Greg Barker

This document outlines the management plan for Springfield Township's Parks and Recreation, serving as a roadmap for its long-term direction and goals. Key focus areas include establishing parks as community destinations, connecting the community through greenways and trails, facilitating recreation opportunities for active healthy living, and ensuring fiscal responsibility and financial sustainability. The plan details management strategies for specific parks and greenspaces, outlines plans for trails, and describes various community programs and fiscal management principles to achieve these objectives.

The Springfield Township Parks and Recreation Plan serves as a comprehensive guide for establishing and developing the community's parks and recreation system from 2013 to 2022. Its core purpose is to balance the conservation of the Township's scenic rural character and natural resources with providing opportunities for active living and community engagement. The plan outlines four strategic goals: establishing parks and recreation facilities as community destinations, connecting the community through a system of greenways and trails, facilitating recreation opportunities for active healthy living, and ensuring operational excellence and financial sustainability. The overarching vision is to enrich the community through natural resource conservation, active lifestyles, and the preservation of rural character.

This Open Space Plan Update for Springfield Township outlines strategies for the preservation of open space and farmland through acquisition and regulation. The plan prioritizes protecting significant natural resources, including floodplains, woodlands, wetlands, and water bodies, with a particular emphasis on the Cooks Creek Watershed. It also focuses on maintaining scenic views and vistas, and developing greenways and linkages for wildlife corridors. The overarching vision is to preserve the Township's rural character and ensure sustainable land use.

The Springfield Township Parks and Land Management Plan serves as a comprehensive guide for the management and development of the township's parks, greenspaces, and trails. Building upon the 2012 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, it outlines strategic goals focused on establishing community destinations, connecting the community through greenways and trails, facilitating recreation opportunities, and ensuring operational excellence and financial sustainability. The plan details the management of specific assets such as Peppermint Park, Lime Kiln, Flagpole Memorial Garden, and the Upper Bucks Rail Trail, alongside various community programs and guidelines for fiscal responsibility and permitted uses.

The Planning Commission held a public meeting to discuss the Proposed 2024 Springfield Township Comprehensive Plan, with a presentation summarizing its purpose and goals. Topics discussed included Agriculture District lot sizes, zoning ordinances for new residents, and the Comprehensive Plan's directives. Concerns were raised about the extension of public sewer and water, the Land Use Map, preserved land, assessment timelines, and water testing.