While most residents are following the new dog ordinance in the township parks, some at Lindberg Park have decided to show their dissatisfaction with the "no dogs policy" by leaving their doggie "poop bags" hanging on the ordinance signs.

This was reported at the Recreation Advisory Committee meeting Sept. 16 as the members discussed dogs in the park.

It was reported dogs are still being seen at Laubach Park despite the posted signs.

Recreation Director Genny Baillie reported another successful Summer Playground Program in the township parks.

Approximately 250 students were registered with 17 counselors and two head counselors in Green Acres, Lindberg, Devonshire and Laubach parks.

Green Acres had an average daily attendance of between 20 and 30 students, Lindberg had between 30 and 40 students, Devonshire had between 15 and 20 students and Laubach had between 30 and 40 students.

"The daily average attendance at all of the parks was basically consistent with last year," Baillie said.

Samantha Foulke was the tennis clinic instructor this year. Antonella DiMatteo and Patrick Jacoby were the arts and crafts instructors. Baillie said arts and crafts remains one of the favorite events and is always well attended.

This year for movie night, "Escape from Planet Earth" was featured.

Park Day was held at Lindberg Park with approximately 125 students. There was bus service from Laubach and Devonshire parks and the event included relay races, field events, capture the flag and water games. Ribbons and candy prizes were awarded as well as hot dogs, soda, chips and goody bags. Public works personnel were also invited as a way of saying thank-you for their assistance.

For the third year, the Allentown Public Library book van visited all four parks for five Fridays to allow students to check out and return books. Joan Kneiss of the Allentown Public Library reported 52 students, read 58 books.

Baillie said the hand radios were converted to the new system and all worked well in communicating with the Public Works department and counselors used their cell phones when police were not on the township frequency.

Baillie said there was improvement as far as dogs in the park during the summer program. The first day was problematic as there were two loose Labrador retrievers at Devonshire Park and a delay in reaching the animal control officer and police. The park counselors were finally able to contain the dogs and secure them back in their yard.

After that experience the township manager provided the playground staff with flyers to distribute informing violators of the new ordinance. As a result of the new ordinance being publicized, the number of dogs in the parks did decline.

Baillie also thanked Frank McCullough once again for all the time and energy he continues to give to the Summer Playground Program.

"The children and counselors look forward to seeing him every day in the parks. He continues to be a huge asset to the program and his volunteerism is to be commended. I also want to acknowledge Dave Bonaskiewich and his crew for all the assistance they give to the counselors and children in the program. We are so appreciative of all they do," Baillie said.

The fall parks tour will be scheduled soon.

Items for the 2014 Recreation Advisory sponsored events were tabled until all members of the committee were present.