Falls to Restore, Improve Drainage for Hockey Rink; New Park Hours Approved to Curb Vandalism

The hockey rink at Falls Township Community Park will receive a facelift as part of a restoration project aimed at improving drainage. 

The rink, which was renovated in 2022 to include a new dasher board, resurfaced rink, and restored fencing, has had issues with rainwater collecting on its surface following storms. 

Township Engineer Joseph Jones of Jones Engineering Associates said the upcoming improvements will address drainage issues. As part of his engineering services proposal, which the board approved 4-0 Monday, the firm will undertake surveying and preliminary analysis, engineering design, oversee bid administration, and provide inspection and construction oversight, including attendance at pre-construction meetings and construction progress meetings. 

Construction is expected to cost $120,000 and will include repaving the rink after milling the upper surface and preparing crack seal and filler to provide a surface that drains rainfall. 

In other business, the Supervisors adopted an ordinance amendment that closes parks an hour earlier. Under the change, Falls Township parks will be open from sunrise to sunset daily. The time change is aimed at curbing vandalism issues and ensuring public safety. 

The sunset closure would be effective every day except for “unusual and unforeseen emergencies and approved special events,” according to the ordinance. 

The public is not permitted to be in any of the township’s parks during any hours in which said park is not open to the public unless otherwise specified by permit, according to the amendment.

Anyone who violates the ordinance would be subject to a civil enforcement proceeding and, upon conviction, will be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $600, plus all court costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the township in the enforcement of this rule. Each day a violation exists constitutes a separate offense, according to the ordinance. 

Township attorney Mike Clarke said Falls could “revoke someone’s privilege” to be in the park if there are continued violations of the sunset closure policy.