The Salisbury Township Recreation Advisory Committee held a meeting May 19 to hear reports on the state of the township’s parks and plan upcoming events.

Summer will soon be upon us and the parks in the township are abuzz with activity. Committee members report seeing residents using walking trails, ball fields, courts, playgrounds and pavilions from one end of the township to the other.

While the public works department does its best to keep the parks in usable condition, with all the activity, there’s bound to be some hiccups.

Laubach Park has seen its share of damage in the past and this spring was no exception. After thousands of dollars in repairs to the bathrooms, which are in a less than visible area, nefarious actors have again caused damage to the restrooms. Not only is this costly, but it limits the use of facilities for residents and the upcoming summer playground program where it is necessary for children and counselors to be able to wash hands for activities and use the bathrooms.

Recreation Director Genny Baillie said when the restoration of Laubach Park is complete, the facilities will be situated in a highly visible area in an effort to minimize damage. A great deal of thought has been put into the layout of the park to make it more accessible while curbing vandalism.

The baseball fields at Lindberg Park have been seeing a lot of use although issues with organized adult teams from outside the township have been reported to police on several occasions. Pickup games are permitted but when uniformed teams begin showing up and monopolizing the fields, it creates a problem and restricts residential use. Generally, permits are not granted to outside teams and preference is given to youth organizations within the township.

June 18 will be the first day for the summer playground program and plans are well underway. The program will run 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday and 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday evenings until July 25. The Allentown Public Library will visit each park this summer with book-centered activities and crafts and Wednesday evening activities will see special themed nights with related activities.

The Salisbury Township IronPigs Night will be 7:05 p.m. July 1 with a fireworks display following the game. Tickets for the game include a concession credit. Come hungry and enjoy hot dogs at the park. Complete a registration form and return the form along with payment to Salisbury Township no later than June 20.

Mark your calendars for Sept. 27 when AM Radio returns to Franko Park for a concert 1-4 p.m. As you enjoy a musical trip back to the 60s and 70s, you can fill up on culinary delights from the Top of the Hill Grill food truck and the So Cool Ice Cream truck.

During the citizen’s comments portion of the meeting, Salisbury Youth Association League President Bryon Cramsey asked the committee if it would be permissible to utilize a portable pitcher’s mound at the Franko Park baseball field. There would be no cost to the township as funds have been secured for the purchase. Before making any purchases, Cramsey wanted to make sure there was room in the shed to store it and if there would be any opposition from the township.

No decision was made at the meeting but it will be discussed further with public works.

The recreation advisory committee will hold its next meeting 7:30 p.m. July 21.