Fenimore Wood renovation and pavilion work advance; parks staff win $2,500 NRPA microgrant

Township staff provided construction and scheduling updates for two park capital projects and summarized program and budget items at the Jan. 12 meeting.

Officials said work on the Fenimore Wood stable renovation is progressing: lintels and roofing framework are in place, interior sheathing and rough‑ins for drainage and utilities are underway, and tarps have come off the structure. Staff described masonry and roofing work that has been briefly delayed by cold weather; the stable and pavilion work is expected to move into spring construction tasks, with a departmental goal of a late‑spring or summer opening and a larger public event by June or July if weather permits.

The board also discussed the township’s capital budget status (the 2026 comprehensive budget was adopted Dec. 8 and a fee schedule is slated for adoption Jan. 26), park‑impact funds that may contribute to projects, and ongoing steward‑program staffing and a vacancy created by Commissioner Childs’ departure.

Programming staff recapped 2025 events, highlighted partnerships (Skyhawks Delaware Valley, Champions Athletics, Universal Rackets) and announced a $2,500 microgrant from the National Recreation and Parks Association to fund live training and a rider day camp. Staff listed upcoming clinic and youth program start dates and said staff will post plan updates and final concept plans to the township website as they are available.

Officials also briefly reported on community events (the inaugural 'Light Up Wayne' drew roughly 500 attendees) and a pending shade‑tree riparian buffer planting grant for the Willows. No additional votes or project‑funding approvals were taken at this meeting; staff indicated more detailed cost estimates and a final concept for Odorissio will return to the board in February for possible referral to commissioners.