At the Dec. 17, 2025, Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting, council members discussed a park rental issue at Sherwood Park pavilion and ball field. It was reported conflicts have occurred when a party rents the Sherwood Park pavilion and softball teams use the adjacent ball field.

A reported scenario is that a group pays a fee to rent the pavilion, but adult teams who use the ball field do not. Reportedly, there were times when the ball game ended, and the teams would go to and use part of the pavilion. The renters of the pavilion for that day would ask the ballplayers to leave, but reportedly, they do not always comply.

The unanimous vote of council is to eliminate conflict and respect the pavilion renters. The rental of the pavilion is planned to include a joint ball field and pavilion rental. This will disallow the use of the ball field when the pavilion is rented.

It is expected signage will be placed at the pavilion, clarifying the rental situation with the phone number of the Pennsylvania State Police if there is any conflict arising from improper use of the rented pavilion.

Sherwood Park is located at 1915 Sherwood St., Allentown. The park features a baseball/softball field, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a tot lot playground, play areas for all ages, a pavilion that accommodates 80-100 people, a grill, two accessible port-o-lets in the summer and electricity.

To reserve the Sherwood Park pavilion for your next outdoor event or family gathering, visit hanleco.org for prices and availability.

Under unfinished business, council approved the Flock Cameras amendment, changing payment due dates that do not effect the details nor costs of the contract between Flock Cameras and the township.

Township Manager Melissa Wehr announced interviews for a township receptionist are moving forward with a potential hire pending. Wehr also reminded council the annual Pennsylvania State Association of Townships conference is set for April 19-22, and registration is quickly approaching. She asked council to determine which council members plan to attend the conference, so she can make reservations.

Council approved the township bills, $615,945.48, as of Dec. 17, 2025.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 7 in the township’s municipal building. The meeting’s agenda will be posted on the township website.