Falls Twp. To Restore, Improve Drainage for Hockey Rink

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA —The hockey rink at Falls Township Community Park will receive a facelift as part of a restoration project aimed at improving drainage.

The rink —which was renovated in 2022 to include a new dasher board, resurfaced rink, and restored
fencing —has had issues with rainwater collecting on its surface following storms.

Township Engineer Joseph Jones of Jones Engineering Associates said the upcoming improvements will address drainage issues.

As part of his engineering services proposal, which Falls Township Supervisors approved 4-0 at their recent meeting.

The firm will undertake surveying and preliminary analysis, engineering design, overseeing bid
administration, and providing inspection and construction oversight, including attendance at pre-
construction meetings and construction progress meetings.

Construction is expected to cost $120,000 and will include repaving the rink after milling the upper
surface and preparing crack seal and filler to provide a surface that drains rainfall.

Earlier Park Closures Approved

The supervisors adopted an ordinance amendment that closes parks an hour earlier.

Under the change, Falls Township parks will be open from sunrise to sunset daily. The time change is
aimed at curbing vandalism issues and ensuring public safety.

The sunset closure would be effective every day except for “unusual and unforeseen emergencies and
approved special events,” according to the ordinance.

The public is not permitted to be in any of the township’s parks during any hours in which said park is not open to the public unless otherwise specified by permit, according to the amendment.

Anyone who violates the ordinance would be subject to a civil enforcement proceeding and, upon
conviction, will be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $600, plus all court costs, including
reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the township in the enforcement of this rule.

Each day a violation exists constitutes a separate offense, according to the ordinance.

Township attorney Mike Clarke said Falls could “revoke someone’s privilege” to be in the park if there are continued violations of the sunset closure policy.