Concerns raised over proposal for track in Penn Forest park

A Penn Forest Township official would like to see the township consider a track for bicycles and other wheeled devices.

But the township supervisors said they would rather invest in maintaining existing infrastructure at the park than begin a new endeavor.

“We have other things to spend the money on that’s more fruitful than putting in something like that that’s gonna open a whole can of worms,” said township supervisor Judith Knappenberger.

Park and Recreation board member Todd Fox presented the supervisors with his idea for a pump track at their regular monthly meeting Monday night.

The paved, flowing track would allow cyclists to ride around using their momentum instead of pedals. The nearest such track is in Emmaus.

Fox said he received a proposal from a local contractor to help make the project happen for approximately $50,000. He said the project would incorporate existing trees to save on cost and to maintain the park’s appearance.

The supervisors raised several concerns. Knappenberger said that the Emmaus track had to be shut down because of insurance claims.

Fox said he reached out to the township’s current insurance agent, who said it would be tough to get liability coverage for a track. But Fox, who works in insurance, said the township should take the opportunity to look at other insurance carriers which might cover the track, and lower the overall cost of the township’s premiums.

“We could reduce the cost of the liability and still implement the pump track — which is still very feasible as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

Knappenberger said she feels that the bicycle track would take away from the scenic beauty of the park.

Supervisor Christian Bartulovich brought up concerns he’s heard about the walking trail at the park needing repairs. He questioned whether the township could maintain another feature at this time.

“Should we be spending $50,000 on a new feature when we have a feature that’s in disrepair?” he said.

The supervisors agreed to look into hiring a contractor to look at replacing the walking trail.

Fox said he is willing to continue to be a “cheerleader” for the pump track project, and would offer to look over the township’s insurance policy to look for possible savings opportunities.

“It doesn’t cost a single thing, it just gives you options,” he said.

In other business

The supervisors:

• Asked solicitor Thomas Nanovic to prepare a resolution outlining procedures for how to make residents available when there are vacancies on township boards and commissions.

• Authorized Nanovic to notify more than 50 residents about unpaid sanitation bills, and warn them that they could face legal action if they fail to pay them.

• Heard a proposal from Roy Christman, representing Fair Districts PA, urging them to pass a resolution encouraging state lawmakers to implement fair districts for state and U.S. representatives.