Tori Fox, a resident of Chestnut Grove, appeared before Hanover Township Council recently regarding park facilities in the area.

"There doesn't seem to be enough programs for kids, they wind up with nothing to do and start hanging around at the Sheetz and getting in trouble," she said.

Fox complained children are playing in the detention pond by the FL Smidth parking lot.

"There is nowhere else for them to go," she said.

There are three areas that residents use for recreation, including the pond.

Council frowned on the idea of using the pond as an impromptu sports field.

Last year public works official Jeffry Mouer proposed improvements to the parks.

"These are expensive projects," Township Manager Sandra Pudliner said.

Improvements already approved include renovations to the parking lot, a handicapped ramp to the new pavilion and swing sets.

Fox asked council to consider adding more space for basketball courts.

"These are the most in demand facilities," Fox said.

Pudliner agreed.

"I think we had problems with space to put up a new court," she added.

Fox is not happy with the developed areas of the housing development.

"I don't want to let my kids play in that dark corner," she said.

Ricki Bonn, who heads the Chestnut Grove Homeowners Association, indicated the recreational areas need improvement.

"There are two busloads of kids that live in the park. That's more than we have had in the past," she said.

The township added park equipment last year and there is more on the way. Fox said she does not think playground equipment is as important as expanding programs.

"The township needs to have more programs for the kids," she added. "You should be looking at these things."

Councilman Bob Heimbecker asked Pudliner to acquire Fox's contact details.

"I think it would be great to get her [Fox] on a committee to outline how we can best improve what we have at Chestnut Grove and the other parks," he said.

Last year, Mouer responded to council's request for improvements to Sherwood Park. His plan included resurfacing the tennis court and basketball court. The township rearranged budget accounts to pay for park improvements.

Pudliner did not indicate if park and recreation budget funds have been increased for 2014. Improvements on a scale contemplated by Fox would require hefty program expenditures.