A township resident pledged to donate materials needed to improve a youth baseball field during an Upper Milford Township board of supervisors meeting, providing unexpected support for the growing Upper Milford Youth Association.

UMYA President Matt Mecouch and board member James Hayes attended the meeting to thank the township for its support of local parks and youth sports programs while discussing the organization’s increasing participation and needs.

The association has seen growth since Mecouch became president in 2023, with participation increasing in baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball and kickball programs. Mecouch said the organization’s goal is to provide opportunities for children to participate in sports with their friends and neighbors.

The 11-member volunteer board works to keep registration fees affordable for families. Rising costs for uniforms, equipment, officials and facility rentals, however, have resulted in fee increases of about $25 per player during the past three years.

To accommodate growing enrollment, association leaders are exploring several improvements. Mecouch said fencing around the fields could create sponsorship opportunities, while additional field lighting would expand practice availability and reduce the need to rent outside facilities. The township recently approved lighting for the softball field.

Supervisor John Zgura questioned whether the increase in participation reflected population growth in the township. Hayes said participation numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic were likely unusually low, creating an artificial comparison. Mecouch also noted that players age out of the U12 baseball program and move to the Emmaus Youth Association because Upper Milford lacks a field large enough for older age groups.

The association requested township assistance with 20 tons of infield mix and topsoil needed to level and maintain fields at Macungie Memorial Park. Although privately owned, the park allows UMYA to use its fields for youth sports. The materials were estimated to cost about $800.

Before the discussion concluded, resident Colt Hershinger volunteered to donate the infield mix needed for the project.

Supervisors asked UMYA representatives to provide cost estimates for additional lighting and field materials for consideration during preparation of the township’s 2027 budget.

Township Manager Bud Carter presented the first draft of the township’s 2027 budget during the meeting. The preliminary proposal does not include a tax increase. Budget workshop meetings are scheduled for Oct. 15 and Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Tentative adoption is scheduled for Nov. 5, with final adoption planned for Dec. 3.

The next board of supervisors meeting is scheduled for Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the township building, 5671 Chestnut St.