(4/30) Phase 2 of Hamiltonban Township’s Community Park project kicked off last summer with the completion of a quarter mile walking path, addition of five adult fitness stations and a swing set. Phase 2 will reach its final stage this spring with the addition of a pollinator meadow and interpretive signs.

Members of the Hamiltonban Township and Fairfield Borough Joint Parks and Recreation Commission are about to begin planting the approximately 11,000 square foot pollinator meadow. The meadow will house native species of plants, including flowers and grasses that will attract pollinating insects to the area. The plants have already been ordered, with delivery expected by May 15. A group of Penn State Extension Master Gardeners from the area and Commission members will join together to plant approximately 2,500 plugs.

According to Coleen Reamer, member of the Hamiltonban Township and Fairfield Borough Joint Parks and Recreation Commission, it generally takes about three seasons for the plants to fully develop as a flowering meadow. The meadow was designed to show the importance of creating a natural area for pollinators. "The orchard industry, which is an important economic driver for both Hamiltonban Township and Adams County, depends on natural pollination from bees and other insects. Mason bees are non-destructive, do not sting, and are the most efficient pollinator of them all," stated Reamer. Two small mason bee houses will be placed on display in the pollinator meadow to, hopefully, create interest and conversation among visitors to the park.

In addition to the pollinator meadow, the commission is still adding to the natural play area for children. This natural play area was another component within phase 2 and currently has a sandbox, a few stump steps, a large climbing rock, a hopscotch paver set and a multicolored tunnel pipe for crawling through. Balance beams created from trees and a wind chime will soon be added. The last portion of this phase is the installation of five interpretive panels, which will go in later this summer. These panels will speak to Adams County’s history and culture.

So far, both phases of the Community Park project have been well received by the community. The park is quickly gaining popularity for its walking path and adult exercise stations, and children are seen enjoying the train-themed play set and swings. The small pavilion, located at the heart of the park, is available for rental spring through fall, with two charcoal grills and nearby horseshoe pits.

Apart from the playground, walking path and fitness equipment, the commission has hosted a few events at the park and plans to hold more this spring and summer. On April 13 the commission held a "Kite Fly" for children. Approximately twenty-five children and their families attended, learning how to build their own kites and they also had a chance to fly them. This event will hopefully occur yearly. Additionally, last year the commission hosted a "Music in the Park" series, with local musicians during the summer months of June through August. This event is planned again this year, occurring on the second Sunday of June, July and August. All are welcome to attend!

To fund the remainder of the project, the commission is applying for a grant to plant twenty-five trees in the park and will also be applying for grants to expand the walking path next year.

Everything that has already been accomplished with the park could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of volunteers in the community. Grants and generous donations have helped to fund this project. Donations are welcome and accepted at Hamiltonban Community Park, PO Box 526, Fairfield, PA 17320 to help this project continue to move forward.