The meeting also addressed the delay in the Orlock Save project’s initiation. Concerns were raised about the lack of budget surplus and the possible need for additional legislative measures to advance the project. This discussion was part of a broader conversation on the commission’s challenges in managing and developing the township’s parks and environmental projects.

One notable issues discussed was the state of Malaga Lake Park. Members expressed clear frustration over the stalled progress in implementing the park’s concept plan. Specific issues included inadequate drainage and the absence of an engineering plan to guide the park’s development. Despite these challenges, there was a positive note regarding community involvement, demonstrated by the planting of a flower garden within the park, which members appreciated as an enhancement to the park’s aesthetic.

The commission also delved into the maintenance concerns surrounding the parks, with a statement highlighting the township’s struggle to maintain the few parks it manages. The lack of success in obtaining grants for park improvements was another point of concern, with members reflecting on the township’s poor track record in grant implementation. In a related discussion, members planned to review materials from the previous Community Day to determine their applicability for the upcoming event.

Environmental upkeep extended beyond park boundaries as the commission discussed the issue of farm trash near The Preserve. The necessity for better maintenance was underscored, including the cleaning of a trail map box and the safe management of a plaque that had become enveloped by poison ivy. The role of the Public Works department was mentioned as crucial in addressing these maintenance issues and in the installation of new posts to enhance the park’s infrastructure.

Furthermore, the commission discussed the need to refresh the environmental resource inventory and the open space and recreation plan, with a desire to update the list of contaminated sites, which had previously been compiled by volunteers.

In the planning and zoning segment of the meeting, there were no substantial comments from the commission on the applications reviewed, including a proposal for a personal equipment storage unit, an unclear addition to a house, and a lot line adjustment for a potential small subdivision. These applications presented minor issues compared to the broader environmental and park development concerns.