Recreational fields among topic at joint Peters meeting
Does Peters Township need more recreational fields?
That was an issue that emerged in a joint workshop meeting Tuesday that pulled together members of the Peters Township School Board and Peters Township Council, along with administrators from the school and the township.
While most of the meeting focused on the nuts-and-bolts of things like residential and commercial development, millage rates and library programs, there was a brief discussion on whether the township had enough recreational fields to meet the needs of residents.
Jason Camilletti, a member of the school board, said he had heard from residents who wanted additional recreational fields, and wondered if the township and the school district are “collectively carrying that burden.”
Frank Kosir Jr., chairman of council, said that “we’ve never had anyone come to us complaining about fields.”
The question about recreational opportunities comes at a time when the school district is considering facility upgrades, which could include a new stadium at Peters Township Middle School, located at East McMurray Road. At the school board’s regular meeting in August, several residents said the district’s athletic facilities fell short, particularly compared to those of its neighbors.
Paul Lauer, Peters’ manager, said the township would likely be undertaking a review of its parks and recreation programs once it completes a comprehensive plan that is under review. Municipalities in Pennsylvania are required to review their comprehensive plans every 10 years to account for demographic and economic shifts and guide land use.
Lauer also suggested that there be a “review of all the assets” between the township and school district, because “otherwise it’s just anecdotal.”
Since it was a workshop meeting between the two boards, no votes were taken. The next regular meeting of the Peters Township Council will be Monday at 7:30 p.m., and the next school board meeting will be Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.