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Open Space advisory panel backs $4.7M Catalpa Park plan; trails committee had urged fuller build
Summary
The township Open Space Advisory Committee recommended a $4.7 million Option 4 for Catalpa Park — which includes cricket fields, playgrounds and parking but stops before a stream crossing — and forwarded that recommendation to township council; the Trails Advisory Committee had preferred a larger, Option 1 design.
Tara, staff for the Trails Advisory Committee, told members at their Nov. 12 meeting that the Open Space Advisory Committee recommended Option 4 for Catalpa Park and forwarded that recommendation to township council on Oct. 21. Option 4 has an estimated price of $4,700,000 and would include cricket fields with bleachers, restrooms, a playground, two pavilions, a community garden, two parking areas, picnic benches and an asphalt walking path that stops before the stream; the proposal does not include a stream crossing.
From the Trails Committee perspective, members noted that the Trails and Recreation commissions had recommended Option 1, a more complete build-out, while other advisory bodies recommended different options. Tara said the council may accept OSAC’s recommendation or choose another option; final approval and any permitting choices remain with township council.
Committee members emphasized that Option 4 would not fully use the township’s permits for crossing the stream and that the recommendation sent to council reflects tradeoffs between scope and cost. No formal vote on Catalpa Park was taken by the Trails Committee at this meeting; the committee’s role was advisory and limited to transmitting its views to Open Space and the council for the township decision process.
The next procedural step is for township council to consider OSAC’s recommendation; Tara said she will keep the Trails Committee posted on the council’s decision.
