Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Upper Merion Park & Recreation board gets Heuser II design update, hears resident concerns on mowing
Summary
At its May 12 meeting the Upper Merion Park & Recreation Advisory Board approved April minutes and heard Director Dan Russell report on staffing, an upcoming Farmers Market Strawberry Festival and a Heuser II design meeting; guests raised concerns about mowing and asked about new park signage.
At its May 12, 2026 meeting the Upper Merion Park & Recreation Advisory Board approved the April 14 minutes and heard a directors report outlining staffing needs, upcoming events and project updates.
Dan Russell, Park & Recreation director, said the department is actively recruiting a program coordinator and that spring programs are running. He announced the Farmers Market will open with a Strawberry Festival on Saturday, May 30, at Norview Farms and that at least 1,500 pool memberships have been signed. Russell also said aquatics training has begun and the Upper Merion pool will hold an open house on Saturday, May 16, from 1 to 3 p.m.
On the Heuser II project, Russell said the Board of Supervisors will meet with the recommended architectural landscape design firm, Simone & Collins, before the supervisors consider final approval; Russell said the township is hopeful approval will occur in June. He described this as a design- and review-stage activity rather than a construction authorization.
Paul Salamy reported on the Community Center: patron testimonials are continuing, April attendance was slightly down, spring programs are running well, the lobby vending machine is being serviced, patio repairs at the Senior Center are complete, and hazardous materials collection will be held in Norristown on June 20.
Two guests spoke during the meeting. Vytas Masalaitis of McKaig Nature Center praised maintenance staff, specifically Jerry Recupido and the maintenance department, for handling fallen trees and said McKaig has planted nearly 1,000 trees. Masalaitis asked whether new signage for township parks is planned; Russell replied there is no funding for new signage at this time.
Guest Josie Walmuth expressed concerns about mowing at township parks; Russell said contractor GoreCon has experienced staffing issues and that Maintenance Supervisor Jerry Recupido will continue to address mowing needs.
In new business, questions about proposed tennis courts at Walker Park prompted Russell to say the township is awaiting school-district approvals and permits before advancing the project. Board member Mark Vondra raised concern about low youth participation on advisory boards and asked the group to consider ways to recruit more young residents.
Chair Mike Trachtenberg noted a joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors is scheduled for May 21 at 7 p.m.; Trachtenberg said only two P&R members are available and Russell agreed to check with the supervisors about rescheduling. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.; the minutes were submitted by Kathleen Garro, secretary.
