Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, in a unanimous 5-0 vote at the Feb. 9 meeting, approved the township’s open space plan.

The plan had been before the board of commissioners for approval last year. This time, the final, updated plan was approved in a unanimous vote among the board.

According to the agenda, it seeks to serve as a planning tool for the future development of recreation and open space areas.

Commissioner Ken Snyder reported this plan had been in the works for 2.5 years, calling it “a well-thought-out plan.”

A plan was last updated in 2005. Since then, the biggest concern has been the loss of volunteers to take care of the parks.

“A lot has changed,” Snyder said. “Recreation then was different compared to now.”

This 20-year plan includes several objectives for park and recreation facilities in the township, preserving open space and natural resources, trails and connectivity, programming and more. It also notes background and demographics behind the township, with one statistic stating Whitehall Township expects to grow its population 15% 2020-30 and 21% 2030-40.

The plan is more than 400 pages long and details increased programming, additional staffing, more building maintenance and pool and park upgrades.

It is now available for public viewing on the township website, under the section “Whitehall News.”

An ordinance involving the proposal for the replacement and installation of a new classroom building at the fire training center in Whitehall Township was also approved in a unanimous 5-0 vote by the board.

In a previous story reported in August 2025, fire Chief Mark Bilder is seeking to build a new modular classroom for the fire training students. He noted the building firefighters are using now has seen many issues, such as water leaks. Bilder said the current building is more than 20 years old.

Along with the construction of the new classroom, a handicapped-accessible ramp will also be built along the property.

The project is being funded through a no-match grant. The cost is estimated at $280,000 to build a new classroom with a basement included. The current building does not have a basement, but rather utilizes sheds adjacent to the property for storage.

Funds are also being used from the Robert L. Benner Memorial Training Center account.