Recreation Plan - East Hanover Township

Recreation Plan
East Hanover Township
Dauphin County, PA
Adopted: 4/1/03
RothPlan
Harry B. Roth, AICP
Community Planning Consultant
22E East Roseville Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone – (717) 560-2383
Fax – (717) 560-3709
Email – rothplan@dejazzd.com

EAST HANOVER TOWNSHIP
MUNICIPAL DIRECTORY
Board of Supervisors
Sally Zaino, Chairman
George Rish, Vice-Chairman
Rod Nissley, Past Chairman
Rebecca M. Oller
Michael Yingling
Administrative Staff
Rebecca M. Oller, Facilitator
Nora J. Schaffer, Secretary-Treasurer
Deborah Casey, Administrative Assistant
Planning Commission
Larry McCarter, Chairman
Joseph Kenny III, Vice-Chairman
Richard Hoover
Barry Nazar
Chris O’Neil
George Rish
Patricia Tantum
Park and Recreation Board
Wendy Zimmerman, Chairman
Donna Berkheimer, Vice-Chairman
Jennifer Everts
Chrissy Fletcher
Russ Kiessling
Judy Schmolitz
Vacancy
Park and Recreation Leader
Danielle Gornik
Park Office - 376 North Crawford Road
Grantville, PA 17028
Telephone: 717/469-7614
Fax: 717/469-1442
Cell: 215-2120
E-mail: ehparkrec@earthlink.net
Hours: Monday through Friday
8 A.M. –4 P.M. (flexible)
EAST HANOVER TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL OFFICE
8848 Jonestown Road
Grantville, Pennsylvania 17028
Telephone: 717/469-0833
FAX: 717/469-1442
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 A.M.–4 P.M.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Municipal Directory........................................................................................................................... i
Table of Contents ..............................................................................................................................ii
Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 1
I. Introduction .......................................................................................................................2-3
A. Purpose............................................................................................................................................2
B. How to Use This Plan ...................................................................................................................2-3
II. Study Goals .......................................................................................................................4-5
A. Planning Goals.................................................................................................................................4
B. Facilities Goals.................................................................................................................................5
C. Administration Goals........................................................................................................................5
III. Community Background ................................................................................................6-16
A. Historical Sketch of Township Recreation Service.........................................................................6
B. Municipal Budget Profile..................................................................................................................7
C. Township Recreation Administration ...........................................................................................8-9
D. Recreation Maintenance...........................................................................................................10-11
E. Recreation Programs................................................................................................................11-12
F. Population & Housing Studies..................................................................................................12-16
IV.
Facilities Inventory........................................................................................................17-20
Parks Map.................................................................................................................... following page 17
Community Parks .................................................................................................................................18
Neighborhood Parks.............................................................................................................................18
Private Parks....................................................................................................................................19-20
V. Park Analysis & Recommendations ...........................................................................21-34
Regional Parks .....................................................................................................................................21
Community Parks ............................................................................................................................21-25
Neighborhood Parks........................................................................................................................25-31
Linear Parks.....................................................................................................................................31-39
Riparian Buffers Map................................................................................................... following page 35
VI. Mandatory Dedication ..................................................................................................40-43
VII.
Capital Budget...............................................................................................................44-45
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - ii - Table of Contents

Executive Summary
East Hanover Township has a long history of involvement in parks and recreation; however, its
commitment has escalated over the last 10-15 years. This Plan will help the Township take the next step
towards a more comprehensive system of parkland acquisition and development that can keep pace with
projected growth.
The Township’s recreation-related financial expenditures are growing rapidly while no means for park and
recreation revenues exist. The projected growth of the Township’s population from 5322 in 2000, to 6912
by the year 2020, will overburden the Township’s budgeted general funds, unless a separate form of
recreation revenue can be activated.
A volunteer Park and Recreation Board oversees the park and recreation system with help from the fulltime
paid Park and Recreation Leader. The Township offers a generous variety of recreation programs,
particularly annual special events. A full-time Park and Building Maintenance employee devotes just
under 2/3 of his time to park maintenance and the balance on maintaining the Township’s two buildings.
Today the Township contains nine different park/recreation sites. Of these, only three are considered to
be public facilities. The largest public facility is the East Hanover Township Municipal Park with 60 acres
and a full range of athletic, passive, picnic, playground and support facilities. The East Hanover
Elementary School and the adjoining Shellsville VFW ballfields comprise another significant park with
multiple athletic fields, playgrounds and some indoor facilities. Finally, the Grantville Fire Company
Carnival Grounds provide a home for the Township’s annual summer festival.
With the development of the Township’s Municipal Park, the Township currently has public parkland at a
rate of about 13.5 acres per 1000 population. This figure exceeds the nationally-accepted standard of 6-
10 acres per 1000 population advocated by the National Recreation and Park Association. While this
abundant acreage can meet the Township’s community-wide park needs for the projected future, local
neighborhood deficiencies exist and will worsen as new planned urban neighborhoods develop. This Plan
recommends the development of four new neighborhood parks totaling 13 acres with $882,096 worth of
park improvements to overcome this deficiency and serve the ultimate-buildout of the planned
neighborhoods. In addition, the Plan recommends that $57,600 worth of repairs be made to the Township
Municipal Park and the East Hanover Elementary School. Last, the Plan recommends the conduct of a
feasibility study for the creation of a new “Village Link Trail” that would link each of the Township’s
planned urban neighborhoods with local parks and the Horseshoe Trail.
State law enables the Township to require would-be developers to either dedicate parklands for public
use or donate fees-in-lieu of dedication to the Township for such facilities. Based upon socio-economic
conditions, the Township can require each new dwelling unit to dedicate .052 acres of parkland or pay a
fee of about $2080. With the growth projected in the Township, this source of revenue can produce about
40 new acres of parkland or about 1.6 million dollars over the next 20 years. This will result in a surplus of
just under $250,000, when compared with specific planned parks and their improvements. This surplus
can be used to fund the acquisition and development of the proposed Village Link Trail.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 1 - Executive Summary

I. Introduction
A. Purpose of the Plan
Like any business, local governments need to chart future plans so that they can assure an
efficient use of resources. Local governments are in the business of assuring public welfare
and delivering public services. The preparation of a Recreation Plan provides a deliberate
framework of information that can be used to make future decisions regarding the delivery
of recreation services. In addition, this Plan will identify ways for East Hanover Township to
work with the School District, to make the Township a better place to live and play.
One definition of planning is “the allocation of municipal resources toward municipal goals
and objectives”; this definition embodies the essence of this study. This study first catalogs,
maps and describes the Township's recreation-related resources. These resources include
land, streams, roads, parks, neighborhoods, programs, schools, staff, finances, and so on.
Analyses are performed to determine the capability of these resources to serve or
accommodate recreation/open space needs.
Next, a set of planning goals are formulated. These goals establish a list of priorities that
need to be addressed. Third, the goals are applied to the municipal resources, yielding a
future scheme for the development of parklands.
Finally, implementation strategies are discussed and recommended that enable the
Township to set in motion the analyses and information presented in the Plan. These
strategies will involve those planning technologies currently available for use by local
governments within the region. In the end, any planning process is meaningless, unless its
recommendations find application as part of the Township's business—the protection of
public welfare and the delivery of public services. This Plan will serve as a supplement to
the Township’s Official Comprehensive Plan concerning matters of parks and recreation.
B. How to Use This Plan
This Recreation Plan is aimed at assisting local officials in the administration of the
Township's recreation facilities. Many action-oriented recommendations have been
expressed throughout the Plan text; these recommendations have been italicized and
printed in bold letters, so that the decision-maker's attention is immediately drawn to
them. The maps within the Plan have also been carefully prepared and colored, so that the
information can be easily visualized. The many analyses utilized throughout the study were
devised to maximize utility of the findings. Step-by-step description of these methodologies
have been furnished to enable the reader to gain a better understanding of the issue, and
its planning implications. Finally, a detailed table of contents appears at the beginning of
the text, which provides quick reference to the appropriate sections of the study. All of
these features will aid local decision-makers in their evaluation of future recreation
proposals.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 2 - Chapter I – Introduction

A second important function of this Plan is its collection of important information. The Plan
provides convenient access to a wealth of up-to-date information concerning its many
interrelated factors. This information will serve, not only Township officials, but service
agencies, property owners, residents, business leaders, and prospective developers. The
cataloging of existing conditions will also provide the groundwork upon which future Plan
updates can be more easily accomplished.
Finally, the Plan conveys a set of policies regarding future recreation development within
the Township. These policies are based upon the Township's goals and can be useful to
local decision-makers. In addition, many of the recommendations of this Plan specifically
respond to the wishes of the general public, who were heard at several “town meetings”
during the Plan’s preparation. Therefore, the Plan incorporates extensive public input.
In summary, it is important for all of those persons involved and/or interested in the
delivery of recreation services to read, at least once, and understand this entire Plan,
at least once. Then, local decision-makers should keep it handy when evaluating
future development proposals, service adjustments or public investments. The
Plan's format will avail considerable information, analysis and expertise, without
requiring its complete rereading. In the end, it is hoped that the Plan will become a
powerful, yet practical, tool in local decision-making.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 3 - Chapter I – Introduction

II. Study Goals
F
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there!”
-An old saying
or any project to maximize its likelihood for success, it is important that goals be established to
guide the efforts. This Plan and the Township’s park and recreation services are no exception.
The following lists goals that have been expressed for this Plan. This list is derived from
discussions with local officials during the summer of 2002.
The overall goal of this plan is to establish a process by which Township residents can be provided
with a suitable level of recreation facilities as growth occurs. The following lists the goals of this
Plan by several key components:
A. Planning Goals
1. Coordinate the use of the Township’s facilities among its many varied users, so
that anyone can use the Plan to understand who is responsible for park
improvements, maintenance and scheduling.
2. Evaluate the best way to continue the high level of volunteer effort in the delivery of
recreation service.
3. Ensure that recreation facilities are offered for everyone, young and old, active and
sedentary, competitive and passive, etc.
4. Inventory existing parks and determine the level of service they provide to the
Township. Identify deficiencies at existing parks and suggest specific actions of
remedy.
5. Generate public support for recreation by educating them about its benefits.
6. Foster a spirit of cooperation among the Township, the School District and other
volunteer and semi-public groups.
7. Provide specific, prioritized actions to improve the Township’s parks, identifying
who is responsible for implementation, estimated costs, and potential funding
sources.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 4 - Chapter II – Study Goals

B. Facilities Goals
1. Provide an objective and reasoned system for the acquisition of new parks and
recreation opportunities, the improvement of existing parks, and the maintenance
of all parks.
2. Conceptually plan for streamside buffers as a means of improving water quality,
and providing recreation and “hands-on” educational settings, with particular
emphasis on preserving the Manada Creek as an important trout fishery and the
Swatara Creek as a water trail.
3. Seek to link parks, schools and other activity centers with linear parks, streamside
buffers and sidewalks with special attention paid to bike routes and hiking trails.
4. Ensure that parks are well-kept, attractive and safe.
5. Focus new parks into “urban neighborhoods” where a full range of public facilities
and services are expected.
6. Implement recommendations of the Swatara Greenway Corridor by acquiring and
developing public access to the creek and protecting valuable recreation use
C. Administration Goals
1. Improve the planning and coordination of recreation facilities.
2. Perform the requisite analyses to justify the Township’s use of mandatory
dedication (or fees-in-lieu-thereof) of parklands within its subdivision and land
development ordinance.
3. Present recommendations regarding the most efficient and effective methods to
provide parks.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 5 - Chapter II – Study Goals

III. Community Background
A. Historical Sketch of Township Recreation Service
During the first half of the last century, no emphasis was placed on organized recreation or activities.
Instead, local residents relied upon the abundant nearby Appalachian and Horseshoe Trails and
other natural features to derive much of their leisure pastimes. Hiking, fishing, hunting were popular
activities and many local men were members of the Blue Ridge Sportsman’s Club. In addition
Sunday school baseball competitions, pie socials and other church and school activities provided
needed diversion from the work “down-on-the-farm.” Hershey Park opened in 1907 and provided
facilities for organized picnics and family reunions.
In 1948 the Grantville Fire Company began its annual summer carnival. The whole family lived for
these Saturday nights of bingo, penny pitches, ball throws and chicken corn soup.
In 1956 the East Hanover Recreation Association was formed to promote supervised recreation for
area youth. It was comprised of representatives from local churches and civic and fraternal
organizations. Summer playground programs, community parties, and summer picnics were planned
and held. A “Teen-Canteen” held regular dances at the East Hanover Elementary School until 1962,
when the school was merged into the Lower Dauphin School District. Since then, the School District
has offered facilities and programs for the students’ recreation needs.
Between 1962 and 1972 there was no formal recreation organization operating within the Township
until the formation of the East Hanover Interim Recreation Organization. This new effort sponsored a
summer playground program, square dances, ice and roller skating parties, slimnastics for women,
volleyball competitions, youth dances and costume parties. In the mid-1970s the Dauphin County
Parks and Recreation Board became involved within the Township and offered tennis clinics and
training for residents. They also sponsored entertainment at the Memorial Day Picnics held at the
VFW Picnic Grove.
Recreational activities continued to be organized by the Interim Park and Recreation Board until
the early 1980's. In the Fall, 1981, seven persons were appointed to the East Hanover Township
Park and Recreation Board. In the Summer, 1982 a questionnaire was sent to all township
residents seeking input on the Recreation Board, the acquisition of land for recreational purposes,
the means of financing recreational programs, etc. In November, 1982, the Board adopted
Ordinance 82-4 which, in addition to creating the Park and Recreation Board, established the
regulations for membership, officers, responsibilities, and financial considerations.
In 1983, the first Township newsletter was published and mailed to all Township residents. A
limited number of classes were conducted in various locations in the Township. In 1983, the
Township purchased 13 acres of land for a new municipal building and a recreational area.
Township activities were relocated to the new Municipal Building in 1986. Township officials
purchased an additional 16 acres in 1988, an additional 6 acres in 1990, and an additional 25
acres in 1993. In 1992, the East Hanover Township Board of Supervisors hired a part-time park
attendant for the Township. In 1996, the position became a full-time Recreation Leader position.
Today, with the aid of a very active Park and Recreation Board and a number of volunteers,
residents and local officials take pride in their park system which is the envy of neighboring
municipalities.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 6 - Chapter III – Community Background

B. Municipal Budget Profile
The following graphs the East Hanover Township’s reported total expenditures and those
assigned to culture/recreation needs during the years 1999 through 2001.
East Hanover Township Expenses
2,500,000.00
6.00%
2,000,000.00
5.00%
4.00%
1,500,000.00
3.00%
1,000,000.00
2.00%
500,000.00
1.00%
0.00
1999 2000 2001
Total expenses 1,173,695.00 1,478,889.00 1,936,448.00
Culture/Recreation Expenses 25,499.00 38,171.00 43,555.00
% Culture/Recreation 2.10% 4.60% 5.70%
0.00%
While the Township’s budget has grown steadily the last three years, its expenses
associated with culture/recreation have accelerated and now comprise almost 6 percent of
the total expenses. The Township’s funding of culture/recreation facilities and programs
has grown by over 170 percent during the last three years. Such dramatic increases cannot
continue unless additional forms of revenue are obtained for these purposes. Clearly,
culture/recreation has become one of the Township’s budget priorities as evidenced not
only by these figures but the nice EHT Municipal Park and its various programs offered
throughout the community.
The Township now charges modest user fees to help defray ythe operating costs of
particular programs and special events; however, these do not cover the total costs of
services provided. This must change if the Township is to face the demands of a
suburbanizing population that will expect high levels of recreation service. Fortunately,
there are several revenue generating options available that the Township can employ. This
Plan will provide the framework for tapping these funding sources and direct how the
monies should be spent according to nationally-accepted levels of service.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 7 - Chapter III – Community Background

C. Township Recreation Administration
Township Board of Supervisors - Within East Hanover Township the Board of
Supervisors are the elected officials who have the final authority on all matters of the
Township. This is also true with respect to parks and recreation. They allocate funds
and manpower among all of the Township’s functions including parks and recreation. To
assist their decision-making they have created several boards and staff positions as
follows:
Park and Recreation Board – This seven-member board was created in 1980 to
develop the Township’s park system. Each member serves a five-year term and the
Board is comprised of individuals appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Today their
principal duties include:
1. Select programs to be offered;
2. Suggest park improvements;
3. Recommend new parks;
4. Compile quarterly recreation newsletter with program guides; and,
5. Recommend budget for park maintenance.
Parks and Recreation Leader – This full-time paid staff position directs the day-to-day
operations of the Township’s park and recreation system. This position has the following
principal duties as described in the job description:
1. Staff liaison between Park and Recreation Board and Board of Supervisors;
2. Formulate, organize, supervise and evaluate a well-rounded program of
recreation for the Township;
3. Supervise and schedule use of the Township Municipal Park;
4. Coordinate with Township Facilitator maintenance of the Township Municipal
Park;
5. Recruit, train and supervise park employees,
6. Assist Park and Recreation Board in the preparation of annual budget and report;
7. Recommend appropriate program and facility use fees;
8. Monitor park and recreation operations, programs and complaints and make
suitable recommendations;
9. Work closely with the school district and other civic groups involved in the
delivery of recreation service;
10. Keep abreast of developments and technologies of the recreation profession;
11. Attend various local meetings as well as professional development conferences
and seminars;
12. Conduct maintenance and safety checks and make necessary recommendations
for standard-of-care;
13. Record information about program participation, registration, instructor forms,
publicity, and research on special projects; and,
14. Collects and accounts for all recreation fees.
Township Secretary/Treasurer – Among this position’s other principal duties, the
Township Secretary/Treasurer deposits all recreation fees.
Township Facilitator - Among this position’s other principal duties, the Township
Facilitator acts as an initial point of contact between the Park and Recreation Leader and
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 8 - Chapter III – Community Background

the Board of Supervisors. This person also oversees maintenance work performed on
the Township buildings.
With adoption of this plan comes the ability of the Township to collect mandatory
dedicated parklands or fees-in-lieu thereof. This is the best, and most widely-used
method of park system acquisition and development that basically enables municipalities
to keep pace with growth. However, the use of this technique requires expertise on the
specific applicable provisions of the Municipalities Planning Code that enable it. In
addition, since this technique is applied during the subdivision and land development
process, it forces those involved in the delivery of parks and recreation to become part of
that review process. Finally, specific provisions of the Township zoning ordinance
provide incentives for the creation and protection of parklands and open spaces.
All of these “details” will likely strain local staff and officials’ knowledge and
resulting initial use of the mandatory dedication approach. Therefore it is
recommended that the Township sponsor a workshop for those involved in the
process to educate all about how to apply this new approach.
This workshop should focus upon:
1. the duties of each person/agency in the review procedures of proposed
developments with dedicated parklands or fees-in-lieu thereof;
2. the specific deadlines imposed upon the development review process;
3. the actual language contained within Sections 402.5.5. and 623 of the East
Hanover Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance;
4. the language of Section 503.(11) of the Municipalities Planning Code; and,
5. those various provisions of the East Hanover Township Zoning Ordinance
that provide incentives and design flexibility for the creation and protection
of parklands and open spaces.
This workshop could be presented by the Township’s planning consultants, the
Township’s Solicitor, the Township’s engineer, local officials from adjoining
municipalities who have experience with the process and/or staff from the State.
Even after the conduct of this workshop, the review and approval of a
development proposal can be difficult and require skillful negotiation. Therefore,
it is recommended that the Township hire expert development plan review
assistance from planning and engineering experts during the first few proposals
that run through the process. These experts should assist in staff reviews of such
proposals and attend the various Board and Commission hearings where the
actual formal reviews occur. Then once local staff and officials become
comfortable with their duties and roles, these “experts” can be used on an asneeded-basis,
upon request from the Township.
It is also important to note the Township Planning Commission will now begin to
play a role in the acquisition and development of parks since they are integral to
the subdivision and land development review process. They too, should
participate in the workshop.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 9 - Chapter III – Community Background

D. Recreation Maintenance
Most rural Township’s beginning to develop their park system, generally assign park
maintenance duties to general maintenance staff already in place. This is true of East
Hanover Township today. The duties of park maintenance are assigned to the Building
and Park Maintenance employee. The job description for this position details daily,
weekly and annual tasks to be performed within the Township’s two municipal buildings;
however, no such schedule of routine tasks are provided for park maintenance. It is noted
that the Parks and Recreation Leader is currently developing such a schedule for
this position.
Also according to the job description, this person is to devote 30 hours per week to park
maintenance during the spring, summer and fall months and 10 hours per week in the
winter; the remaining time is to be spent maintaining the municipal buildings. Therefore
maintenance assignments for parks account for nearly 2/3 of this position’s annual duties.
The following lists the grounds-keeping and facilities responsibilities beyond those
associated with municipal building maintenance specified within this position’s job
description:
1. grass mowing;
2. trimming and weeding around buildings, paths, flowers, shrubs, trees, fences;
3. planting of flowers, trees, shrubs;
4. raking, collection of leaves, twigs, etc.;
5. trimming of shrubbery, trees;
6. mulching of gardens, play areas;
7. fertilizing and seeding lawn areas as needed and as scheduled;
8. cutting dead trees as needed;
9. collecting trash, paper, rubbish, emptying trash receptacles on a regular basis;
10. cleaning of rest rooms on a weekly basis from April to November & winterize in
November;
11. sweeping off athletic courts and pavilion, picnic shelter, gazebo, & amphitheater
floors;
12. raking of sandbox, volleyball court and horseshoe pits as needed;
13. filling of holes in the Park as needed;
14. checking grounds for glass, rocks — especially fitness trails;
15. checking of nature trail and bridges for maintenance and repair;
16. painting/staining of fitness stations, trash receptacles, shuffleboard courts, kiosk,
benches, picnic tables, pavilion, picnic shelter, amphitheater, etc.;
17. inspecting and repairing of all of the above;
18. maintaining tennis courts & nets, basketball court & net, multi-purpose court & nets,
volleyball court & net, soccer fields & nets;
19. inspecting playground, water fountain and rest rooms daily;
20. cleaning and waxing of slide;
21. assisting in the maintenance of the schoolhouse;
22. Keeping sidewalks and parking lots cleared of snow and ice at both buildings. Clear
snow from parking lots at the GVFC station and,
23. Assist the Road Department, if necessary.
This position is to receive municipal building assignments from the Township Facilitator and
park assignments from the Township Facilitator or the Parks and Recreation Leader.
Presently the Township has a new commercial tractor for park mowing, a smaller garden
tractor and wagon and a variety of lawn/garden and general carpentry tools.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 10 - Chapter III – Community Background

Given the projected growth within the Township and the resulting need for additional
scattered neighborhood parks, it is clear that additional maintenance staff will be
required. It is unlikely that volunteer manpower will be able to meet the increasing
needs for maintenance of the expanding park system. The Township should
evaluate manpower needs as these new parks come on-line and make necessary
manpower adjustments. The Township might also consider negotiating a
maintenance agreement with the School District which likely is better prepared and
equipped to maintain parks on a temporary or permanent basis. Of course the
details would determine the feasibility of this approach. In the end the Township
must commit the manpower and resources to keep these parks functional, safe and
attractive, whatever approach is selected. Fortunately along with growth will come
additional tax and recreation fee revenues to help offset costs.
With more maintenance staff comes the need for more detailed work tasks and
directions. It is important that the Township clearly describe in detail those routine
tasks that will be required to keep the parks in good condition. This should include
a duty-roster of tasks to be completed at regular intervals (eg. daily, weekly,
monthly, seasonally, annually, as needed, etc.) In addition, the maintenance staff
needs to know what constitutes “good condition” for park maintenance. The
Township should develop specific descriptions of standards-of-care for each park
and its facilities so that all have the same expectations of what constitutes
acceptable maintenance. These duties should be performed by the Park and
Recreation Leader with help from an outside consultant, if required. The Township
might also look to the School District for help in developing the duty-roster and
standards-of-care.
E. Recreation Programs
Despite the Township’s rural character, a generous number of recreation programs are
offered for Township residents and non-residents.
The largest single program is the Summer Recreation Program. This daily (M-F) offering
runs ten weeks in May, June and July of each year. Preschool through 6 th grade children
attend morning playground sessions at the Township Municipal Park for organized crafts
and sports activities. In addition, extended afternoon sessions are offered twice per week
where participants went bowling and swimming this year. This year’s (2002) program
required the hiring of 14 part-time summer employees to oversee all of the attendees.
Other regularly-scheduled programs include:
1. Toddler classes;
2. Aerobics classes;
3. Kickboxing;
4. Mens basketball;
5. Co-ed volleyball;
6. Health & healing classes;
7. CPR courses; and,
8. Other occasional classes.
Finally, the Township hosts a wide variety of special events each year as follows:
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 11 - Chapter III – Community Background

1. Pumpkin carving;
2. Christmas tree lighting;
3. Coloring contests;
4. Window-painting contests;
5. Halloween parade,
6. Craft show;
7. Breakfast with Santa;
8. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny;
9. Valentines Day and Halloween dances for 6-8 th graders;
10. Valentines Day party for preschoolers through elementary school;
11. Indoor community yard sale;
12. 2 outdoor community yard sales;
13. memorial Day celebration,
14. Peach Festival;
15. Park day festival (the largest event of the year with about 2000 participants in
2001);
16. United Way’s Day of Caring; and,
17. Join Hands Day.
During the Year 2001, the fees collected for all of the Township’s programs totaled
just over $13,000. Township staff indicates that these program fees are largely
subsidized by general funds of the Township. Given the likely increasing demands
for additional programs, staff and park maintenance, the Township should begin to
charge fees that cover all of the costs associated with development and conduct of
programs including the costs to provide and maintain the needed facilities. These
fees should be determined by the Park and Recreation Leader with input from
maintenance personnel and outside experts if necessary. The Township cannot
afford the luxury of subsidizing particular recreation programs at the expense of
other system needs.
F. Population & Housing Studies
The allocation of municipal resources, including recreation, must consider the population to
be served. Obviously, the overall size of a population is related to the amount of recreational
services and parklands that must be provided. The historical growth pattern of an
area provides insight as to the growth that might be expected in the future. The following
graph and table lists the amount of population growth that has occurred over the last 30
years within the Township.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 12 - Chapter III – Community Background

Historic Population Growth
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Population 2938 3574 4569 5322 6117 6912
Year
From the graph, it is easy to see that the Township has experienced steady growth since
1970, at a rate of about 795 new inhabitants each decade. This has increased the
population by about 81% in that time period. Based upon a continuation of this trend, the
Township’s population will add approximately 1600 residents between 1990 and 2020.
In addition to population growth, another important consideration when projecting how
fast an area will grow relates to its number of housing units. The following graph and
table lists the number of housing units within the Township since the US Census Bureau
began reporting such information in 1970.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 13 - Chapter III – Community Background

Historic Housing Growth
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Housing Units 882 1344 1736 2043 2430 2817
Year
Unsurprisingly, the increase in the number of housing units exhibited similar growth
trends as the population except at a faster rate. This difference is expected however,
due to the decreasing family sizes occurring nationwide. Fewer people are living together
as families, and more people are living by themselves. Overall, the Township has
added about 387 new units each decade since 1970, representing a 175% increase over
that entire period. This trend is expected to continue and will likely result in about 785 new
dwelling units through 2020.
By using a linear extrapolation technique applied to both population and housing stock
trends since 1970, the following projections are derived; these will form the bases of future
growth area and service needs for the Township:
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 14 - Chapter III – Community Background

8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
East Hanover Township
Historic & Projected Growth
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
Person/Unit
0
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Population 2938 3574 4569 5322 6117 6912
Housing Units 882 1344 1736 2043 2430 2817
Persons/Unit 3.33 2.66 2.63 2.6 2.52 2.45
0
The following tabulates socio-economic data that describes the Township that is
available for the Year 2000 US Census of Population & Housing:
Age Group
Age Profile
East Hanover
Township
Dauphin County
Under 5 years 327 (6.1%) 6.2%
5-9 years 417 (7.8%) 7.0%
10-14 years 430 (8.1%) 7.1%
15-19 years 380 (7.1%) 6.1%
20-24 years 226 (4.2%) 5.4%
25-64 years 3008 (56.5%) 54.0%
65+ years 534 (10.0%) 14.2%
Median age 38.1 years 37.9 years
Comments
East Hanover Township has a higher
percentage of youth through high school age
and middle-age adults than does Dauphin
County. However, it has fewer young adults &
seniors. Overall, it has a slightly higher median
age than all of Dauphin County. However,
none of these differences present particular
consequence for the Township’s delivery of
parks and recreation. All of the age cohorts are
represented and should be provided with
opportunities to recreate and play.
Gender
Gender Profile
East Hanover
Township
Dauphin County
Male 2649 (49.8%) 48.0%
Female 2673 (50.2%) 52.0%
Comments
East Hanover Township has a more balanced
ratio of males to females than does Dauphin
County.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 15 - Chapter III – Community Background

Race
Racial Composition & Latino Origin
East Hanover
Township
Dauphin County
White 5160 (97.0%) 77.1%
African American 38 (0.7%) 16.9%
Native American 7 (0.1%) 0.2%
Asian 22 (0.4%) 2.0%
Pacific Islander 0 (0%) 0%
Other 37 (0.7%) 2.0%
Multi-racial 58 (0.7%) 1.9%
Hispanic/Latino 101 (1.9%) 4.1%
Comments
East Hanover Township has less racial diversity
than does Dauphin County. Only 2.6% of the
Township’s residents describe themselves as
other than “White.” African American, other and
multi-racial groups comprise the Township’s
minority population equally. Asians and Native
Americans have comparably fewer
representatives within the Township. Similarly,
the Township has far fewer residents of
Hispanic/Latino origin than Dauphin County.
Educational Attainment for Persons 25+ Years
Characteristic
East Hanover
Township
Dauphin County
Under 9th Grade 202 (5.7%) 4.6%
High School Graduate 1455 (41.3%) 37.4%
Associate Degree 268 (7.6%) 6.3%
Bachelors + Degree 733 (20.8%) 23.5%
Comments
East Hanover Township has a greater
percentage of adults who never made it to high
school than does the County as a whole. It
also has fewer numbers of college graduates
and post graduate students than Dauphin
County in general. However, high school
graduation rates within the Township and
associate college degrees are more prevalent
than in Dauphin County.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 16 - Chapter III – Community Background

IV. Facilities Inventory
T
he first step in a recreation analysis is an inventory of existing recreation facilities serving the
Township’s residents. The inventory on the following pages is a series of tables which lists all
identified recreation sites and their improvements. This inventory indicates the site name, the site's
ownership and maintenance responsibilities, the site type, and its total recreation acreage.
Following this is a specific list of recreation improvements at each site. This list is broken out under
several major subheadings, including playgrounds, fields and courts, picnic facilities, pools, trails,
and support facilities. A final section at the bottom of the table allows for comments concerning a
particular site, or the listing of any additional improvements.
The Parks Map on the following page utilizes the information from the inventory to illustrate the
geographic distribution of all recreation sites within the Township, including their types, and
service radii for public-owned facilities.
Panoramic view of East Hanover Elementary School
Panoramic view of East Hanover Township Municipal Park
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 17 - Chapter IV – Facilities Inventory

Shady Ln.
East
Hanover
Township
Parks
Map
July 5, 2002
Appleby Rd.
Mountain Rd.
McLean Rd.
Mountain Rd.
Angle Rd.
Penn Nartional Ballfield
Fire House Rd.
Manada Bottom Rd.
Binkley's Miniature Golf
Manada Gap Golf Course
Golf Ln.
Private Dr.
Fox Run Rd.
Fox Run Rd.
Fire House Rd.
Furnace Rd.
Ridge Rd.
Ridge Rd.
Station Rd.
I - 81 Ramp
Grantville Fire Co. Carnival Grounds
Bow Creek Rd.
Manada Gap Rd.
Short Dr.
Moyer Rd.
Cliff Rd.
Rabbit Ln.
Rabbit Ln.
I - 81
Dry Run Rd.
Spring Rd.
Faith United Church
US Rt. 22
Kelly Court
North Faith Rd.
N. Fairlane Rd.
Shells Church Rd.
Country Line Rd.
Camp Kiwanis Rd.
I - 81
East Hanover Township Municipal Park
Red Hill Rd.
Jonestown Rd.
VFW Picnic Grove
San - Jo Dr.
Hill Dr.
US Rt. 22
East Hanover Elementary School
Laudermilch Rd.
N. Crawford Dr.
W
N
E
Yellowstone Dr.
Hunter Ln.
Red Fox Lm.
N. Mill Rd.
N. Meadow Ln.
Meadow Ln.
Pheasant Rd.
Timber Ridge Rd.
Bunny Ln.
Pheasant Rd.
Dairy Ln.
Sunflower Ln.
Daisy Ln.
Mill Rd.
S
Carter Dr.
Carlson Rd.
Early Mill Rd.
Pineview Dr.
Pine Rd.
S. Crawford Rd.
Parcels
Roads
Township Boundaries
Streams
Parks
Community Park
Neighborhood Park
Private Park
Neighborhood Park Service Area
Community Park Service Area
Devonshire Heights Rd.
Sand Beach Rd.
Trail Rd.
Trail Rd.
Amor Dr.
Canal Rd.
High Dr.
Old Laudermilch Rd./ Rt. 743
4000 0 4000 8000 Feet

FACILITIES INVENTORY
BACKGROUND
SITE NAME EHT Municipal Park Elementary School Carnival Grounds
OWNERSHIP & MAINTENANCE Township Lower Dauphin School District Grantville Fire Company
SITE TYPE Community Neighborhood Neighborhood
SITE CONDITION Good Fair Fair
TOTAL ACREAGE (DEVELOPED) 60 (30) 3.9 5.5 ±
PLAYGROUNDS
FIELDS & COURTS
PICNIC
TRAILS
SUPPORT
Swing Sets 1 (4) 1 (2) 1 broken, 2 (22) (10) + tire
Sliding Boards 1 double dinosaur 1
Climbing Equipment 11
Tetherball 2
Sandbox + diggers (2)
Funnelball 1
Rocking Toys
Big Toys 1 1
Hopscotch 1
Four-Square 5
Baseball/Softball Fields 1 w/backstop 2 softball
Soccer/Hockey Fields 2
Football Fields
1 practice
Basketball Courts (hoops) 1 2 need nets
Tennis Courts 2
Volleyball Courts sand 1 grass
Bleachers
Street Hockey
Shuffleboard Courts 2
Pavilions
1 w/electric & rest rooms +
1 shelter w/o electric & rest rooms
1
Total Picnic Tables (in pavilion) 18 (16) 2 (12)
Barbecue Pits & Grills 3
Benches 16 3
Walking/Exercise Trails (length)
Biking Trails (length)
2/3 mile
Fitness Trails (no. of stations) 1/3 mile (20)
Measured Path
Parking Spaces 2 lots
Rest Rooms 1 portable 2 portable 2
Water Fountains 1
Snack Bar 1
Waste Receptacles 10 5 20
Bike Rack 2
Signs
Other/Comments
park rules
* restored one-room schoolhouse
* amphitheater
* multi-purpose court
* horseshoe pits
* open play area
*indoor multi-purpose room &
meeting rooms
* nature trail
* old mulch surfaces
* batting cage
* scoreboard
* indoor gym & computer lab
* Planned expansion: gym, stage,
kitchen, conference room
* bandshell
* grass parking
* arcade building
* open play area w/2 bleachers
* lighted carnival area with
public address system
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 18 - Chapter IV – Facilities Inventory

FACILITIES INVENTORY
BACKGROUND
PLAYGROUNDS
FIELDS & COURTS
PICNIC
TRAILS
SUPPORT
SITE NAME Shellsville VFW Picnic Area Manada Gap Golf Course Mountain Road Driving Range
OWNERSHIP & MAINTENANCE
VFW – Picnic Area
Baseball Assn. – Ballfields
Private
Private
SITE TYPE Private♦ Public Golf Course Private
SITE CONDITION Good Good Good
TOTAL ACREAGE (DEVELOPED) 38.8 (13±) N/A N/A
Swing Sets 1 (8)
Sliding Boards 1
Climbing Equipment 1
Tetherball
Sandbox
Funnelball
Rocking Toys
Big Toys
Hopscotch
Four-Square
Baseball/Softball Fields
2 w/bleachers & backstop♦
1 w/benches & backstop
Soccer/Hockey Fields
Football Fields
Basketball Courts (hoops)
Tennis Courts
Volleyball Courts 1
Bleachers
Street Hockey
Shuffleboard Courts
Pavilions 3, 1 lighted 1
Total Picnic Tables (in pavilion) 98 (44) 18 4
Barbecue Pits & Grills 1 1
Benches 1
Walking/Exercise Trails (length)
Biking Trails (length)
Fitness Trails (no. of stations)
Measured Path
Parking Spaces
Rest Rooms 2
Water Fountains
Snack Bar 3 1
Waste Receptacles 26 10 2
Bike Rack
Signs
Other/Comments
* creekside
* open play area
* batting cage
* rusty scoreboard
* bandshell
* 2 horseshoe courses
♦These fields directly adjoin the East
Hanover Elementary School and are
made available for public use.
* pro shop
* 18-hole golf course
* miniature golf course
* driving range
* batting cages
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 19 - Chapter IV – Facilities Inventory

FACILITIES INVENTORY
BACKGROUND
PLAYGROUNDS
FIELDS & COURTS
PICNIC
TRAILS
SUPPORT
SITE NAME Faith United Church Penn National Ballfield Chesapeake Mobile Home Park
OWNERSHIP & MAINTENANCE Private Private Private
SITE TYPE Private Private Private
SITE CONDITION Fair Overgrown Poor
TOTAL ACREAGE (DEVELOPED) N/A N/A 0.17
Swing Sets 1 (4) 2 (6)
Sliding Boards 1 2
Climbing Equipment 2 2
Tetherball
Sandbox
Funnelball
Rocking Toys 2
Big Toys
Hopscotch
Four-Square
Baseball/Softball Fields
Soccer/Hockey Fields
Football Fields
1, overgrown
Basketball Courts (hoops) (1) (1)
Tennis Courts
Volleyball Courts
Bleachers
Street Hockey
Shuffleboard Courts
Pavilions 1
Total Picnic Tables (in pavilion) (8)
Barbecue Pits & Grills
Benches
Walking/Exercise Trails (length)
Biking Trails (length)
Fitness Trails (no. of stations)
Measured Path
Parking Spaces
Rest Rooms
Water Fountains
Snack Bar
Waste Receptacles
Bike Rack
Signs
Other/Comments
* open play area w/backstop
* safety surfaces at playground
* small backstop
* rusty scoreboard
* overgrown
* overflowing trash can
* no benches/parking
* no shade
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 20 - Chapter IV – Facilities Inventory

V. Park Analysis & Recommendations
W
ith a complete inventory of parks, it becomes possible to analyze the level of park service
available within East Hanover Township. Within this analysis, every publicly-owned park
and/or recreation facility (Township and School District) is identified. Then, its size and service
area is evaluated in relation to its intended service population. Conversely, this analysis also
identifies those areas that lack close, convenient, and safe access to public parkland. Typically,
these evaluations are based upon prescribed standards for park size per 1,000 persons being
served and also for predetermined service radii. The National Recreation and Park Association
(NRPA) recommends such standards for various park types that will be applied to evaluate the
allocation and spatial distribution of Township’s park system.
Regional parks generally contain 200± acres and are typically located within one hour’s
driving time from the population being served. These parks are generally located throughout a
large metropolitan region, and can accommodate a wide variety of recreational activities. Often,
these parks are owned and operated by the State and Federal government, and in the case of
Pennsylvania, many State Game Lands are included in this category. Regional parks usually have
a natural orientation with hiking, camping, and picnicking facilities. Other “activity-oriented” facilities,
as well as significant historic or archaeological resources, might also be included.
Within Dauphin and Lebanon Counties, several public organizations and private enterprises are
involved with the provision of regional recreation facilities. Within the East Hanover Township the
northern half is part of the 17,000 acres of the Fort Indiantown Gap which is committed to
environmental stewardship and nature-based recreation opportunities. The following table lists
regional parks within Dauphin and Lebanon Counties.
Regional Parks Serving East Hanover Township
Park Ownership
Acres
Dauphin County Parks Department 247+
PA State Game Lands 71,569
Fort Indiantown Gap 17,000
Because the size and cost usually associated with regional parks transcend the responsibilities
of local government, this Plan does not recommend any specific actions associated with the
acquisition and development of more regional parks. Instead, this Plan will focus upon the
remaining park types that typically are the responsibility of local agencies to provide and
operate.
Community parks usually contain 20± acres and are intended to serve a population within a
2 mile-service radius. They should be sized at the rate of 5 to 8 acres for 1,000 persons served.
These parks generally involve a fairly high level of improvement with multiple sets of athletic fields
and courts. Sometimes swimming pools and indoor recreation centers are situated on these
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 21 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

community-wide parks. Larger school sites (usually middle, and high schools) have the facilities to
qualify as community-based parks, and represent valuable recreation resources that can
significantly enhance the level of recreation services offered to a given area. Finally, sometimes
smaller specialized facilities qualify as community parks due to their use by a larger service area
than that of a neighborhood park.
The East Hanover Township Municipal Park is the only community park within the Township. This
60-acre park has been the Township’s obvious recreation priority over the last decade. About 30
acres is highly developed with a wide variety of active and passive features. It also exhibits
excellent maintenance and care. Township residents can surely be proud of this exemplary park
which was partially funded using state grant monies.
Panoramic view of East Hanover Township Municipal Park
The Parks Map, following page 17, illustrates the locations and configuration of this community
park in the northwest quadrant of Jonestown and Manada Gap Roads. Additionally, its two-mile
service radius is depicted that blankets most of the Township’s “developable” southern half. The
northern half of the Township is largely undevelopable due to public ownership, environmental
sensitivity and restrictive zoning.
Next, local officials need to know how much additional community parkland is needed to meet
future demand. Based upon the NRPA guideline of 5 to 8 acres of community parkland for each
1,000 residents and the population projections provided in Chapter III of this Plan, the table below
illustrates the community parkland area needed to adequately serve the Township now and in the
projected future:
Existing & Projected Community Parkland Needed Within the Township
NRPA-Recommended Acres
Year Population 5 ac. per 1000
persons
8 ac. per 1000
persons
Existing
Acres
Projected
Surplus
2000 5,322 26.6 42.6 60 +33.4 to +17.4
2010 6,117 30.6 48.9 60 +29.4 to +11.1
2020 6,912 34.6 55.3 60 +25.4 to +4.7
From the preceding table, it is obvious that the Township already enjoys a wealth of community
parklands well in excess of the NRPA-recommended minimum standards now and in the
foreseeable future. Furthermore this park’s central geographic location enables it to serve most
of the Township’s developing neighborhoods within the recommended 2-mile service radius.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 22 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

The previous acquisition and development of this park will enable the Township to focus its
revenues and efforts upon other needed facilities throughout the Township in the future.
EHT Municipal Park
Shellsville VFW Picnic Grove
Elementary School
The Township should further enhance access to this park that is less reliant upon vehicle
traffic by linking with the Township’s planned growth neighborhoods. Specifically, as
depicted on the above aerial photograph, this park is located close to the Shellsville VFW Picnic
Grove and East Hanover Elementary School. The VFW property comes within about 250 feet of
the Township property across Jonestown Road and one row of houses. From there, a riparian
buffer park/trail could be developed to link to the Elementary School and offer recreational and
educational benefits along the way. According to the Principal at the Elementary School, the
students already explore nature on this site as part of their science curriculum. More about this
subject will be presented in the linear parks section of this Plan contained on pages 32-33.
Today it appears that this park offers recreation amenity beyond local demand. The rural
character of the Township has yet to produce park users in excess of current facilities; however,
this will change. For the time being Township officials do not want to undertake another
campaign of development on the 30 acres of parkland that remains undeveloped.
Instead, they intend to keep these areas in a natural open condition which can be used
informally as open play and practice areas. For these reasons, it is recommended that
future improvements to this park be limited to providing for electricity and lighting
throughout the park. Electricity will enable the amphitheater to offer attractions that require
amplified sound and lighting. Similarly, lighting of the Township’s park will enable more efficient
use of the existing facilities without the need for parkland expansion and development. It is
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 23 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

estimated that this project will cost $150,000 which can be entirely funded through mandatory
dedication revenues. At some point in the distant future, the Township will likely be
confronted with increased demand for community park facilities and programs from an
enlarged population. At that time an assessment of the, then, prevailing recreation
preferences should guide future development of this site.
Beyond these improvements the following table identifies safety and/or maintenance-related
repairs needed at this site as observed on July 13, 2002:
Safety and Maintenance-Related Improvements Needed to EHT Municipal Park
Item Cost Notes
Repair to Gamefield Holy Spirit Jogging Course
Fasten decking on the footbridge between jogging course station. #7
and #8; repair/replace the broke storm water pipe between station
#12 and #13.
Replace broken molding, repair splintered seat board, and attach
loose ramp deck at gazebo adjacent to school house.
Start a turf maintenance program that includes aeration, fertilizing,
$3000
$200
$100
$2000 - $3000
per year
over seeding and selective weed control at 2 small soccer fields.
Install two new rims and nets at basketball courts. $200
Firmly secure the railings on back of the deck of amphitheater.
$100
Relocate starting and ending points of the nature trail on the south
side of the stream where the best path and most of the stations are
$0
located.
Paint rusted metal parts of older composite playground structure. $100
Mulch surfacing should be routinely raked to maintain adequate
surfacing under all play equipment, eliminate compaction and weed
growth. Additional wood mulch should be added to the play areas.
Remove old swing set next to maintenance building and restore turf. $300
Turf restoration to soccer field including selective weed control,
topdressing, seeding and fertilizing. This should be followed by an
aggressive maintenance program including aeration, fertilizing and
over seeding.
Minor repairs needed to the fencing and seating at baseball diamond.
Routine maintenance is needed to the batting cage area and
improved housekeeping around the backstop area.
The baseball diamond should receive an annual turf maintenance
program including aeration, fertilizing and over seeding.
Construct handicapped parking area and route to the spectator area
for baseball and soccer fields.
Designate the handicapped parking on either side of the access to the
pavilion. Change the water fountain and renovate at least one of the
rest rooms to make it handicapped accessible.
Assumes old signs have been
saved and repairs are
provided by maintenance staff
Performed by maintenance
staff.
Performed as part of
volunteer Day of Caring
$500 For added mulch
Estimated cost
of restoration:
$5,000–7,000
$100
Annual Maintenance: $2,000
$2000-$3000 Annual Maintenance: $2,000
$8000-$10,000
$3000-$5000
Total Safety & Maintenance-Related Costs $32,600
The Township should undertake the above repair tasks as a high priority, plus develop
annual maintenance procedures that address the other repairs that occur on an ongoing
basis. Often, local officials can coordinate volunteer efforts among various civic groups
to undertake needed repairs and improvements. Local citizens are generally much more
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 24 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

willing to help fix-up parks than they are to perform other maintenance duties (e.g.,
roads, sewers, etc.). These valuable resources should be explored before the Township
diverts its maintenance staff from other duties.
Neighborhood parks are the third park type advocated by recreation experts. These parks
are generally between 1 and 20 acres in size and meant to serve a population of 2,000 to 10,000.
The recommended service area for these parks is a one-quarter to one-half mile radius. As implied
by the name, these parks are intended to provide close-to-home areas for limited athletic activities,
playgrounds, and passive pursuits. The NRPA recommends that one to two acres of publiclyowned
land be devoted to neighborhood parks for each 1,000 residents.
Like for community parks, local officials need to know how much neighborhood parkland is needed
to meet current and future demand. Based upon the population projections for the Township, the
table below illustrates the neighborhood parkland area needed to adequately serve projected
growth:
Existing & Projected Neighborhood Parkland Needed Within the Township
NRPA-Recommended Acres
Year Population
1 ac. per 1000 persons 2 ac. per 1000 persons
Existing
Acres
Projected
Surplus/Deficit
2000 5,322 5.3 10.6 13.8 +8.5 to +3.2
2010 6,117 6.1 12.2 13.8 +7.7 to + 1.6
2020 6,912 6.9 13.8 13.8 +6.9 to 0
From an acreage standpoint the Township has an adequate amount of neighborhood parkland
now and in the projected future. However in the case of neighborhood parkland, its geographic
location is equally important as its size.
Neighborhood parks must be conveniently accessible by foot to intended users. Based upon:
1. the goals of this plan to focus public facilities and services within planned development
neighborhoods: and,
2. the Township’s Zoning Map which depicts a large band of development stretching between
Shellsville on the west to Grantville on the east,
The Township should consider 5 different neighborhood park planning areas as follows:
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 25 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

Golf Ln.
Ridge Rd.
Fox Run Rd.
Fire House Rd.
Chesapeake MHP
Station Rd.
I - 81 Ramp
Bow Creek Rd.
Grantville
Manada Gap Rd.
Short Dr.
I - 81
Dry Run Rd.
Jonestown Rd.
Shells Church Rd.
Shellsville
San - Jo Dr.
Hill Dr.
Spring Rd.
Northern Link
US Rt. 22
US Rt. 22
Kelly Court
Southern Link
North Faith Rd.
Country Line Rd.
Laudermilch Rd.
N. Crawford Dr
Pheasant Rd.
Bunny Ln.
Dai
Shellsville Neighborhood
Panoramic view of East Hanover Elementary School
The East Hanover Elementary School is located in the northwest corner of the intersection of San-
Jo Drive and Shellsville Church Road. This public school is owned and operated by the Lower
Dauphin School District. It has been meeting the needs of school-aged children for decades as
described in the Historical Sketch found on page 6 of this Plan. Today this school site has about
3.9 acres devoted to park use. It has youth-oriented playground equipment, two baseball fields, a
football field and a basketball court. Some limited indoor facilities are also available.
It is also important to note that 3 baseball/softball fields that are part of the adjoining Shellsville
VFW Picnic Grove function as part of this park. The VFW has just renewed a 25-year lease with
the East Hanover Softball and Baseball Association for their use and maintenance of these fields
through the end of year 2025. Improvements to these fields have been furnished by the
Association with permission by the VFW. Access to these fields occurs across the school property
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 26 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

since the VFW’s driveway is nearly ¼ mile to the west along Crawford Road. The public use of
these ballfields adds another 4.4 acres to this site; this brings the effective size of this park to 8.3
acres.
In addition to student use, the school enables “others” to reserve use of the facilities for various
recreation activities and programs. The School Principal schedules extra-curricular use of the
facilities at minimal fees according to established policies (Policy 707, See Appendix A of this Plan)
of the School District. During the 2001 calendar year the following groups made regular use of the
Elementary School:
Group
Fees Paid To
School District
Notes
East Hanover Baseball Association $0 Responsible for maintenance of all
infields.
Winter girls basketball league $0
Township aerobics classes
Township volleyball
Township basketball
$160/yr.
$15/yr.
$15/yr.
Local youth soccer $0
The District has finalized plans for renovation and expansion of this School to begin at the end of
the 2002-2003 school year. This project will likely take two years to complete. Presently the plans
depict the addition of a new indoor gymnasium, stage, kitchen and conference room. To
accommodate these new facilities the southern playground area will be relocated or removed
altogether. Given the developed status of this park and its impending improvement, no specific
recommendations are offered for new park amenities at this time. Instead the School District
should focus upon needed repairs and maintenance.
The following table identifies needed safety and/or maintenance-related improvements needed at
this site as observed on July 13, 2002:
Safety and Maintenance-Related Improvements Needed
to East Hanover Elementary School
Item Cost Notes
If the school desires to maintain the existing playground equipment,
then a thorough inspection of the equipment should be complete by a
Certified Playground Safety Inspector and the resulting recommended
$1,000 to $1,500.
remediation completed.
Install a border and 12 inches of playground mulch under and around
all play equipment that extends at least 6 feet beyond all equipment.
Surfacing for swings should extend both in front and behind the
suspended seat at least 2 times both the distance measured from the
swing seat to the top bar.
$15,000-$20,000
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 27 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

Safety and Maintenance-Related Improvements Needed
to East Hanover Elementary School
Item Cost Notes
If the school believes that the playground equipment contains lead
paint then testing and appropriate remediation should take place. If
the play equipment coatings do not contain lead paint it is still $500
important to have the equipment cleaned and repainted to prevent
deterioration of the metal.
The turf areas of the various athletic fields need an annual turf
maintenance program that includes aeration, fertilization and over
Annual expense: $7,000
Turf restoration
seeding. Significant work is required to the football/soccer field to
to $10,000
$2000-$3000
restore the turf. The skinned infields require routine dragging in order
to prevent growth of vegetation.
Total Safety and Maintenance-Related Costs $25,000
The 1/2-mile neighborhood park service radius that extends from the East Hanover Elementary
School and the East Hanover Township Municipal Park blanket the Village of Shellsville and its
surroundings. These facilities provide for more than ample convenient access to neighborhood
parks in this locale, particularly when one considers the rural character of these areas. It is
estimated that some 588 residents live within the neighborhood service areas for these two parks.
At the NRPA standard, these residents would demand 0.6 to 1.2 areas of neighborhood parkland.
Clearly the Township and School District have provided a high level of parks (8.3 acres) within this
vicinity in advance of resident demand. For these reasons it is not recommended that the
Township look to acquire additional neighborhood parkland in and around the Village of
Shellsville until such time as its population grows to more than 4000. Instead the Township
should look to link these parks via the proposed Village Link Trail and make repairs to the
school and VFW ballfields that improve service. This may mean that revenues collected by
the Township would be provided to the School District/VFW to improve the facility. It is
noted that the Township is currently cooperating with the School District in the preparation of a
Regional Comprehensive Plan. It is likely that such financial cooperation will also be a
recommendation from that effort as neighboring municipalities and the School District look to
improve services and reduce the costs of duplication.
Northern Link Neighborhood
The second neighborhood is located between Shellsville to the west and Grantville on the east. It
is also sandwiched between Jonestown Road on the north and commercial uses fronting US Route
22 on the south. This planned neighborhood is largely undeveloped at this time with approximately
78 residents. However, the zoning for this area would accommodate about 3000 new residents at
full buildout under the Township’s Village Overlay Zone. This would generate an ultimate
neighborhood park size of 6 acres assuming the NRPA’s 2-acres per 1000 population
standard. The Township should acquire land via mandatory dedication for these acres and
also collect fees-in-lieu thereof to be applied to this neighborhood park’s development. In
addition, the Township should also use the mandatory dedication process to acquire a
linear park to connect Shellsville and Grantville through this neighborhood. This linear
park should be a design priority expressed to any would-be developer in this neighborhood
early in their land development review process so that they can make use of the Township’s
flexible design options to incorporate this feature amid the proposed development. The
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 28 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

following presents a typical schedule of improvements associated with this proposed
neighborhood park:
“Typical” 6-Acre Neighborhood Park Improvements
1. 6-acre neighborhood park;
2. a multi-purpose (soccer/baseball) athletic field;
3. a modular playground with safety surfaces;
4. 6-table picnic pavilion/tables/BBQ grills/waste receptacles;
5. 20-space parking lot;
6. 2 basketball courts;
7. 1 sand volleyball court;
8. 8 park benches;
9. bike rack;
10. landscaping and shade trees;
11. park sign;
12. contingency, bonding, and design costs (20% of improvement costs)
Total Improvement Costs
Estimated Cost
$240,0000
$48,000
$30,000
$8,100
$19,140
$75,200
$8,000
$4,000
$500
$16,000
$4,000
$42,588
$495,528
Southern Link Neighborhood
The third neighborhood is separated from the others within the Township by US Route 22.
Specifically this area is situated on the west side of Laudermilch Road south of commercial
properties fronting the highway. This neighborhood acknowledges a recently proposed “Preserve
at Bow Creek” development of up to 162 dwelling units on 122 acres under the Township’s former
cluster development zoning provisions. The clustering provisions require generous amounts of
open space; therefore, the applicant should have little difficulty providing the needed 1-acre
neighborhood park for this area. In fact, the Township should attempt to collect fees-in-lieu of land
in this development so as to provide for adequate improvements to the raw acreage. Other monies
collected in the nearby rural areas of the Township could also be applied to help fund development
of this site. The following presents a typical schedule of improvements associated with this
proposed neighborhood park:
“Typical” 1- Acre Neighborhood Park Improvements
1. 1-acre neighborhood park;
2. a modular playground with safety surfaces;
3. 6-table picnic pavilion/tables/BBQ grills/waste receptacles;
4. 1 basketball courts;
5. 1 sand volleyball court;
6. 4 park benches;
7. bike rack;
8. landscaping and shade trees;
9. park sign;
10. contingency, bonding, and design costs (20% of improvement costs)
Total Improvement Costs
Estimated Cost
$0, required under cluster ordinance
$30,000
$8,100
$40,000
$8,000
$2,000
$500
$2500
$1,000
$18,420
$110,520
Grantville Neighborhood
This neighborhood is anchored by the Village of Grantville and extends from Interstate 81 on the
north and commercial properties fronting US Route 22 on the south. Today, this neighborhood
houses about 275 residents; however, its combination of Village Residential and Residential
Medium Density zoning could swell this population to about 2050 with full buildout under the Village
Overlay Zone. Today, this neighborhood should have a neighborhood park with the minimum 1-
acre as recommended by the NRPA. At full buildout, it should have a 4.1-acre neighborhood park.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 29 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

The Grantville Fire Company’s Carnival
Grounds are located here. This 5.5-acre site
has a rich history within the Township that
dates back to the late 1940’s when the first
town carnivals were held. This park is located
on the west side of Firehouse Road just north
of the Grantville Post Office. While this park
satisfies the criteria for a neighborhood park it
doesn’t really function in that capacity at the
same level as the East Hanover Elementary
School. To the contrary, this park is more
typical to rural communities where parks and
recreation are not a priority. Here some
limited playground facilities and two basketball
hoops offer some amenity and a large open Bandshell at Carnival Grounds
play area can be used for informal pick-up games. But this site’s primary function is to serve the
summer carnival. A ½-acre lighted carnival area is bounded on one side by the bandshell shown in
the adjoining photograph and an arcade-stand style building on the other from which vendors and
amusements operate. Presumably the open play area is used for parking during the carnival. A
small picnic pavilion and rest rooms are also available on the site.
The Township should focus on acquiring land via mandatory dedication for a new
neighborhood park amid a proposed development. It should be centrally located,
preferably just north of the existing Village so as to provide maximum pedestrian
accessibility to existing and future residents. Fees-in-lieu thereof should also be applied to
this neighborhood park’s development. In addition, the Township should also use the
mandatory dedication process to acquire a linear park to connect this neighborhood with
the proposed linear park from the Northern Link and Shellsville neighborhoods. This linear
park should be a design priority expressed to any would-be developer in this neighborhood
early in their land development review process so that they can make use of the Township’s
flexible design options to incorporate this feature amid the proposed development. The
following presents a typical schedule of improvements associated with this proposed
neighborhood park:
“Typical” 4-Acre Neighborhood Park Improvements
1. 4.1-acre neighborhood park;
2. a multi-purpose (soccer/baseball) athletic field;
3. a modular playground with safety surfaces;
4. 6-table picnic pavilion/tables/BBQ grills/waste receptacles;
5. 20-space parking lot;
6. 2 basketball courts;
7. 1 sand volleyball court;
8. 8 park benches;
9. bike rack;
10. landscaping and shade trees;
11. park sign;
12. contingency, bonding, and design costs (20% of improvement costs)
Total Improvement Costs
Estimated Cost
$164,000
$48,000
$30,000
$8,100
$19,140
$75,200
$8,000
$4,000
$500
$16,000
$4,000
$42,588
$419,528
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 30 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

Chesapeake MHP Neighborhood
A final neighborhood is located on the northeast quadrant of the Interstate 81 interchange at
Grantville. Here a large mobile home park has existed for many years. Today, there are about 360
units resulting in a population of about 936. Consequently this neighborhood should be fitted with a
1.9-acre neighborhood park in the near future. It is noted that the East Hanover Township Mobile
Home Park Ordinance requires that a minimum of 200 square feet of recreation area be provided
for each mobile home; this would generate about 1.65 acres of parkland. However, the play area
depicted on the mobile home park’s development plan only depicts 0.17 acres devoted to play
area. Consequently, this neighborhood suffers a 1.7-acre deficit today. Furthermore, the residual
development of this neighborhood in this neighborhood is estimated to accommodate an additional
500 mobile homes at full buildout. This would require an ultimate neighborhood park size of 4.5
acres. The Township should provide for a 1.9-acre developed neighborhood park in the
short term. Then, when future expansion plans occur, the developer should be required to
enlarge the park accordingly under Section 6.6 of the Township Mobile Home Park
Ordinance. At that time, the fee-in-lieu of mandatory dedication should be used to equip this
expanded park with needed additional improvements.
“Typical” 1.9- Acre Neighborhood Park Improvements
1. 1.9-acre neighborhood park;
2. a modular playground with safety surfaces;
3. 6-table picnic pavilion/tables/BBQ grills/waste receptacles;
4. 1 basketball courts;
5. 1 sand volleyball court;
6. 4 park benches;
7. bike rack;
8. landscaping and shade trees;
9. park sign;
10. contingency, bonding, and design costs (20% of improvement costs)
Total Improvement Costs
Estimated Cost
$76,000
$30,000
$8,100
$40,000
$8,000
$2,000
$500
$2500
$1,000
$18,420
$186,520
Linear parks are also gaining in popularity throughout the nation as less and less open
space remains within developing areas. The Township has an abundance of existing and
planned linear parks. The following will discuss each linear park separately.
Appalachian Trail - As depicted on the Parks Map found following page 17, the Appalachian
Trail traverses the Township along its entire length of 2160 miles from Katahdin, Maine to
Springer Mountain, Georgia. This trail is one of the nation’s longest and oldest continuously
marked footpaths that is believed to have originated sometime around 1921. Locally the trail
follows an overland path in a northwest/southeast direction just under 1 mile. It is entirely upon
lands of the Fort Indiantown Gap and connects with the Horseshoe Trail about midway across
the Township. Although the trail is located within the Township, pedestrian access is not
immediately available within East Hanover Township. Instead hikers must access the trail in
adjoining Middle Paxton Township via the Horseshoe Trail. Township Officials should monitor
activities of the Appalachian Trail Conference and cooperate with their initiatives. More
information can be found at their homepage at the following Internet address:
http://www.fred.net/kathy/at.html
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 31 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

Horseshoe Trail – The Township is fortunate to have a trailhead of the Horseshoe Trail on
Stony Mountain along its northern ridge. This 121-mile trail extends to Valley Forge. The trail
begins about 1.2 miles east of the Township’s western boundary and follows the Appalachian
Trail west into adjoining Middle Paxton
Township. It re-enters East Hanover
Township upon the Fort Indiantown
Gap property and follows an overland
course to Mountain Road. Here the
trail follows:
• Mountain Road to Ridge Road;
• Ridge Road to Cliff Road;
• Cliff Road to Rabbit Lane;
• Rabbit Lane to Jonestown Road;
• Jonestown Road to North Mill Road;
• North Mill Road to Carson Road;
• Carson Road to Sand Beach Road;
• Sand Beach Road to Early Mill Road;
• Early Mill Road to Trail Road; and,
• Trail Road to Canal Road where it exits
the Township on the south.
Local Horseshoe Trail Alignment
Local officials within the Township should seek ways to
protect and incorporate this valuable resource within its
overall park and open space system and programs.
Development plans proposed along this trail should
seek to relocate the trail away from the road and provide
the overland alignment by designing developments that
respect its integrity and use. Density bonuses through
zoning and cluster developments can be used to
incentivize this process. More information about the
Horseshoe Trail monument
Horseshoe Trail can be found at the following website:
to founder Henry N. Wollman
http://www.n99.com/hst/index.html
in Valley Forge at trailhead.
PA State Gamelands No. 211 Abandoned Railroad R.O.W. – An abandoned railroad right-ofway
passes through the Township within Stony Valley along the Stony Creek. This public trail
originates at Stony Creek Road in Middle Paxton Township near Dauphin Borough in Dauphin
County. The trail extends some 17 miles (3 miles within East Hanover Township) to the west
where it terminates along Gold Mine Road in Cold Spring Township, Lebanon County. A mid
access point is also available at Cold Springs Road at the Fort Indiantown Gap. One day in the fall
(usually the second Sunday in October) the Game Commission permits motorized vehicles to use
the trail for its “Gamelands Tour” to view the fall foliage; otherwise the trail is for pedestrians,
mountain bikes and horseback riders. The motorized tour is a one-way trip from west to east and
is advertised in local newspapers a few weeks prior to the event. This trail passes along the Devil’s
Race Course and Rattling Run, two scenic geologic features important within the Region.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 32 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

Proposed Village Link Trail – The Township hopes to develop a new Village Link Trail that would
from west to east:
• Connect to the Horseshoe Trail at North Mill Road;
• Follow Jonestown Road to the Township Municipal Park;
• Turn south onto Crawford Road and enter the Shellsville VFW Picnic Grove;
• Establish a riparian buffer trail along the creek on the VFW site;
• Connect with the East Hanover Elementary School;
• Integrate with new neighborhoods to be developed between Shellsville and Grantville;
• Link to the new neighborhood park to be located within the Northern Link neighborhood;
• Continue into Grantville and provide access to the Grantville Fire Company Carnival Grounds;
• Terminate at the new neighborhood park to be built within the Village of Grantville.
In all, this proposed trail would run about 4.2 miles and connect 7 of the public and private parks
located within the Township. With a 20-feet-wide right-of-way, this trail would consume about 10.2
acres of land. It would also have the benefit of delivering recreation to the doorstep of residents
within the existing and future neighborhoods. For these reasons it is recommended that the local
officials incorporate this trail into its developing landscape by requiring developers to
complete segments of the trail that pass through their proposed developments and provide
for logical local connections to it. Again, density bonuses for development plans with these
features plus flexible cluster design standards can help developers and local government
partners in the provision of these features. In addition, local public facilities projects (e.g.,
roads, drainage, parks, etc.) should similarly include measures to protect and develop the
trail with suitable use and access features.
Preliminarily a trail must incorporate a design that accommodates its intended use. Trails that
serve urban neighborhoods, like the one proposed, should accommodate an “urban” level of
activity with hikers, bikers, wheelchairs, strollers, cross-country skiers and in-line skaters.
These urban users and the proposed trail’s location partially within the floodplain suggest
certain design specifications. All of the following design features should be more deliberately
defined and applied during a Phase 1 Trail Feasibility Study described later:
• 10-foot wide concrete walkway that is graded to keep water off of the trail surface;
• 2-foot wide graded shoulders to protect paved edges and permit proper drainage;
• 3-foot-wide clearance on either side of the trail from overhanging tree canopies;
• elevated boardwalks across wetlands with necessary permits; and
• demonstrated compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act for the trail and its related
amenities (parking, access, waste receptacles, tables, benches, water fountains, etc.).
Finally, the trail’s connection with public roads requires special attention; consequently the
proposed trail should:
• be cleared of vegetation that would interfere with adequate sight distance;
• add painted crosswalks and road lane markings;
• add trail crossing warning signs along the trail and road (in both directions); and,
• add bollards on the trail at least 20 feet from the street cartway.
The plotting of a potential trail on a map is but the beginning point to a lengthy and potentially
difficult process that ends in trail development and use. Many pitfalls can “derail” this process and
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 33 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

prevent trail completion. Nonetheless, these trails have become one of society’s popular priorities
and therefore, funding for feasibility studies is readily available.
For this reason, it is recommended that the Township, School District and VFW of
Shellsville submit a joint application under the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program.
The PA DCNR offers an 80%-State to 20%-local matching grant for such studies under its
Community Conservation Program. According to their staff, these grants are usually
undertaken in three successive phases as follows:
Phase 1 - Trail Feasibility – Determine overall feasibility of trail by analyzing a variety of
natural and cultural conditions, anticipated modes, frequency and duration of use,
opportunities and threats to trail development, development options and an implementation
plan. In addition, this plan should specifically include master plans for the various needed
trail improvements (e.g., bridges, signs, street crossings, trail retaining walls, floodproofed
walkways, etc.)
Phase 2 - Trail Acquisition – Based upon expected use and level of improvement, identify
various techniques for access to the trail from outright purchase of rights-of-way to securing
use easements. Matching grants for actual acquisition based upon professional appraisal
standards and verified by state certified general real estate appraisers, plus related
expenses (e.g., appraisals, environmental assessments, boundary surveys, title searches,
title insurance, and settlement costs).
Phase 3 - Trail Development – Design and installation of surfaces, bridges, underpasses,
retaining wall, trail maps and signs. Construction materials and activities must be publicly
advertised, bid and awarded in accordance with applicable laws.
More information about the State grant program can be found at the following website:
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/recreation/grants/rectrails.htm
Manada and Swatara Creek Riparian Buffers and Facilities – Two of the
goals articulated for this plan relate to the protection of two of the Township’s important creeks.
The Manada Creek is an important trout fishery and the Swatara Creek is part of a large
regional Swatara Creek Greenway. To provide protection to the water quality for both of these
creeks and avoid the hazards of floodplain development, it is recommended that the Township
undertake two actions.
First, East Hanover Township should strengthen its floodplain management regulations.
It is noted that the pending proposed revisions to the zoning ordinance would
accomplish this objective and should be adopted.
Second, while protection of floodplains and wetlands are widely accepted land use
management techniques, recent awareness of diminishing surface water quality suggests
the need for more protection. Studies conducted by the U.S. Forest Service demonstrate
that riparian buffers offer real advantages in the removal of harmful nutrients and sediment
from storm water before it enters the stream. These same riparian buffers can increase the
food supply and create interconnected natural systems of movement for local wildlife.
Riparian buffers are areas adjoining streams where naturally successive vegetation is
provided and protected.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 34 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

The Riparian Buffers Map on the next page composites the Township’s creeks and streams with
a recommended riparian buffer. The riparian buffer includes a 90-foot wide radius from the
streambanks. This width is recommended by the USDA Department of Forestry, based upon
the climatic conditions of this area to sustain natural streamside buffers. As the map reveals, all
of the Townships tributaries, streams and creeks are shown with a riparian buffer. It is estimated
that 85% of all surface water occurs in smaller streams and creeks. Therefore, the inclination of
society to focus upon water quality of larger streams, creeks, rivers, and bays is defective. It is
vital that surface water quality of small stream headwaters and low-order tributaries becomes
our priority. Without such measures, our higher order creeks and rivers are threatened by poor
surface water quality. Surface water quality is a direct function of the interaction between water
and the land and vegetation through which it flows. The greatest interaction occurs within lower
order streams. Within high order streams and rivers, water is principally contributed from
tributaries rather than the adjoining streamside areas; therefore, the opportunity for water quality
improvement is minimal. For example, no overhead tree canopy could possibly span the width
of the Susquehanna River and reduce itssummer water temperature. On the other hand, a welldesigned
treed landscape along a low order stream can offer direct water quality benefit to the
adjoining property owner and those located downstream.
Essentially, riparian buffers comprise three distinct zones, as depicted below. The following will
describe where to establish, and how to plant and maintain each of these three zones:
Zone 1 is the landward area located between the streambank edge under typical flow conditions,
and the largest width of any of the following:
• fifteen (15) feet, as measured directly perpendicular from the streambank edge;
• the 100-year floodplain;
• any adjoining identified wetlands; and/or,
• any adjoining area characterized by slopes exceeding twenty-five percent (25%).
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 35 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

x
East
Hanover
Township
Riparian
Buffers
August 28, 2002
Mountain Rd.
Appleby Rd.
McLean Rd.
Mountain Rd.
Angle Rd.
Manada Bottom Rd.
Furnace Rd.
Ridge Rd.
Golf Ln.
x
Private Dr.
Fox Run Rd.
Fire House Rd.
Fox Run Rd.
Fire House Rd.
Ridge Rd.
Station Rd.
W
N
S
E
x
Moyer Rd.
Camp Kawanis Rd.
I - 81
Cliff Rd.
Rabbit Ln.
Yellowstone Dr.
Rabbit Ln.
N. Fairlane Rd.
Hunter Ln.
Red Fox Lm.
Red Hill Rd.
N. Mill Rd.
Manada Gap Rd.
N. Meadow Ln.
I - 81
Dry Run Rd.
Jonestown Rd.
x
N. Crawford Dr.
Shells Church Rd.
Meadow Ln.
San - Jo Dr.
Hi l Dr.
Spring Rd.
Pheasant Rd.
Timber Ridge Rd.
Bow Creek Rd.
US Rt. 22
Bunny Ln.
Pheasant Rd.
Kelly Court
US Rt. 22
x
x
x
Short Dr.
North Faith Rd.
Laudermilch Rd.
Country Line Rd.
Dairy Ln.
Sunflower Ln.
Daisy Ln.
Carter Dr.
Mill Rd.
Carlson Rd.
Early Mill Rd.
Pineview Dr.
Pine Rd.
S. Crawford Rd.
Shady Ln.
Trail Rd.
Devonshire Heights Rd.
Trail Rd.
Canal Rd.
Old Laudermilch Rd./ Rt. 743
Sand Beach Rd.
High Dr.
Amor Dr.
Douglas Rd.
Parcels
Township Boundaries
Streams
Riparin Buffers
1200 0 1200 2400 Feet
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 36 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

This Zone must include mature canopy trees and a ground cover of warm season grasses.
New tree plantings should be selected, arranged and managed to accelerate canopy
growth, and offer native species habitat and food supply. New grass plantings should be
selected and managed to filter-out pollutants and offer habitat. All vegetation within this
Zone must thrive in wet conditions. Zone 1 requires little maintenance. As trees mature, die
and decay, it is important that such natural debris be allowed to decompose within the
stream. This will provide important food and habitat for beneficial microorganisms, fish and
amphibians. Streamside grasses should similarly be allowed to seasonally flourish and
recede. Manmade activities should be very limited and confined to perpendicular passages
from Zone 2. Intensively-used locations should be fitted with raised walkways and
reinforced embankments. Streamside cleanup of junk and manmade debris is permitted. No
animal watering and crossing locations are permitted, unless they are reinforced.
Zone 2 begins at the inland edge of the above-described Zone 1 and extends at least sixty (60)
feet inland therefrom. This Zone must also include mature canopy trees generally three rows
deep, and a natural undercover. New tree plantings should be selected that grow rapidly, so as
to intercept passing nutrients. Such trees should also be arranged and managed to accelerate
canopy growth, and offer native species habitat and food supply. Successive undercover plants
should also be allowed to “evolve” with the canopy of this Zone. This Zone requires the most
attention, but not for some time after initial planting. Here, the objective is to develop a stable
and broad canopy of tree cover. The trees within Zone 2 are fast-growing and, therefore,
consume many nutrients. The regular pruning and trimming of these trees will increase their
nutrient consumption, but should not jeopardize the important overhead canopy of shade. The
natural undercover should be undisturbed, except for periodic litter cleanup. Pedestrian paths
can weave through Zone 2, but should be provided to prevent compacted soils and root
damage.
Zone 3 begins at the inland edge of the above-described Zone 2, and extends at least
fifteen (15) feet inland therefrom. Where a pasture is proposed just beyond the abovedescribed
Zone 2, no Zone 3 is required. This Zone should be planted with warm season
grasses that are allowed to mature naturally without mowing. The tall grasses ensure that
overland storm water flows do not “channel” into Zone 2. New grass plantings should be
selected and managed to enable controlled grazing or haying, so long as the grasses are
not reduced to a point where they are no longer able to effectively disperse the surface
water flows. This Zone also requires little maintenance. Long summer grasses should be
allowed to flourish and recede with the seasons. Grazing and haying is permitted, so long as
the residual grass length is sufficient to disperse overland storm water flows into Zone 2 and
avoid channelization.
Riparian Buffer Use and Maintenance - Streamside buffers must be generally undisturbed.
Mature trees and long grasses absorb more nutrients than do manicured plants. Similarly, the more
extensive root systems retain passing sediments. These characteristics reduce pollution and yield
abundant food and habitat for wildlife. The temptation to “over-maintain” the streamside must be
overcome.
Local officials should educate landowners and developers of the importance of riparian
buffers, and the Township’s intent to provide for them. Newsletter articles should be used
occasionally to introduce these concepts, and then to feature successful implementation
examples as they occur. The sample riparian buffer ordinance contained on the next page
should be incorporated into the Township Zoning Ordinance.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 37 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

Sample Regulations for Riparian Buffers
As required within this Ordinance, and as guidance to any other landowner that voluntarily proposes, streamside buffers shall be provided in
accordance with the following standards:
Buffer Delineation – The applicant must submit a scaled site plan that clearly depicts the streamside buffer comprised of the following three
separate Zones:
Zone 1 – The landward area located between the
streambank edge under typical flow conditions and
the largest combined width of all of the following:
• fifteen (15) feet as measured directly perpendicular
from the streambank edge;
• the 100-year floodplain;
• any adjoining identified wetlands; and/or,
• any adjoining area characterized by slopes
exceeding twenty-five percent (25%).
Zone 2 – The area beginning at the inland edge of
the above-described Zone 1 and extending at least
sixty (60) feet inland therefrom; and,
Zone 3 – The area beginning at the inland edge of the above-described Zone 2 and extending at least fifteen (15) feet inland therefrom. Where
a pasture is proposed just beyond the above-described Zone 2, no Zone 3 is required;
Buffer Plantings – Each of the respective Zones of the streamside buffer shall include vegetation that already exists or will be planted and
maintained by the applicant that satisfies the following design objectives. The applicant shall submit expert evidence that the existing and/or proposed
vegetation satisfies such objectives:
Zone 1 – This Zone must include mature canopy trees and a ground cover of warm season grasses. New tree plantings should be selected, arranged
and managed to accelerate canopy growth, and offer native species habitat and food supply. New grass plantings should be selected and managed
to filter-out pollutants and offer habitat. All vegetation within this Zone must thrive in wet conditions;
Zone 2 - This Zone must include mature canopy trees generally three rows deep and a natural undercover. New tree plantings should be selected
that are rapid growing so as to intercept passing nutrients. Such trees should also be arranged and managed to accelerate canopy growth, and offer
native species habitat and food supply. Successive undercover plants should also be allowed to “evolve” with the canopy of this Zone;
Zone 3 – This Zone should be planted with warm season grasses that are allowed to mature naturally without mowing. The tall grasses ensure that
overland storm water flows do not “channel” into Zone 2. New grass plantings should be selected and managed to enable controlled grazing or haying
so long as the grasses are not reduced to a point where they are no longer able to effectively disperse the surface water flows.
Buffer Use and Maintenance – Streamside buffers must be generally undisturbed. Mature trees and long grasses absorb more nutrients than do
manicured plants. Similarly the more extensive root systems retain passing sediments. These characteristics reduce pollution and yield abundant
food and habitat for wildlife. The temptation to “over-maintain” the streamside must be overcome. The following lists required maintenance activities
for each Zone and the applicant must present a working plan that demonstrates compliance with such activities and practices:
Zone 1 – This Zone compels requires little maintenance. As trees mature, die and decay it is important that such natural debris be allowed to
decompose within the stream. This will provide important food and habitat for beneficial microorganisms, fish and amphibious animals. Streamside
grasses should similarly be allowed to seasonally flourish and recede. Manmade activities should be very limited and confined to perpendicular
passages from Zone 2. Intensive-used locations should be fitted with raised walkways and reinforced embankments. Streamside cleanup of junk and
manmade debris is permitted. No animal watering and crossing locations are permitted.
Zone 2 – This Zone requires the most attention but not for some time after initial planting. Here the objective is to develop a stable and broad canopy
of tree cover. The trees within Zone 2 are fast-growing and therefore consume many nutrients. The regular pruning and trimming of these trees will
increase their nutrient consumption, but should not jeopardize the important overhead canopy of shade. The natural undercover should be
undisturbed except for periodic litter cleanup. Pedestrian paths can weave through Zone 2 but should be provided with raised walkways to prevent
compacted soils and root damage.
Zone 3 – This Zone also requires little maintenance. Long summer grasses should be allowed to flourish and recede with the seasons. Grazing and
haying is permitted so long as the residual grass length is sufficient to disperse overland storm water flows into Zone 2 and avoid channelization.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 38 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

But zoning regulations alone will not get this job done, as most land uses don’t require zoning
approval to continue to operate. In these areas, other options exist. First, the PA Game Commission
offers its Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Landowners adjoining
streams are offered annual rental payments of $56 to over $200 per acre for
managed streamside buffers. The program is proposed to continue for 10-15 years. In
addition to the rental payments, landowners are eligible for 100% cost share
reimbursement for installation of suitable vegetation within these buffers. Enrollment in
this program remains open through September 30, 2002, or until the State’s 100,000-acre goals
are achieved. Township officials should mount a campaign to inform local landowners
who abut these creeks. Program experts should be invited to explain the benefits of this
program. Additional information about this program can be obtained at the following website:
http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PGC/crep/PACREP.htm
Most of the success stories surrounding riparian buffers within Central Pennsylvania have been
the results of dedicated volunteers from conservation and sporting groups. Local anglers have
made it their mission to rehabilitate and save stream habitats for fishing purposes. The
Township, too, shares in these dedicated groups. These captive groups should be educated
about the benefits of riparian buffers and energized into action. These “neighbors” can
probably best effect the peer pressure to convince local landowners to get involved. A
“hip-boot-brigade” should be formed from local sportsmen who should regularly travel up the
waterways and meet with adjoining landowners, and describe the benefits and programs of
riparian buffers.
Another powerful ally are the Township’s youth. Environmental studies classes can develop pilot
riparian buffers at visible school and park locations; these focused successes enable the
benefits of these buffers to be experienced first-hand by the general public. The School District
should develop and regularly offer a streamside riparian buffer workshop as part of its
curriculum, for students to learn “first-hand” about how man can co-exist with nature.
An obvious location for such a project would be along the creek that crosses the VFW
Picnic Grounds that abut the East Hanover Townshoip Elementary School. Local and
School District officials should cooperate on a number of these pilot projects at visible
locations within the Township. Then, as succeses mount, they should be featured in
local newsletter and media articles that widen awareness and attention about their use
and benefits. Such projects represent excellent candidates for Growing Greener grants from
the State. Once momentum is achieved, other civic groups are likely to get involved.
Swatara Creek Public Boat Access - Last the Swatara Creek has been identified by
the PA DCNR as a water trail. The Swatara Creek Watershed Association has teamed up with
the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and DCNR to develop more than 14.6
miles of water trails miles from Jonestown to Union Canal Canoe Rental, in Lebanon County.
throughout Pennsylvania. Water trails are a recreation venue patterned after their land-based
cousins--hiking and biking routes. Under the water trail initiative, PFBC and DCNR work with
conservation partners to provide specific information about designated water trails, including
directions to trailheads and take-out points and information about natural, scenic, historic,
geologic and other points of interest along the way. As such Township officials hope to
secure a site along the creek to provide for public boat access along with related
amenities (e.g. parking, signs, picnic tables and trash receptacles). The Parks Map
depicts a “floating symbol” that should be interpreted not to select a particular site as to
identify the general need for such a facility along the creek in the southeast corner of the
Township. As opportunities occur the Township will negotiate for this site and its
improvements.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 39 - Chapter V – Park Analysis & Recommendations

VI. Mandatory Dedication
Mandatory dedication of parkland has become a standard technique for local park systems to
keep pace with growth since it was enabled by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code
in the late 1980s. However, East Hanover Township has yet to employ this technique for
parkland acquisition and improvement. This section will perform the necessary calculations to
support mandatory dedication or fees-in-lieu-thereof within the Township.
The NRPA’s recommended minimum standards for local parklands is listed below:
NRPA Local Park Acreage Standards
Park Type
Community Park
Neighborhood Park
Total
Minimum Acres Needed per 1,000 Population
5 to 8 acres
1 –2 acres
6 -10 acres
To date, the Township and School District has provided local parklands at a rate of about 13.5
acres per 1000 population exceeding the NRPA standards listed above; however, much of this has
been derived from other sources. For this reason, this Plan will only calculate needed parklands on
the higher of the NRPA standards – namely 10 acres per 1,000 people. To derive a per unit or per
lot standard, the 1,000 population is divided by the average household size (year 2000) reported as
follows:
2000 Average
Household Size
Mandatory Parkland Dedication Calculations (for raw land)
No. of Dwellings
per 1,000 Population
Required Park Acres
per Dwelling Unit
2.60 385 .026 acres
If raw land was all that was needed to provide for local parks, then the preceding required park
acres per dwelling unit would enable the Township to collect parkland that would keep pace with its
projected growth. But a community and/or neighborhood park is more than raw land; it requires a
high level of infrastructure and improvement. Generally, the value of these improvements equals
the value of the parkland itself. Therefore, it is recommended that the Township double the
preceding acreage figures to .052 acres per dwelling unit to derive needed mandatory
dedication standards that will effectively meet expected demand for developed parks.
As an alternative to parkland dedication, municipalities can accept a fee-in-lieu of parkland dedication.
This approach can only be used in those instances where the developer and municipality
agree on the amount of the fee-in-lieu. In addition, such funds cannot be used merely to maintain
existing facilities, but must be used to:
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 40 - Chapter VI – Mandatory Dedication

1. purchase new parkland;
2. purchase new equipment for new or existing parks; and/or,
3. make improvements to existing parks that will serve existing residents and those of the
proposed development.
According to requirements within the Municipalities Planning Code, amounts of the fees-in-lieu
should be derived from the following approach:
An appraiser should be retained by the municipality to analyze recent real estate transactions
and derive estimates of fair market value. Such estimates can be based upon all properties
within the municipality, or on a neighborhood basis. It is important that the appraiser be informed
of the development features (e.g., utilities, zoning, curbs, sidewalks, etc.) common to
such lands, so that accurate real estate comparisons can be identified. Once these estimates
are derived, they should be periodically updated to reflect the ever-changing value of land.
When disputes between the developer and municipality occur, both the developer and
municipality should select an appraiser who, in turn, should jointly select a third appraiser. This
third appraiser should then determine the fair market value of the land.
Funds collected under this approach must be used to provide for recreation facilities that are
accessible to residents of the proposed development. In determining accessibility to the park, local
officials should be guided by the respective park service areas. Monies collected for community
parks (about $1664/unit) need to be spent somewhere within the Township, and because the
Township already has provided for its projected community park needs through the year 2020 such
funds need not be spent on community park improvements. Instead such monies can be spent on
nearby neighborhood parks or the proposed Village Link Trail. On the other hand, monies collected
for neighborhood parks (about $416/unit) from proposed new units within the “urban
neighborhoods,” as identified on the map contained on page 26 of this Plan, should be spent within
the respective neighborhood. Monies collected for neighborhood parks from proposed new units
outside of the “urban neighborhoods” should be spent within that “urban neighborhood” that is
closest to the respective unit as possible.
Fees-in-lieu collected that are not immediately spent need to be deposited within an interest
bearing account clearly identifying the specific recreation facilities for which the fee was received.
Funds collected that are not spent within three years of deposit shall be refunded to the payee
upon request. Additional applicable regulations are contained within Section 503.(11) of the
Municipalities Planning Code.
To estimate the value of fees-in-lieu of parkland dedication an average value of $40,000 per acre
will be used to account for the value of improved residentially-zoned land within the Township.
This figure is based upon recent real estate transactions researched by Township staff during the
summer of 2002. Therefore, the estimated value for fees-in-lieu of parkland dedication within the
Township should be about $2080 per dwelling unit.
.052 acres / unit X $40,000 / acre = $2080 / unit
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 41 - Chapter VI – Mandatory Dedication

By applying these above figures to the Township’s projected growth, as described in Chapter III,
the following dedicated acres and/or fees-in-lieu can be collected to meet increasing park demand
generated by growth:
Time Period
Projected Dedicated Parklands or Fees-In-Lieu-Thereof 2000 to 2020
Projected New
Dwellings
Projected Dedicated
Parklands
Projected Fees-In-Lieu of
Parkland Dedication
2000-2010 387 20.1 acres $804,960
2000-2020 774 40.2 acres $1,609,920
As can be seen, the value of mandatory dedication/fee-in-lieu-thereof standards is about 1.6
million dollars over the next 20 years; therefore, the Township should waste little time in
adopting and applying such provisions within its subdivision and land development
ordinance.
With adoption of this plan comes the ability of the Township to collect mandatory dedicated
parklands or fees-in-lieu thereof. This is the best, and most widely-used method of park system
acquisition and development that basically enables municipalities to keep pace with growth.
However, the use of this technique requires expertise on the specific applicable provisions of
the Municipalities Planning Code that enable it. In addition, since this technique is applied
during the subdivision and land development process, it forces those involved in the delivery of
parks and recreation to become part of that review process. Finally, specific provisions of the
Township zoning ordinance provide incentives for the creation and protection of parklands and
open spaces.
All of these “details” will likely strain local staff and officials’ knowledge and resulting
initial use of the mandatory dedication approach. Therefore it is recommended that the
Township sponsor a workshop for those involved in the process to educate all about
how to apply this new approach.
This workshop should focus upon:
1. the duties of each person/agency in the review procedures of proposed
developments with dedicated parklands or fees-in-lieu thereof;
2. the specific deadlines imposed upon the development review process;
3. the actual language contained within Sections 402.5.5. and 623 of the East
Hanover Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance;
4. the language of Section 503.(11) of the Municipalities Planning Code; and,
5. those various provisions of the East Hanover Township Zoning Ordinance that
provide incentives and design flexibility for the creation and protection of
parklands and open spaces.
This workshop could be presented by the Township’s planning consultants, the
Township’s Solicitor, the Township’s engineer, local officials from adjoining
municipalities who have experience with the process and/or staff from the State.
Even after the conduct of this workshop, the review and approval of a development
proposal can be difficult and require skillful negotiation. Therefore, it is recommended
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 42 - Chapter VI – Mandatory Dedication

that the Township hire expert development plan review assistance from planning and
engineering experts during the first few proposals that run through the process. These
experts should assist in staff reviews of such proposals and attend the various Board
and Commission hearings where the actual formal reviews occur. Then once local staff
and officials become comfortable with their duties and roles, these “experts” can be
used on an as-needed-basis, upon request from the Township.
It is also important to note the Township Planning Commission will now begin to play a
role in the acquisition and development of parks since they are integral to the
subdivision and land development review process. They too, should participate in the
workshop.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 43 - Chapter VI – Mandatory Dedication

VII. Capital Budget
The following lists those parks and improvements recommended by this Plan that are eligible
expenses covered by parklands or revenues generated from mandatory dedication or fees-in-lieuthereof:
Service Area
New Parks
Planned
Planned Parks and Improvements
Value of
New Parks
Township-wide NA $0
Community Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Planned Improvements
Electrification, lighting and
public address system
Value of
Planned
Improvements
$150,000
Shellsville NA $0 NA $0
Northern Link 6 acres $240,000
Athletic field, playground, picnic pavilion,
parking, basketball, volleyball, related site $255,528
features.
Southern Link
1 acre
$0, required by Playground, picnic pavilion, basketball,
developer
volleyball, related site features.
$110,520
Athletic field, playground, picnic pavilion,
Grantville 4.1 acres $164,000 parking, basketball, volleyball, related site $255,528
features.
Chesapeake MHP 1.9 acres $76,000
Playground, picnic pavilion, basketball,
volleyball, related site features.
$110,520
Shellsville, Northern Link,
& Grantville
neighborhoods
4.2 miles
10.2 acres
Total Value of Planned Parks $480,000
Linear Parks
To be determined To be determined To be determined
Total Value of Planned
Improvements
$882,096
Total Value of Recommended Parks and Improvements - $1,362,096
A comparison of the projected revenues via mandatory dedication over the next 20 years and the
costs of planned new parks and improvements is provided below:
Projected Revenues Projected Costs Balance
$1,609,920 $1,362,096 + $247,824
The excess revenues can be used to design, acquire and construct the planned Village Link Trail
following the completion of a trail feasibility study that will determine its alignment, mode of
ownership, needed surfaces and other related amenities (e.g., road crossings, signs, bridges,
retaining walls, etc.).
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 44 - Chapter VII – Capital Budget

In addition to the above new parks and park improvements, this Plan has identified various
needed repairs to existing parks as tabulated below:
Recommended Repairs to Existing Parks
Park
Total Cost of Repairs
EHT Municipal Park $32,600
East Hanover Elementary School $25,000
Total Cost of Needed Repairs $57,600
These expenses are not eligible for funding under the Township’s mandatory dedication or feesin-lieu-thereof
requirements of the subdivision and land development ordinance. Therefore the
Township and the School District will have to rely upon other more traditional forms of financing
for these maintenance tasks. Previously expended general funds that were used to acquire
and improve parks and are now replaced with the mandatory dedication revenues should
be diverted to finance increased maintenance efforts. In addition, both the Township and
the School District should employ creative ways to enlist the help of volunteers who
often are willing to “pitch-in-a-hand” to keep their parks in good condition.
Given the projected growth within the Township and the resulting need for additional
scattered neighborhood parks, it is clear that additional maintenance staff will be required.
It is unlikely that volunteer manpower will be able to meet the increasing needs for
maintenance of the expanding park system. The Township should evaluate manpower
needs as these new parks come on-line and make necessary manpower adjustments. The
Township might also consider negotiating a maintenance agreement with the School
District which likely is better prepared and equipped to maintain parks on a temporary or
permanent basis. Of course the details would determine the feasibility of this approach. In
the end the Township must commit the manpower and resources to keep these parks
functional, safe and attractive, whatever approach is selected. Fortunately along with
growth will come additional tax and recreation fee revenues to help offset costs.
With more maintenance staff comes the need for more detailed work tasks and direction. It
is important that the Township clearly describe in detail those routine tasks that will be
required to keep the parks in good condition. This should include a duty-roster of tasks to
be completed at regular intervals (eg. daily, weekly, monthly, seasonally, annually, as
needed, etc.) In addition, the maintenance staff needs to know what constitutes “good
condition” for park maintenance. The Township should develop specific descriptions of
standards-of-care for each park and its facilities so that all have the same expectations of
what constitutes acceptable maintenance. These duties should be performed by the Park
and Recreation Leader with help from an outside consultant, if required. The Township
might also look to the School District for help in developing the duty-roster and standardsof-care.
East Hanover Township Recreation Plan - 45 - Chapter VII – Capital Budget