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Tinicum board backs grant research and small near-term fixes after parks survey
Summary
After a Parks & Recreation Committee presentation, Tinicum supervisors asked the committee to produce a written plan and cost estimates and authorized researching grants for Fort Brooks Park repairs; residents raised concerns the 320-response survey did not verify residency and may include repeat or nonresident entries.
The Tinicum Township Board of Supervisors on July 7 directed the parks-and-recreation committee to research grant opportunities and return with cost estimates after a presentation on a 320-response parks survey.
Robin Lochner, a parks-and-recreation committee member, told the board the combined survey produced 320 total responses—201 from SurveyMonkey and 119 on paper—and that 81% of respondents said they use at least one park facility. Lochner said the committee’s near-term recommendation is to focus on low-maintenance improvements at Fort Brooks Park, including resurfacing courts, extending court fencing, adding benches, and exploring converting an underused lawn into a meadow to reduce mowing costs. “We’re recommending that our near term focus for enhancements to the park be focused on the Fort Brooks Park,” she said.
A resident, Kim Rosamilla, questioned the survey’s representativeness and urged caution before using it to guide taxpayer-funded improvements. “The survey’s validity is suspect because of the opportunity for multiple responses from individuals and family members and those who do not reside in Tinicum,” Rosamilla said, noting the questionnaire did not ask whether respondents live in the township.
Supervisors said the responses are useful but that committee members must produce a written plan and estimates before projects move into the township’s budgeting process. Township manager Judith Danko told the committee the board will begin budget sessions in the fall and asked for a plan and requested budget submission by the end of September so the board can evaluate what to include in the 2027 budget.
Board members and the manager also discussed practical next steps: public-works staff will inspect the small area near the donated tree that the committee asked to have mowed ahead of the tree-lighting ceremony, to avoid damaging a hidden plaque and to respect nesting season; the manager advised the committee to obtain vendor quotes, follow CoStars procurement guidance and threshold rules, and to plan for potential grant match requirements. The board also signaled support to continue community outreach about a possible park or pavilion name change and for the committee to consult with the Cooper family and Lenape-language naming options.
The committee will research grants and return to the board with findings in August and provide a written plan and cost estimates by the end of September for budget consideration.
