The annual walk-around at the fields at the Northwestern Recreation Commission Community Park took place March 16.

Following a quick check of the playing fields, the main topic was the walking trail.

Roadmasters from the four Northwestern townships were invited to discuss their possible help, and Weisenberg Administrator Brian Carl brought along a Keystone Consulting Engineers map.

Discussion began with a review of the map.Then, the group moved to the road leading past the first ball field from the parking lot.

This was the most problematic area as pedestrians and vehicles both move through the area.

Recreation Commission President Justin Smith said the road would have to be delineated so drivers do not park on the trail. Methods to do that were discussed.

Heidelberg Township representative Steve Bachman said he did not want the walking trail next to the road as it could cause possible liability issues.

Carl asked if two trees could be removed in a place where the trail would be “tight.” He was told that would be OK.

Smith said the road could be widened on both sides making more room for the trail and road.

Excavating could be a problem because care would have to be taken to not damage the fields.

Lowhill representative Rick Hughes asked what would be needed from each township as they were being asked to contribute since, as Supervisor Linda Gorgas pointed out, it was a community park, not only a sports center.

Lynn Township Roadmaster Bruce Raber said he does not have time to have his crew contribute.

If the work is done in the fall, there would be less use of the fields by ballplayers and visitors.

Smith said there is some money available to help.

The recreation commission has $80,000 but digging dirt and hauling it away would be a good place for the townships to contribute.

Gorgas, at the last recreation meeting, asked when work would start because it would have to be finished before or done after Night in the Country in August.

Bachman said there would be two good months of weather after “Night.”

Hughes asked who would be the go-to person. Carl said he did not mind coordinating the project.

There was talk about reimbursing costs incurred by the townships.

Carl ended with an open-ended question.

“What if we have weather like last year?

The walkaround covered the distance of the walking trail as planned.

The first stop on the walk-around at the fields was at the lower playground where equipment was checked for safety.

Jim Hughes, maintenance and member at large, explained where the cameras, a decision made at the recreation meeting, would have to be placed to cover the entire lower area.

The fields across the creek were considered for improvements. Trees and brush growing into the fence will have to be cleared.

If the field is improved, now used only for practice, it could serve as a soccer playing field for younger players.

As the basketball court cracks have been repaired, the cracks are less of a problem.

There were at least two sites where snowmobiles made scratches in the surface.