The setting is bucolic, a terraced park hemmed by cornfields and trees. All appears peaceful and complete. But, like all developed areas, Lenape Park in Upper Milford Township is a work in progress. Upper Milford Youth Association teams employ its baseball diamonds, soccer fields and volleyball courts. The youth association is one of several groups striving to constantly improve the township's parks and, for the past 22 years, Phil Vanim has served as the group's treasurer.

Although Vanim will retire from his position at the end of this year, he will continue to serve the community as a member of Upper Milford's Recreation Commission.

Originally from Bally, Vanim and wife Patsy built a home and settled in Upper Milford in 1986. Their son Eric and daughter Audrey drew Vanim into the youth association. Having honed his playing skills in adult amateur baseball and softball leagues, he possesses an insider's knowledge of baseball. Therefore, when Eric enrolled at the biddy level, Vanim volunteered as an assistant coach. Although never a soccer player, Vanim studied the game in order to help coach Upper Milford soccer teams as well.

Upper Milford teams compete on an intramural basis. Everyone plays, and coaches, players and parents connect. Consequently, teams often retain the same coaches as the players progress through the age groups. Such was Vanim's experience and one he very much enjoyed.

A professional CPA, he was a natural choice for the position of youth association treasurer. He soon found himself seated on Upper Milford's Recreation Commission as well. The commission, which Vanim currently chairs, works closely with supervisors and administrators to fulfill the township's responsibility to provide recreational opportunities. UMYA also monitors Upper Milford's Lenape, Jasper, and Church View parks.

Financial support is generated from sport participation fees and contractor contributed funds earmarked for recreational support when land within the township is developed.

Each spring and fall, Vanim and the other members of the commission "walk the parks."

They check equipment, evaluate field status and identify serious problems. During the commission's monthly meetings, the parks' needs and the effectiveness of past changes are discussed. The commission advises township supervisors who then determine what issues to address.

Vanim believes this "hands on" approach fosters a positive working relationship between the two groups which is especially important because park development and maintenance pose some peculiar challenges in Upper Milford.

As Vanim points out, much of the land is too swampy, rocky or hilly for easy development. Therefore, although the township does not face much construction pressure, supporting and enhancing recreational facilities requires creative thinking.

During the spring, summer and autumn, baseball, volleyball, kickball and soccer teams utilize the parks. Vanim explains how the lack of an indoor facility to accommodate a winter sports program requires reaching beyond the township. Currently, the Victory Valley Camp facility provides a practice site for winter basketball teams. Another perennial issue is park improvement. Jasper and Lenape Parks are land locked. Expansion is tricky and safe access is an ongoing concern.

Vanim said "there are good people on the commission" and specifically cites Rose Parry and her husband Bob for years of dedicated work. For example, Rose decided Jasper Park needed beautification. She obtained the plants and created the flower beds edging Jasper's walking trail. She was also instrumental in replacing Jasper Park's disintegrating wooden Indian with a more accurate representation of the Lenni Lenape tribe.

Vanim brings his own unique talent to the table. He is practical and clear sighted. He also understands, "nothing we do cannot be undone by somebody else." Therefore, he takes the long view and supports changes he believes will provide benefits beyond the present moment.

Vice chairman of the township's Open Space Committee, Vanim sometimes plays the vital role of "devil's advocate." His history of community involvement and awareness of the area's natural barriers to development often provide a fresh perspective.

His goal is always "... to speak for recreation."

Whether fulfilling the roles of Wheels of Time vice president and registrar for the yearly Wheels Of Time Rod & Custom Jamboree or of commission member developing long range plans for the maintenance and improvement of township parks, Phil Vanim is deeply committed. Like the 1935 Ford he is turning into a street rod, each of his endeavors is a work in progress.

His donation of time and talent ensure past improvements morph into future foundations.