Part Three

Editor’s Note: This is the third part of a planned several part series looking at the Salisbury Township 2026 Comprehensive Plan.

Parks and recreation are a key component of the Salisbury Township 2026 Comprehensive Plan, “Planning for a Safe, Healthy, and Connected Future.”

The comprehensive plan states that the William H. Laubach Memorial Park & Franko Farm Recreation Area Master Site Development Plan was adopted in 2017.

The plan identified nine goals:

• Solve two predominant concerns at Laubach Park: stormwater runoff and vandalism.

• Provide recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities in eastern Salisbury Township

• Improve the health of the pond and rehabilitate Trout Creek in Laubach Park

• Create an integrated passive and active recreation experience at both parks

• Develop a vegetation management plan for Franko Farm

• Provide ADA connections at both parks

• Upgrade facilities to meet standards

• Plan innovative improvements to provide activities for all age groups

• Phase the work to fit with the township’s budget

The comprehensive plan includes an inventory of the township’s community parks.

Laubach Park

William H. Laubach Memorial Park, a 14-acre neighborhood park between Lehigh and South mountains, has basketball and tennis courts, baseball and football fields, a playground and pavilion.

In January, the township received a $3 million grant through the Community Conservation Partnership Program funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The grant will help fund the $6.8 million park project, which will provide major improvements, including new courts, ball fields, pavilion, concession stand, splash pad, pedestrian walkways and ADA access.

Lindberg Park

Lindberg Park, in a residential neighborhood west of Little Lehigh Creek, has a pavilion, basketball, tennis, volleyball and pickleball courts and playground equipment.

McCullough Park and Devonshire Park

Frank McCullough Sr. Park and Devonshire Park Recreation Area provide neighborhood recreation opportunities. Devonshire Park Recreation Area is an approximately 30-acre park near Little Lehigh Creek.

Franko Park

Franko Farm Recreation Area, a 94-acre park along the South Mountain ridgeline, provides scenic views of Allentown. The park has baseball and soccer fields, a community garden and pond with a walkway and gazebo.

Black River Sanctuary

Black River Sanctuary is a 187-acrea nature preserve with seven hiking trails of varying difficulty.

Lehigh Mountain Park

Lehigh Mountain Park (Walking Purchase Park), bordering Allentown and the Lehigh River, is more than 500 pastoral acres with hiking and biking trails, fishing and dog-friendly spaces.

Parkway Path

The Little Lehigh Parkway Path is an approximately 6-mile loop trail from Fish Hatchery Road along the Little Lehigh Creek to Kline’s Bridge.

The comprehensive plan recommends for consideration: “Salisbury Township has a plethora of valued recreational assets. Careful planning should be made for their maintenance and preservation as well as potential enhancement.”

The public hearing on the comprehensive plan, originally scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 13 before the commissioners’ meeting, is expected to be held in September.

The comprehensive plan can be viewed on the township website: https://www.salisburylehighpa.gov/article/2923213.

Next: Comprehensive Plan Strategies For Action

The Salisbury Township meeting schedule in the municipal building, 2900 S. Pike Ave. includes: 7 p.m. Aug. 26, planning commission, and 7 p.m. Aug. 27, board of commissioners.