Upper Macungie Township Supervisors voted unanimously Sept. 4 to adopt Resolution 2025-33, formally approving the township’s new comprehensive parks, recreation and open space plan.

Township Recreation Director Ryan Griffith outlined the yearlong planning process, which began in May 2024 in partnership with Simone Collins Landscape Architecture.

The plan reflects months of community engagement, technical review and public feedback.

“Pretty much the entire time I’ve been here, we’ve been working on this plan,” Griffith said. “The goal is to preserve and enhance our parks and open spaces while making sure residents of all ages and abilities have opportunities for active, healthy living.”

The planning process drew significant community involvement.

More than 1,120 residents responded to an online survey and a 14-member steering committee helped shape recommendations.

Simone Collins representatives attended township events such as National Night Out and hosted three public meetings.

Survey results showed: 50% of respondents visit parks several times per week, Grange, Lone Lane and the county-owned Rodale Park were the most visited.

Sixty-six percent of respondents use parks for walking and jogging.

Eighty-five percent said preserving open space is “somewhat” or “very” important.

Top resident priorities for the next 3-5 years include expanding trails and sidewalk systems (54%), adding park amenities (40%) and preserving more open space (39%).

The survey also revealed strong interest in farmers markets, multiuse trails and more community events.

The plan identifies four vision areas: accessible, safe, inviting park spaces for all; innovative recreational programming; abundant, high-quality open spaces and a premier system for future generations.

Within these categories, 23 recommendations were developed.

Each is ranked by implementation cost (low, medium or high) and timeline (short-, mid- and long-term).

Supervisors praised Griffith and his team for their dedication and for gathering broad public input.

“With over 1,000 responses and the number of meetings you held, it’s commendable,” Jeff Fleischaker said. “Thank you for taking such care with this process.”

Resolution 2025-33 amends the township’s existing parks and recreation plan and sets the framework for future investments in open space preservation, park improvements and community programming.