Jun 2, 2016 3 min read

Park improvements are continuing in the two Fallowfield Township parks, supervisors reported at their meeting last week.

Replacement bleachers for several sets that had been delivered damaged have been received. The bleachers are to be installed at three ballfields in the two parks, on Memorial Drive near the municipal building and at the site of the former elementary center on Florence Drive.

Concrete pads are to be poured and the bleachers assembled, but a date has yet to be determined. Chain-link fencing will be installed to divide the fields at the Memorial Drive park and supervisors will obtain quotes for posts and railings.

Supervisors also approved motions to reapply for Greenways Trail and Recreation Program and local share grants for park improvements. The township has previously applied for both grants, but has not been successful in receiving either.

Supervisor Wilbur Caldwell said he wants to add a “wow factor” with the installation of playground equipment at the park at the former elementary center.

Two playgrounds, one for children ages 5 to 9 and one for older children, would be added. The purchase and installation would cost $116,125, with the equipment obtained through the state cooperative purchasing program.

“We have been talking and talking about these projects,” Caldwell said. “We will be going to area businesses to help with donations for our parks and recreation program. This would give a wow factor and show that we are progressing in the parks project to businesses willing to donate.”

Supervisor Earl Sadler said that paving costs have increased and he believes that there are other issues in the township more important than parks.

“We need roads fixed, bridges and other infrastructure. As a township we are running short,” he said.

“There is no place for our kids to go in the township,” resident Yvonne Henderson responded. “This would be an asset to our community.” Caldwell disagreed with Sadler and said that the parks are an important part of the township. Caldwell hopes supervisors will act on the playground issue at the next board meeting on June 29.

In other news, supervisors authorized Chester Engineers to review feasibility of a cul-de-sac on Kevech Road. Part of the road has deteriorated and is too costly to fix. The township wants to close that part of the road but the state requires a cul-de-sac or the township will lose liquid fuels reimbursement. The township receives about $3,000 per mile in liquid fuels reimbursement from the state. There are about 15 residents living along the road but none is affected by the area.

Bearcat Ambulance Service representative Sean Cummings approached the board to ask for dual ambulance service coverage along the border of Fallowfield and Bentleyville Borough. Bearcat Ambulance Service was founded last year after Fort Cherry Ambulance Service pulled out of the area and is housed in the former Ellsworth Fire Hall in Ellsworth. Cummings said that the service has advanced life support licensing.

“We aren’t asking to come into the township, we are only asking for dual coverage in the event the other services are busy,” in the area that includes Interstate 70, Cummings said. Fallowfield’s ambulance provider is Mon Valley Emergency Medical Services.

Sadler said he had concerns because in the past more than one ambulance service would show up to a call, yet only one would be paid and supervisors received complaints. Supervisor Bruce Smith said he would meet with Washington County 911 and Mon Valley EMS representatives to discuss the issue.