Supervisors ask staff and solicitor to rewrite park alcohol, noise and fireworks rules

Supervisors discussed whether the Township should permit or prohibit alcohol, noise and fireworks at township parks after police told the Board existing language is difficult to enforce.

Supervisor Cindy Miller said officers have told her the ordinance language does not align with recent state changes on fireworks and that enforcement is challenging when the wording is unclear. Attorney Backenstoe cautioned that adopting regulation can increase Township liability if enforcement is inconsistent: "If you are going to regulate it, then you need to regulate it fully and completely," he said, noting that permitting with insurance and waivers is one option and that prohibiting consumption may reduce certain liabilities.

Chief John Henry said most park drinking appears limited to informal post‑game gatherings and that the officers do not view the incidents as out of control. The Board discussed options including time‑based noise or nuisance standards, permits for organized groups that would require insurance, and language to conform with the State fireworks law.

The Board directed staff — including the Manager, the Chief, Zoning Officer Roxann Colfer and the Township solicitor — to review the ordinances and proposed enforcement language and return with draft changes for the Board’s consideration.

Next steps include a staff and solicitor review, drafting ordinance language to clarify hours, noise thresholds, and permit/insurance requirements for permitted alcohol consumption, and a future public hearing if ordinance amendments are proposed.