OCTOBER 2024

Charles E. “Charlie” Humphreys Gazebo Dedication

October 11, 2024 @ noon

Pine Creek Park

1488 Yellow Springs Road, Chester Springs

The West Pikeland Township Board of Supervisors announces the dedication of the Charlie Humphreys Gazebo at Pine Creek Park. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony on Friday, October 11, 2024, at noon at Pine Creek Park.

Born in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on May 16, 1952, Charlie received his undergraduate degree from the U.S. Naval Academy. He completed Navy Nuclear Power training and joined the submarine service. Following active duty, he received an MBA in finance from Drexel University. After 30 years of active and reserve service, Charlie retired as a Captain. He is survived by his wife, Jean Humphreys.

Charlie was a long-time resident and active volunteer in the township. In 2015, he was elected to the Board of Supervisors and sworn in into the position in January of 2016. The Board of Supervisors elected him as Chairman in 2017, and he served in that capacity until January 2020, when he was elected by the Board of Supervisors to the position Vice Chairman. The Board re-elected him as Chairman in January of 2021 and he served in that position until his passing on November 21, 2021.

While Charlie was Chairman of the Board, he steered the township through several significant projects. The lengthy process of procuring the land and designing Walnut Lane Park culminated in the completed construction of the park in 2021. Under his stewardship, the Township became a member of the Phoenixville Regional Planning Committee and continues to this day to preserve open space with conservation easements placed on properties owned by Bryn Coed, the Barnes Foundation and other individual landowners.

Charlie volunteered a tremendous amount of time and effort in his capacity as township Supervisor. An avid American history buff, Charlie also volunteered at the National Constitution Center. His appreciation for the value of open space and the land led him to join the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Quaker City Farmers, and the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, where he served as Treasurer.

Charlie has been greatly missed by the Board, staff and residents of West Pikeland Township. His legacy lives on through his stewardship of his farm and historic property next to Pine Creek Park, and the countless acres of conserved property in our township. His dedication to preserving the integrity and beauty of the land and home he loved has benefited all township residents.

We are honored to be able to dedicate this gazebo in his name and memory.

WEST PIKELAND TOWNSHIP RELEASES THIRD PHASE

OF DID YOU KNOW CAMPAIGN

Look for your postcard in your mailbox or find it here

The West Pikeland Township Board of Supervisors launched a multi-step campaign series aimed at providing township residents with a clearer understanding of their annual property tax bills. Recognizing the importance of transparency and community engagement, the initiative seeks to demystify the complex components Property Taxes: School, County and Township.

 The first phase of the Did You Know Campaign explained the different types of property taxes township residents receive. It also explained township expenses

The second phase of the Did You Know Campaign provided a comparison between our township and neighboring townships regarding services provided and millage rates

The third phase of the Did You Know Campaign discusses how proposed changes, if any, will affect residents

Current services provided by the township using tax dollars:

Police

Road Maintenance/Repairs/Signage

Park Maintenance

Trail Maintenance

Emergency Public Works Services

Snow Plowing

Storm Water Management

Permitting and Zoning Inquiries and Oversight

Historical Oversight

Township Land Conservation Oversight and Maintenance

Animal Control

Ambulance and Fire Services Support

TRICK OR TREATING IN WEST PIKELAND TOWNSHIP

Our Township does not establish dates or times for Trick-or-Treating. However, individual neighborhoods may set their date and time, so check with your neighbors for Trick-or-Treating times.

TRICK OR TREATING @ HISTORIC YELLOW SPRINGS

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Noon to 4pm



Trick-or-treat during the Village Open House. Stroll Historic Yellow Springs and stop by various buildings, as well as the Township building for some special treats! More info

TRICK OR TREATING @ CHESTER SPRINGS LIBRARY

Thursday, October 31, 2024

3pm to 7pm

Trick-or-treat at Chester Springs Library! Walk (or run) through the haunted fiction room (if you dare). Dance to the Monster Mash and play Halloween games to win treats (while they last!) More info

PINE CREEK PARK PLAYGROUND FUNDRAISER

Help Us Build a Playground for Our Children's Future

For over three decades, the playground at Pine Creek Park on Yellow Springs Road has been a mainstay in Chester Springs. A generation has made their way across the monkey bars, jumped off high flying swings, and slid down the tan slide.

​

However, it is time to replace our aging playground.

West Pikeland Township is focused on providing a play area that includes:

​

Separate play areas for toddlers and older children

ADA accessible swing set

STEM activity table

State of the art safety features

​

While outside grants, donations from key township residents, and financial commitments from the township are extensive, they are not enough to cover the estimated $300,000 cost of the new playground. We currently need to raise $63,000 to reach our goal.

In order to receive our grant money awarded, the township must provide the reminder of the funds towards the cost of the new playground. If successful, construction will begin in Spring 2025.

​

Here's how you can help:

​

Donate $50,000 and receive naming rights for the playground

Donate $10,000 for a personalized bench next to the playground

Donate $500 and have your name placed on our donor board

Donate any amount you are comfortable donating

​

Donations are tax deductible and will remain in a separate “playground account” at West Pikeland Township; the funds will be used solely for playground renovation and development.

3RD ANNUAL YELLOW SPRINGS VILLAGE OPEN HOUSE AND FALL FESTIVAL

Join us in the village on Sunday, October 20 from 12 – 4 pm, rain or shine!

Welcome the spirit of autumn and save the date for the highly anticipated third annual Village Open House on October 20, 2024! Explore the charming village of Yellow Springs and it’s unique 300+ year history, while indulging in a delightful array of fall activities for visitors of all ages. This event is free and open to the public.

Activities Include:

• Village Tours
• Yellow Springs Great Pumpkin Classic
• Live Music From The Manatawny Creek Ramblers
• Haunted History House
• Glow For Good Jack-O-Lantern Exhibition
• Pumpkin Painting
• Trick-or-Treating
• Food and Beverage Vendors
• Artist Demonstrations
• Games, And More!

Hosted by Historic Yellow Springs and West Pikeland Township

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL NEWS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT PINE CREEK PARK

OCTOBER 13, 2024 - 1PM TO 4PM

On September 7, 2024, seven township residents gathered with tools and a UTV and cleared about 100 ft along the riparian buffer in Pine Creek Park. The Environmental Advisory Council and Parks and Rec are holding another removal session on October 13 from 1-4pm to finish the job, and are hoping you can help!

What is the project?

West Pikeland EAC and Parks and Rec are partnering on a project to remove and treat Autumn Olive shrubs from a 200 ft riparian area bordering a large native tree planting in the park. The volunteer effort will focus on cutting the shrubs to the ground and hauling the branches to a staging area to be removed the following day by the township Public Works staff.

There is more work to do, however.

These large shrubs vary in size and so we are asking volunteers to come prepared with tools, gloves, and protective eye wear. Master Watershed Stewards are prohibited from using gas powered tools but reciprocating saws, loppers, and other similar tools are okay. 

The project will take a few hours to complete but is essential work to rid this area of these invasive shrubs! Thank you so much for your support in getting this project completed!

Please email Sarah Newman if you are interested.

HISTORIC YELLOW SPRINGS NEWS

Meeting information, including agendas, can be found on our website

Fall Fun at the Library

By: Samantha Heckler-O’Connor

It’s officially autumn, and as the weather gets chillier and chillier, it’s the perfect time to find a new book to cozy up with. Send shivers down your spine with the perfect mystery novel, or stop by and take a peek at all the children’s holiday books we have on display. We’re looking forward to seeing all the amazing books go in and out of the library this season.

If you missed out on signing up for a library card last month, have no fear, it’s never too late to gain access to all of our books, magazines, and online resources.

Check out our October events calendar HERE. Highlights include:

Thursday, October 3, 1:30PM or 2:30PM: Air Dry Clay Ghosts for kids age 9 and over.

Saturdays in October, 2:00-4:00PM: Shakespeare in the Fall — Join retired Professor of Theater, Charles Conwell, and discuss the films Shakespeare in Love and All is True.

Tuesday, October 8, 10:30-11:30AM: Gardening Group — It’s the first get-together of a NEW gardening group, a time when all garden-lovers can come together to discuss gardening tips, tricks, what we did with our tomatoes, and flops.

Tuesday, October 15, 1:30-2:30PM: Flower Power Pumpkins — Join the library and the Uwchlan Garden Club to learn all about pumpkins while you craft a totally cool seasonal decoration using hammer, nails, flowers, and a pumpkin. Register HERE.

Friday, October 18, 4:30-5:15PM: NEW Teen Advisory Board — A chance for teenagers to speak out about programs, volunteer opportunities, and what they want at the library. Snacks provided.

Monday, October 21 OR Wednesday, October 23, 1:30-3:00PM: Space Exploration and Be A Space Scientist — A mini version of Science in the Summer. Great for homeschool families. Register HERE for ONE program (they are the same on each day). 

Tuesday, October 29, 10:30-11:30AM: Imagination Station for Preschoolers — We’re learning about puppets! Watch a small puppet show, make a simple bag puppet, and have the chance to perform. Register HERE.

Thursday, October 31, 3:00-7:00PM: Halloween Trick or Treat Fun — We’re back with more thrills, treats, and games at the library. Join us for some trick-or-treating fun!

Winter Programs

DARC is happy to announce the 2025 Premier Vacations, including:

• Black Hills, Badlands, and Mt. Rushmore – Departure: 7/16/25
• Treasures of Ireland – Departure: 10/14/25
• Switzerland and the Christmas Markets of the Rhine River Cruise – Departure: 12/3/25

Join us for this in-person informational seminar to learn more about these trips.  

Pre-registration is required!! on October 30, 2024 from 6-8PM.

VISIT OUR TABLE AT THE 3RD ANNUAL YELLOW SPRINGS VILLAGE OPEN HOUSE AND FALL FESTIVAL

Explore the charming village of Yellow Springs and dive into its 300+ year history, all while enjoying a delightful array of fall activities for visitors of all ages. Stop by our booth to learn more about our current program offerings and let the kids enjoy trick-or-treating! We look forward to seeing you there! Sunday, October 20 from 12 – 4 pm, rain or shine!