferred until two current vacancies are filled, with the Board of Commissioners expected to consider appointments at its March 4 meeting. Chairman Jeff Williams also thanked parks staff for their work during the recent winter storm and welcomed Township Manager Keldeen Stambaugh and Commissioner Jennifer Clarke in their roles. 

Recreation staff reported strong winter program participation, including more than 400 children enrolled in kindergarten through sixth-grade basketball programs, along with continued adult program attendance. Planning is already underway for summer programming, seasonal hiring, and pool operations. Recreation swims have resumed following the reopening of the high school indoor pool, with 129 people registered for Friday sessions and 10 individuals earning lifeguard certification in December. 

Parks staff shared updates on winter operations, including road and park plowing, trail clearing, and preparation of 2026 park use applications. Staff also noted that six events are already booked for 2026. In addition, the Bird Town Committee recently hosted a “Birds of Prey” program that drew nearly 200 residents, and Bird Town continues assisting with native planting efforts for the lot behind Tolman Street. 

Under old business, the Board received a progress report on Grantham Park. Phase 1, which included pond dredging, a new intake pipe, and an ADA-accessible fishing pier, was completed for about $660,130, approximately $90,000 below the original award amount. Planning is now underway for Phase 2, which is expected to include a half-mile walking trail, parking lot improvements, entrance road upgrades, and stormwater work. The Township is utilizing a $250,000 DCNR grant, with the second half of the funding tied to completion of Phase 2. 

In new business, staff presented a concept to open the restricted rear access road at Winding Hill Park South as a one-way exit to improve traffic flow during events and tournaments. The proposal would also create additional parallel parking along the road, and staff indicated the work could likely be completed in-house at low cost. Board members also discussed the possibility of installing a gate to restrict traffic during off-hours. 

A major portion of the meeting focused on interviews for two Park and Recreation Board vacancies. Four candidates were interviewed: Lauren Sanker, Steven Leasure, Bob Haines, and Judy Bailey. Candidates highlighted experience in community service, budgeting, environmental work, trail development, and parks stewardship. Several interview responses emphasized future goals such as expanded recreation programming, trail connectivity, cycling infrastructure, resident engagement, and continued support for parks as community assets. The Board stated it would wait until its February meeting before making recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. 

During public comment, Jim Salter of Upper Allen Girls Softball reminded the Board that, alongside discussions of trails and bicycle infrastructure, the Township’s many young families also rely heavily on sports facilities and athletic infrastructure within the park system. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. 

Key Points

• Mechanicsburg Recreation Winter participation remains strong, with over 400 youth in basketball programs.

• Summer program planning and seasonal hiring are underway.

• Grantham Park Phase 1 was completed under budget; Phase 2 planning is in progress.

• Staff proposed a one-way rear exit road at Winding Hill Park South to improve traffic flow and parking.

• Four candidates were interviewed for two Park and Recreation Board vacancies.

• Public comment emphasized the continued importance of sports infrastructure for Township families.