Eric Andreus, natural resources manager for Nestlé Waters and Deer Park, attended the March 25 meeting of the Northwestern Recreation Commission. He wanted to sit in on the discussions concerning use of $10,000 in donations from Nestlé.

Bleachers had been purchased with a previous donation and signed to give the company credit. He was satisfied with that degree of signage and appreciated that it was noted in the Northwestern Press.

The Northwestern Youth Athletic Association wanted the money used for batting cages and a higher backstop needed on field 2 as balls are going out to Route 309.

NYAA President Todd Leiser said the softball field could use a dugout.

The lower soccer field, worked on for several years, could be credited to Nestlé, Don Link said.

Leiser wants to see a fitness course, and renovating the basketball and volleyball courts was suggested.

The fitness course, combined with improving the walking path, was the final decision.

Everyone seemed to agree the walking path receives a great deal of use, especially from parents waiting for their children's games to end.

Nestlé wanted something benefiting the community rather than a specific sport.

Link said the commission appreciates what Nestlé does for the community.

Jim Hughes, maintenance, said the volleyball and basketball courts are used especially by school students.

He also sees use at the playgrounds.

Lynn Township representative to the board Justin Smith suggested they have a certified park planner look at the fields. He suggested Chris Brown of Brown Design would give them some ideas without charging a fee.

Kathy Hermany, chair of the Night in the Country committee, said golf carts have been reserved.

She said Link has always taken charge of picking up garbage during the event but was unable to last year.

Hermany said Forgotten Felines and Fidos did the clean up.

As with other organizations, FF&F received a donation for its work.

She suggested FF&F remove the trash again this year, if it is willing.

It is the way other jobs are handled such as the gate and parking cruise cars because Night outgrew the volunteers available.

The AED has a new battery and is ready for use. Hughes said he can replace the concession counter tops for $54 a sheet of material. Metal tops were desired but two costly.

As nothing has yet been decided about lights on Northwestern Road when people are crossing between the school and fields, it was decided whenever there is a major event requiring crossing the road, the organization will be required to have fire police or other traffic control on hand. The requirement will be included with facilities requests.

This month there has been a facilities request by the senior class for a June 2 picnic and by a booster club on May 24.

State law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians for right-of-way even if there is no cross walk.

Portable signs can be placed in the road.

Hughes said he needs a new flag for the fields and was given permission to get two right away.

Heidelberg representative to the board Steve Bachman said Goodwill Fire Company, Germansville, will have a parade July 11 as the opening event of its 100th anniversary celebration.

There will be a variety of events at the firehouse and, at 9:30 p.m., fireworks will conclude the celebration.

He suggested the commission participate in the parade, which will begin at the school at 2 p.m.

The commission reviewed the bylaws quickly and they will be studied for discussion at the next meeting.

The first thing found was the correct name as stated in the bylaws is Northwestern Recreation and Parks Commission.

Anyone with ideas is welcome to attend and submit them before they are rewritten.