Neighbors Barking About Dog Park In East Pikeland Township

EAST PIKELAND TOWNSHIP, PA — An East Pikeland Township open space had been eyed for a park project since 2005, when Kimberton Meadows was in the development stage. Now, the deed to the parcel is in the hands of the township and residents don't like what's in the works.

Plans for a park at 87 Ridge Road (Rt. 23) in East Pikeland Township look like a nice idea. They include a dog park and a community garden.

But the owner of an adjoining historic farm house property and 125 other residents have signed on to oppose the park, citing concerns for preserving open space in the township. Leading the organized action is Robert Stevenson, who owns the 1815 farm house that was on the original 100-acre parcel that was subdivided into Kimberton Meadows more than a decade ago.

East Pikeland Township began planning the park earlier this year, stating, "These amenities were selected based on the review of past township and regional plans, resident feedback, and gaps in East Pikeland's current recreation facilities."

When the Kimberton Park development was considered in 2005, developer Benson Companies agreed to dedicate parcels to the township for parks. The deed to the parcel was given to the township in 2019, the township's presentation explained. The flat-land, open space was presented by East Pikeland Township in October 2020 as "ideal for ball fields, walking paths, a dog park, or community gardens."

But Stevenson and other residents don't want more adjoining parks, and particularly a dog park in this location. "The park is lined with residences that will suffer casualty damages from the noise disturbances caused by the park," Stevenson told Patch this week.

"We have a group of residents that are joined in-force to prevent the dog park from going in at the present location," said Stevenson. "We do not object to dog parks," he said. "The present location is just not suitable as it directly impacts residents."

A handful of residents, fewer than 10, had been meeting in Stevenson's barn because it's a large space, but the group added virtual attendance so others could join their resistance action. They are meeting again on Saturday morning.

Stevenson's group thinks the township was "a little less than forthcoming in proceeding with the park." He said the application for grants and the plan itself was never presented to the immediate neighbors.

Stevenson earlier this year petitioned Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn as well as Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis M. Davin, asking them to reject the park's development plan.

"The Township proceeded with no public notice of this plan, that is what is wrong and the residents seek to remediate the lack of Notice. Hence the reason for this Petition," the letter said.

"There has been a considerable amount of time and effort expended in presenting this matter to the proper authorities in an effort to be heard. We ask that the governing bodies be respectful of this effort in our quest to be heard. Please take the time to read every document and fully understand our position. This is not a frivolous attempt. We have devoted many hours in being diligent and fair in presenting this Petition," stated the letter, dated June 9, 2020.

Stevenson told Patch, "The residents who oppose this location for the dog park remain committed to having the township move the location to a more appropriate location that is not in a residential area."

He added, "We are trying to be a reasonable and professional voice."