Although youth have kept the Pennsville Park clean, Lehigh Township Supervisor Ron Shaw said at the Oct. 8 meeting the children believe they will be blamed for recent damage done to the park.

Supervisor Keith Hantz said during his 10 years of coaching at the Pennsville field, he has not encountered any issues. Hantz added the township should develop a cooperative relationship with the children.

Township Manager Alice Rehrig will consult with the insurance carrier. Organized sports have their own insurance coverage.

The immediate reaction to the discovery of a BMX bike trail was "lets close it." Supervisor Darryl Snover said 25 years ago personal injury attorneys were involved with issues pertaining to the trail. The supervisors said the park cannot remain in its current state because the next generation may not be willing to properly care for the park.

The BMX bike trail was built without public knowledge. While responding to a fight in the park, police officers discovered the trail. While the trail has some holes in the ground where dirt was moved to build ramps, it was laid out to ensure it is safe and it maintains a safe distance from the trees.

The trail is inaccessible due to the placement of a cable. The road crew said it will bring in dirt to fill the area.

"Now that the board is aware of it, the township has to do something," said Solicitor Dave Backenstoe.

For those under the age of 18, parents will have to sign a liability waiver and helmets must be worn. Those over 18 will have to sign a liability waiver as well.

Township resident Ray Miller said he has not seen the trail, but "It seems like good clean fun," he said.