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Resident raises deed‑restriction concerns for Hempfield Park; township applies for $70,000 DCNR planning grant
Summary
A resident told the Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors that deed restrictions protect Hempfield Park and urged traffic‑calming and historic‑preservation measures; Township Manager Aaron Siko confirmed state and federal protections and the board approved a $70,000 DCNR C2P2 grant application to create a comprehensive parks, recreation and greenspace plan.
Patty Ostrowsky of Forbes Trail told the Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors at its April 27 meeting that she had provided the board with a copy of the deed for Hempfield Park and urged the board to consider historic‑preservation options and traffic‑calming measures along Forbes Trail.
Township Manager Aaron Siko responded that township staff are aware of deed restrictions and that the Hempfield Park property is covered by state and federal protections. Siko said resident input will be included in the planning process and confirmed the township is applying for a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation and Planning (C2P2) grant to develop a comprehensive parks, recreation and greenspace plan.
The board later approved Resolution No. 2026‑78 authorizing submission of a $70,000 DCNR C2P2 planning grant application; the motion, made by Jay Anderson and seconded by Bill Bretz, passed 5‑0. Parks & Recreation Director Marissa Haynes also reminded the public that Founders Fest will be held May 15–17 at Founders Park, noting food trucks, vendors, fireworks and hot air balloons.
The approved grant application authorizes staff to pursue the C2P2 planning process, which the township said will include outreach to residents to gather feedback on recreation and greenspace priorities. The board and staff did not set a timeline for award notification at the meeting; staff indicated the project will proceed only if funding is secured and community input will be solicited as part of any DCNR scope.
