Shaler Township Parks & Recreation Master Plan

In the fall of 2024 the Township authorized a Parks and Recreation Master Plan design to OHM Advisors. The purpose of this Master Plan was authorized to highlight the strengths of existing parks and park features, identify weaknesses of the current park system and analyze planned improvements throughout the Township. Using a variety of engagement tools, including a community survey, meeting with various focus groups and open houses, residents were given the opportunity to express their thoughts on the future park improvements for Shaler Township. The results of this Master Plan are expected in late summer 2025 and will be shared with the community for additional input. This Master Plan will also be used as a blueprint for park improvements throughout the system. Stayed tuned to the Township’ s website( www. shaler. org) and Shaler Township Facebook Page for updates.

In the meantime, we wanted to share an update on park improvements that are currently in the works.

Fall Run Park

In the fall of 2024, the Township was awarded a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Local Share Grant in the amount of $ 535,200 for improvements in Fall Run Park. The following are possible improvements that are on the list to be included with this project:

• Elimination of the basketball court with increased parking for the trail area.

• Addition of walking trails throughout the lower portion of Fall Run Park.- Working with the Shaler Area Soccer Club, the soccer field in this park will be eliminated in 2026.

• Addition of ADA accessible restrooms and ADA designated parking spots for restroom accessibility.

• Relocation and construction of a new pavilion on the lower area of the current soccer field. The pavilion will have electrical service.

• Placement of boulders or posts on the stream side of the park road to eliminate parking on the park access roadway.

• New playground equipment( placement to be determined upon finalization of plans).

Fall Run Park is heavily used by residents and non-residents alike. It is also used by varying age groups for a variety of activities. The addition of restrooms that will operate on a timer basis and be open from dawn to dusk daily, will provide a much-needed comfort station to park visitors. The Township plans to add the pavilion to our rental schedule for all to enjoy the features of Fall Run Park. The improvements are scheduled to be designed with bid solicitation by fall of 2025, with planned construction to begin in the spring of 2026.

The Township is excited about these improvements to Fall Run Park, which has become a regional attraction for all, and would like to thank Representative Powell and Senator Williams for their assistance in helping the Township in securing these funds.

Crawford Pool, Kiwanis Park

The existing bathhouse was opened on July 1, 1964. The openair design, flat roof and steel support poles has created ongoing maintenance issues for the Township. The underground plumbing has exceeded its’ useful life and causes maintenance issues each season.

At the June 10, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting, approval was given to Avon Design Group to design a new bathhouse for Crawford Pool. Upon finalization of the design, the project will be advertised and put to bid in the fall of 2025. Pending the bid results, demolition of the existing bathhouse will begin, and construction is scheduled to be completed by Memorial Day, 2026 to coincide with the opening of the 2026 Crawford Pool Season. The design will be very similar to the existing structure with improved storage for both Crawford Pool and the Shaler Township Parks and Recreation Department.

12 SHALER AREA

COUNTY HAULING YARD WASTE PICK UP

Call County Hauling at 724-929-7694, e-mail info @ countyhauling. com, or schedule online at www. countyhauling. com by 3:00 PM Wednesday of the date below of that week to schedule Yard Waste Collection.

• Yard waste includes leaves, garden residue, shrubbery with no dirt attached, limbs, twigs, brush and tree trimmings, and similar items, but does not include grass clippings and mulch.

• Yard waste must be placed in a bio-degradable paper bag. Tree trimmings are not to exceed 3-inches in diameter. Brush, limbs, twigs and shrubbery must be bundled in lengths not to exceed 4

feet in length and 1-foot total diameter.

BAG YOUR GARBAGE, DON’ T BAG YOUR RECYCLING!

Electronic Waste and Household Hazardous Waste Collection

To schedule a collection time, call County Hauling at 724-929-7694 or visit their website at www. countyhauling. com.

“ Extended Travel” Billing Waiver Request – also for sale of a vacant home

Form and information located at www. shaler. org under Forms and Trash Collection.

Reminder!

Trash and recycling bins must be placed at the curb for pick up no earlier than 4:00pm the day before pick up and must be taken away from the curb by midnight the day of pick up.

Storing Trash and Recycling Bins

Shaler Township Ordinance # 225-138 specifically states the containers shall be stored either inside a garage or shall be located or placed behind the front facade line of the dwelling.

RECYCLABLE MATERIALS Place only the following materials in your recycling cart: Aluminum cans

Steel cans Corrugated cardboard – broken down Phone books Newsprint and inserts

Paperback books

Office paper Junk mail and envelopes

Plastics No. 1- 2

Boxboard( tissue, dry food boxes, cereal, noodle and cake boxes)

All glass Magazines and Catalogs

HOLIDAY COLLECTION SCHEDULE Trash pick up will be delayed by one day only if your pickup day falls on or after the holiday. If the holiday falls on the weekend, there is no delay.

• New Year’ s Day

• Memorial Day

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving Day

• Christmas Day