There were two presentations at the May 7 Upper Macungie Township Board of Supervisors meeting. The board first heard a presentation from Hayden Rinde of the Western Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, who outlined upcoming community initiatives and partnerships involving the township.

Rinde explained the chamber is one of 30 chambers and councils within the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and works to support local economic growth through business promotion, networking and community events.

Rinde highlighted the upcoming Western Lehigh Municipal Update held May 12 in partnership with Upper Macungie Township, South Whitehall Township and Parkland School District. She thanked Bob Ibach for agreeing to present information about township projects during the event.

She also discussed preparations for the sixth annual Paws in the Park festival May 31, a collaborative event between the chamber and the township. Organizers currently have more than 50 vendors and food trucks confirmed, along with family activities including a pet parade, face painting, a 360-photo booth and a special appearance by Snoopy from Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.

Rinde also announced applications are open for the Western Lehigh Community Grant program, which provides funding for nonprofit projects benefiting residents of Upper Macungie and South Whitehall townships. Up to three grants of $1,500 each will be awarded this year.

During the recreation and community center update, Ryan Griffiths provided supervisors with a progress report on construction of the new community lifestyle center. Griffiths compared early architectural renderings with the current state of construction, highlighting features including the turf field and walking track, stone exterior facade, landscaped entrance areas and community gathering spaces.

He noted more than 80 trees have been planted around the facility as landscaping work continues. Interior work is also progressing, including installation of cabinetry in rentable community rooms that will host meetings, book clubs, town halls and other public events. Griffiths also highlighted the open-air mezzanine fitness area overlooking the turf field.

According to Griffiths, substantial construction is expected to be completed by the end of May, followed by occupancy preparations and a soft-opening period in June. A grand opening is currently planned for August.

Griffiths thanked the township’s county and corporate partners for supporting the project, including Lehigh Valley Health Network – Jefferson Health, Alvin H. Butz Inc. and the Jaindl Family of Companies, noting sponsorship support has totaled approximately $5 million.

During the recreation update, Jazmin Vazquez introduced the township’s new mascot, “Makku,” a friendly bearlike character designed to reflect Upper Macungie Township’s natural environment and cultural heritage. Vazquez said a community survey was conducted last year to gather input on the mascot concept.

Vazquez said the mascot symbolizes the township’s deep natural roots and pays tribute to both the Lenni Lenape heritage and the area’s agricultural history connected to early German settlers.

Makku made a surprise appearance during the meeting wearing a township jersey, drawing laughter from supervisors and attendees. Vazquez said Makku will appear at future community events, including Movies in the Park and expressed hope the mascot will help create excitement for children and families throughout the township.