Covered Bridge Park, the pastoral center of recreation for South Whitehall residents, will be the subject of a project to develop the best scenario for its future.

At a June 19 meeting, commissioners approved Yost, Strodoski, Mears Landscape Architects from York, as consultants to conduct a site master plan of the park and a feasibility study on connecting the park to the proposed Jordan Creek Greenway.

The consultants' fee is $55,965, while the total budget for the project is $70,000.

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will contribute $30,000. Lehigh County will give $15,000, and South Whitehall will provide the remaining $25,000.

Public Works Manager Robert Ibach reported proposals from nine firms were reviewed and rated by a committee.

The four highest scoring applicants were interviewed.

He said the decision for YSM was based upon the committee's belief the firm has the skills, experience, understanding and vision to provide the finished product.

What distinguished YSM from the others was its determination to stress the art of park design.

The firm went a step beyond engineering details to focus on the beauty of the natural setting, Ibach said.

The consultants will begin by looking at Covered Bridge Park and its existing uses, then check for ways improvements can be made.

In the proposal, YSM aims to balance conservation and recreation objectives while promoting sustainable usage of the 165-acre site.

In an effort to be sensitive to the waterway and natural resources, YSM will assess the Jordan Creek and make recommendations to improve water quality and bio-diversity.

YSM says it will concentrate on the issues of erosion and flooding, while also addressing areas of the park that should remain natural.

Additional goals include development of designs complying with the Americans With Disabilitties Act and Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines for public playgrounds; preparation of recommendations for the optimum number of parking spaces to meet anticipated needs and use patterns; and presentation of land management recommendations to complement existing and proposed site uses.

In regard to the proposed Jordan Creek Greenway Trails, YSM plans to design the Covered Bridge Park section connecting Cedar Crest Boulevard on the east with private property on the west.

The consultants encourage public participation and vow to consider input from residents and organized user groups, such as the sports associations.

Three public meetings are expacted to be held.

YSM is ready to begin and should have the work completed by the end of this year.

The final report will then be presented to the board of commissioners for comment and approval.