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Six Park Master Plan: Susquehanna Township unveils $15–$19 million vision and funding framework
Summary
Township staff and consultants presented a master plan for six township parks with an estimated $15–$19 million investment, five funding tracks, and immediate priorities including demolition of the Latshmere pool and a Parks Capital Reserve Fund.
Susquehanna Township staff and planning consultants presented a Six Park Master Plan May 28 that outlines redevelopment and enhancement strategies for six township parks and identifies an estimated total investment of $15–$19 million.
Director of Parks and Recreation Doug Knauss introduced the plan alongside Andy Mears of JMT and Ann Toole of Toole Recreation Planning. The parks covered are Donald Stabler Memorial Park, Margaret M. McNaughton Memorial Park, Apple Creek Park, Shutt Mill Park, Plum Alley Park and Latshmere Park. The plan emphasizes park- and trail- connectivity, multigenerational amenities, safety, ecological enhancement and park infrastructure improvements. "It’s about beautification and quality of life," Commissioner Sean Sanderson said in response to the presentation.
Consultants presented a Community Profile and funding summary showing $3.8 million in grant applications submitted, $1.4 million secured since 2021, and $121,000 in local partnerships. Toole outlined five concurrent funding tracks: a Parks Capital Reserve Fund (initial seed of $100,000–$500,000), a Commercial Mandatory Dedication fee for commercial development, state and federal grants (DCNR, DCED, CDBG, Transportation Alternatives), municipal borrowing for larger investments, and an Open Space Earned Income Tax (EIT) mechanism described in the presentation as generating $520,000–$2.6 million per year with 25% available for maintenance. Current Parks & Recreation budget figures were presented at $958,693 (3.9% of the General Fund), below DCNR’s recommended 5% minimum.
Immediate priorities listed in the presentation include hiring a maintenance worker and recreation program coordinator (targeted in the 2027 budget), establishing the Parks Capital Reserve Fund, demolishing the Latshmere pool complex to develop an interim park, submitting a Plum Alley 30% design grant application, launching a Parks Without Borders pilot, adopting a Commercial Mandatory Dedication ordinance, and integrating parks projects into the Capital Improvement Fund planning cycle. Staff indicated they will seek formal adoption of the master plan at the board's June 11 meeting.
