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Press And Journal Photos/Debra Schell~ Highspire Mayor John Hoerner points to plans for Reservoir Park as Griffith Jones, of HRG Engineering, center, answers questions during the presentation of the project at the Highspire Borough Council meeting on Jan. 19. Dauphin County Commissioner Nick DiFrancesco, by the door, and State Represenative Ron Buxton, D-Harrisburg, right, said they support the project.
Highspire Planners unveil vision for Reservoir Park
by Debra Schell
Press And Journal Staff
: 2/3/2010
Highspire’s Reservoir Park could be transformed into a “community gem” filled with wildlife if the county lands a $250,000 state grant to help pay for it.
Preliminary plans for the park include a 1.3-mile walking trail and boardwalk, a pavilion, an educational center, a recreational area, and a wildlife observation deck.
The park would also be wheelchair accessible and include video cameras to provide a live view of the park online.
Dauphin County is seeking a grant through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources that would pay half the cost of developing the park, officials said. The county will also match the grant with taxes on gambling revenue at the Hollywood Casino in East Hanover Twp., said Dauphin County Commissioner Nick DiFrancesco.
Though gambling money is typically kept in the area of the casino, the Highspire project could bring that revenue to a place that wouldn’t usually see it.
“It is a small way to get dollars spread out to a municipality that would typically not see it,” he said.
The park plan has been in the works for more than 20 years, said DiFrancesco, and he would like to see it completed during his time as a county commissioner.
“I grew up in Lower Swarara and lived in Highspire for four years,” said DiFrancesco, who is a former Lower Swatara Twp. commissioner.
The park, located between Ann Street and White House Lane in Highspire, is a “community gem,” he said.
The deadline for the grant is April 1. DCNR is expected to announce grant recipients in October, said Bonanno.
If bids exceed expectations, changes will be made to the plans, said Matthew Bonanno, project manager with the engineering firm Herbert, Rowland, and Grubic, Inc.
“There is no guarantee that we will get the grant,” said Bonanno.
While local officials are optimistic about the project, not everyone shares their excitement.
The park borders homes in Lower Swatara and some of those residents expressed concerns about their security, privacy, and protecting the wildlife that live in the wetland area.
“I think, in theory, this looks great, but does everyone know what is back there?” asked Julie Gensel.
Gensel, a township resident whose property borders the park, is an amateur photographer who likes to capture images of the park’s diverse wildlife.
“The bottom line is that if you don’t protect the ecosystem, you won’t have a nature park,” she said.
Other residents said there are increasing problems with kids loitering in the park. A trail that provides more access to their properties could make them less safe, they said.
“We are planning for an older demographic,” said DiFrancesco, adding that motion-detecting lights and security cameras will be installed throughout the park.
“Knowing the police as well as I do, they will make sure certain activities are not able to happen,” he said.
Highspire Borough Manager and Police Chief John McHale said the improvements will make it easier for police “to get in and keep it clean.” There is no access at this time, he said.
Councilwoman Dorothy Matesevac wanted to know who will maintain the park when it is finished.
“If the county wants a wetlands park, then the county should be responsible for maintenance,” she said.
DiFrancesco said that the county would handle larger maintenance, but it would be up to the borough to keep the park clean.
Carolee Roman, borough council vice-president said that the park is something that will have a positive economic impact on Highspire.
“I think that this is something that we should be proud of and enhance it,” said Roman.
Contact Debra at 717-944-4628 or e-mail dschell@pressandjournal.com.
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