Middletown Township  
   April 2018
Thank you for reading this April edition of Middletown Township's monthly eNews! Please enjoy and share with your friends and neighbors. And remember to follow the Township and Police Department on Twitter  and like our Parks & Recreation Department, Fire Marshal's Officeand Police Department on Facebook to keep up to date on the latest news, events, safety concerns, and other happenings in the Township!
Local Government Month
 
April is Local Government Month! Communities throughout the United States pass proclamations, hold events, and educate the public on the role of local government.

Middletown Township has teamed up with local elementary schools to teach second grade students about community. Township Manager Stephanie Teoli Kuhls, Assistant to the Township Manager Scott Sadowsky, and Officer Melissa Robison will visit three Neshaminy elementary schools throughout the month. The interactive presentations help students identify important places throughout the Township and teach them how they can get involved in helping the community. Herbert Hoover Elementary School hosted the first presentation of the year, and Board of Supervisors Chairperson Amy Strouse joined the Township staff for the visit to Pearl Buck. Albert Schweitzer Elementary School will also host a presentation later this month.

"Bringing this presentation to the elementary schools is a fun way to teach children about their local government and how they can get involved in the community," said Ms. Teoli Kuhls. "We are very thankful for the support of the teachers and schools as we celebrate Local Government Month."
Community Park Improvements

Several exciting improvements have been proposed for the Middletown Community Park. The Department of Parks and Recreation will apply for a grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. If awarded, the grant will provide $250,000 for upgrades and new equipment for the 20 year old park.

One of the highlights of the proposal includes a new, 8,000 square foot Skate Park to replace the one that was damaged during Hurricane Sandy. Previously discussed in the October 2017 eNews , the new Skate Park will provide an important social outlet for youth and others in the community who enjoy skateboarding. Donations are needed to help fund this portion of the park upgrade, and the Skate Park Committee has already raised $20,000. The Middletown Community Foundation is accepting donations from any individual or business that wishes to help.

Several other existing facilities at the Community Park will also receive upgrades. A new rubber surface will replace the mulch surface currently at the playgrounds, providing a safer area that is easier to maintain. Benches, picnic tables, and trashcans will also receive needed upgrades.

In addition to improving and replacing existing equipment, several new features will also be added. Interactive sports equipment will incorporate some of what youth enjoy about video games with the benefits of outdoor physical activity. Social exercise equipment will provide adults and senior citizens with an enjoyable fitness experience where they can work out with friends and neighbors.

"This is a really exciting opportunity to upgrade one of the most popular parks in our community," said Board of Supervisors Chairperson Amy Strouse. "This can be a massive, incredible project for the township that will offer multiple generations of great opportunities for outdoor recreation."
Earth Day

Middletown Township invites you to celebrate Earth Day! This family friendly event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 28th at Core Creek Park near the dog park. The event is hosted by the Middletown Township Parks and Recreation Department along with Northampton Township, Newtown Township, Falls Township, Hulmeville Borough, and Bucks County Parks and Recreation.

Local businesses and community organizations will present environmentally friendly products and services while teaching attendees about sustainability, energy savings, and outdoor recreation opportunities available in the county. These include biking, hiking, boating, kayaking, bird watching, and nature exploration.

The event will feature live music from Cool Beans Music and Nothing but a Nightmare, and 101.1 MoreFM will provide additional music as well as giveaways to the crowd. The Magical Mr. Kazoo will be performing magic and making balloon animals, while Fun Fieldz will run a football field goal challenge. Free tree saplings will also be offered to attendees courtesy of BrightView, and free recycling bins will be provided as well. A food truck will be serving on site.

If you have any questions, please contact Parks and Recreation at 215-750-3800 x1108 or [email protected]. We look forward to celebrating Earth Day with you!
Sports Block Party

The annual Sports Block Party is fast approaching! Join us from 3:30 to 10 p.m. at the Community Park on Friday, May 4th, as the Township hosts Neshaminy Varsity and JV teams playing other high schools in baseball and girls lacrosse. Enjoy food, activities, and live music while supporting youth sports in the community. The National Anthem will be performed by Middletown Board of Supervisors Chairperson Amy Strouse, and the first pitch will be thrown by State Representative Frank Farry. Admission is free, and parking is available at the Community Park and Maple Point Middle School if necessary.

We hope to see you there!

A Guide to Spring/Summer Lawn and Garden Care

spring flowers daffodils and tulips flowering in garden on a flower bed. spring landscape with blooming narcissus flowers. blur background
For many people, April and May are the true beginning of summer gardening. While achieving a lush green lawn and beautiful flowers are understandable gardening goals, some gardening and lawn care practices can have detrimental effects on our local water resources.

In keeping with Middletown Township's efforts to reduce the effects of stormwater pollution, here are a few lawn care tips that will minimize the impact on our local waters:
  • Fertilize sparingly. Be sure to use slow-release fertilizer. September is actually the best month to apply fertilizer.
  • If you must fertilize more than once, don't fertilize in the spring until you have mowed the lawn at least three times.
  • Check the weather forecast. If rain is in the forecast, do not apply fertilizer or pesticides. Wait until the rain is over. Rain increases the likelihood of lawn chemicals washing into the local storm drain system and into our waterways.
  • If any lawn chemicals or yard debris get on the sidewalk or driveway, sweep them back onto the lawn to prevent them from washing into storm drains.  Don't use the hose to wash them down the driveway.
Don't bag lawn clippings.  Allow them to stay on the lawn.  Clippings, when left in place after cutting the grass, provide a ready source of fertilizer and help the soil retain water to promote root growth and a healthy lawn.

Commission Spotlight - Citizens' Traffic Commission

Traffic lights over blue sky. Red light
This eNews series highlights Township departments and the volunteer boards and commissions that serve the community. In this issue, we will provide a spotlight on the newly created Citizens' Traffic Commission.

The Citizens' Traffic Commission was established by the Board of Supervisors earlier this year to serve as a central point of intake for all traffic concerns in the community. The Commission consists of five members of the public supported by representatives from the Township Administration, Police Department, and traffic engineer. The Commission will meet quarterly to discuss traffic issues and work with staff to recommend solutions to the Board of Supervisors.

Earlier this month, the Board of Supervisors appointed the five residents who will make up the first Citizens' Traffic Commission. The appointees are from different sections of the Township, and their experience will aid them in improving the community's traffic issues. After the application and interview process, Kristi Ann Morris, Matthew Tharakan, Chris Haughey, Sara Pollock, and Sally Miller were named to the Commission.

"We are very excited to appoint these residents to the Citizens' Traffic Commission," said Board Chairperson Amy Strouse. "They will help us understand where the real challenges are in the Township and decide where to devote our resources to best help the community."

The Commission's first meeting will be held on May 9th at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Center.

Upcoming Events
 


April 22  - Ride to Benefit C.O.P.S. Kids Camp, 9 a.m. at Brian's Harley Davidson
 
April 25 - Zoning Hearing Board meeting, 7 p.m. in the Public Hall of the Municipal Center
 
April 28  - Earth Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Core Creek Park

May 2 - Planning Commission meeting, 7 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Municipal Center

May 4 -  Sports Block Party, 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Community Park

May 7 -  Board of Supervisors meeting, 7 p.m. in the Public Hall of the Municipal Center

  
 
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Middletown Township
3 Municipal Way,  Langhorne, PA  19047
215-750-3800