Dingman Township
                           Pike County, PA        

 


                       

Dingman Township Park

679 Log Tavern Road

In the 1999 Update, the Dingman Township Comprehensive Plan recognized the need for a public recreational facility within the boundaries of the Township.  Responding to this need, the Board of Supervisors imparted on a search for a suitable site to build a recreational park.

In 2002, the Supervisors located a potential site.  However, negotiations were terminated when a developer purchased the property for a price much greater than the Township could afford.  The Supervisors then selected 62 acre parcel that was located just off Log Tavern Road.  An additional 67 acres were purchased from a neighboring property owner.  Of the 129 acres, the Supervisors designated 104 acres to serve as a recreational park with the remaining acreage set aside for future use by the Township.

Knowing that it takes more than land to create a park, the Board of Supervisors created a Capital Improvement Fund to finance construction of the park.  A portion of the Township's Real Estate Transfer Tax has been put into the Fund annually since 1999 to ensure ample resources are available when needed. In 2003, Dingman Township received a Land Acquisition Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to facilitate purchasing of the property.

By 2004 the Township had hired Thomas McLane Associates and a Master Plan was developed for the Park. The Plan was developed based on the physical nature of the land as well as extensive input by the public including information gleaned from Recreation Board meetings, two public hearings, and a survey of over two hundred Township residents. 

Developing a large scale project is a slow process requiring endless permits and paper work.  Unbeknownst to many, municipal governments receive no exemptions from the federal and state permit programs.  In fact, federal and state program requirements are often greater when a municipal government is involved.  By early 2009, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission approved the extensive archeological survey that is required for development of municipal lands.  Stormwater approval was granted for the lower portion of the property and shortly thereafter the access road was installed. 2009 also saw the submission of a planning module for the restroom/snack bar facility and testing for the stormwater system that will serve the upper property.

Development started in earnest in 2010 and continued through 2012 with the youth baseball, softball, football, and free play fields being installed. The snack bar/restroom facility, sewage system, parking lots and young children's playground are also in place.

Although many of the amenities such as the soccer field will be installed in the future, the Board of Supervisors officially opened the park on September 30, 2012.  The young children's playground and free play area were dedicated to the memory of long time township supervisor and advocate of the park, Allen J. Greening.

Park amenities already in use include the youth baseball and softball fields. The football field, hiking trails, youth play area and restrooms are also in use.

Residents are encouraged to make use of the park, but remember ... The park is a work in progress.  More amenities will be added as funding permits.  But you can have fun with what is already there!

Park Rules

Field Reservation Policy

Application to Reserve Fields

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