After listening to presentations by Ann Yost and Chuck Strodoski of YSM Landscape Architects, South Whitehall commissioners granted approval to the Covered Bridge Master Plan and Jordan Greenway Connector Feasibility Study.

At a recent meeting, Yost, from York, explained YSM representatives conducted a site analysis of the park last year.

"We tried to get there at different seasons when users were there," Yost said. "We did outreach with the users. People told us 'Tweek ... don't change it.'"

She said users want to retain the beautiful setting and trees, and expanded walking opportunities.

They also said stream issues should be addressed and there is a need for more parking, restrooms and concessions, Yost said.

Strodoski said the plan re-establishes the flood plain as a focal area of the park.

"We recommend restoration of the flood plain by scooping out accumulated sediment to help reduce flooding," Strodoski said.

The consultants suggest implementation of the master plan in eight phases over a period of years at a probable cost of $9.8 million.

Recommendations for the first phase include improvement of the existing hub of the park with expanded parking, a destination playground, an event lawn and plaza, a picnic pavilion and removal of the existing playground and handball courts.

Probable cost of the first phase is $1.8 million.

Improvements in later phases include a canoe and kayak launch, expanded parking, new pavilions and restrooms, a sand volleyball court, a dog park, removal of the dam, and Jordan Greenway connections.

Through approval of the master plan, commissioners authorized township staff and the parks and recreation board to proceed with implementation of the document, with no expenditure of any funds except those approved by the board.

Director of Public Works Bob Ibach said the next step in the Covered Bridge Park project is for the Parks and Rec Board to look at open space funds and prioritize what should come first.

"There is $75,000 in the 2014 budget,"Ibach said. "We'll probably look at parking, playground equipment, and pedestrian crossings first."

In conclusion, Ibach said the master plan is a grant requirement which will help the township obtain reimbursement from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

He said the plan is a non-binding guideline as to how the park is developed.