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Township Manager’s Message
On behalf of the Marple Township Board of Commissioners and Staff, we hope you enjoy the Spring 2022 edition of the Marple Township Newsletter. We all know that last two years were like no other. This pandemic changed the world and we strived to adapt the way we do things with compassion, creativity, resilience, and planning. Our goal has been, and will continue to be, serve the needs of our community, support quality services, provide efficiencies were possible, all while keeping our residents and employees safe. In the face of financial shortfalls, we adjusted spending on capital projects, which, along with our conservative financial policies, allowed us to adopt a revenue neutral budget for 2022, and zero tax increase for our community. As we look back on 2021, we are grateful for the residents, businesses, and employees of this Township. We are hopeful to implement traditional events and gatherings and are planning accordingly. We look forward to getting back together with all of you!
We are excited to announce the completion of the new all-inclusive playground at Veterans Park that was under construction for the past year. This new and exciting recreation area is ultramodern and brings many new activities for our children. In addition to the playground equipment, there is a rest area/pavilion inside the playground for family to gather and so that parents can relax while the children enjoy the playground. The play area is completely fenced in and there is only one entrance/exit so that parents can safely monitor their children. The playground is now available for everyone to enjoy as we prepare for the second phase of this expansion project. Soon we will begin the construction of 52 additional parking spaces and a new comfort station/rest room that will comply with ADA standards. Congratulations to our Board of Commissioners, Marple Township Parks and Recreation Board, and the Marple Township Rotary for their support towards the reality of this outstanding recreation facility.
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Changes and expansion on the for Paxon Hollow Country Club
Marple Township is set to begin major improvements to Paxon Hollow Country Club which will include changes to the first three holes of the golf course and the addition of a full-scale driving range. This project will also include major upgrades to the golf operations infrastructure. In December, the Marple Township Board of Commissioners unanimously approved to move forward with a 3-million-dollar expansion project for the Paxton Hollow Golf Club.
Two new opening holes will be built, which when completed will replace the current first two holes. The third hole will get a new tee located near the current fifth green making the third hole a straight away par four playing from an elevated tee. The new driving range will be built on the site of current holes one and two after the new holes are open. The new starting hole sequence will be par 5, par 3, par 4. The new driving range will be dual function and can be used as a six-hole par three course for beginners and juniors. The new golf operations facility will be built directly adjacent to the first tee, driving range, and practice putting green. This new building will include the golf shop, locker rooms, snack bar, and below ground cart storage. Holes one and two of the current golf course will remain fully open as the two new opening holes are shaped and seeded. The current third hole will have a temporary tee and play as a par four during construction. Construction on both the new golf features and the golf operations building is scheduled to start this summer (2022) and will be completed and open for use the following summer (2023). The picture attached depicts all changes described above as well as a short game practice area on the site of our current irons only practice range. The short game practice area will not be part of this project but will remain in our long-range plans. Paxon Hollow has provided residents and taxpayers with a wonderful added benefit. Not only is the proximity of the course convenient for all residents, but it also provides financial support to the General Fund each year.
Multiple signal projects will be taking place throughout the Township starting this spring through fall. Traffic signals will be repaired and updated to busy intersections to improve safe travel in the Township. Short-term Road delays will occur, and road closures will be posted on the website. Please use extreme caution when traveling through construction zones.
Website
The Township launched a newly designed website, www.marpletwp.com, which is intended to create a more professional and user-friendly experience following a series of improvements and enhancements. Many of the improvements were derived from responses to the Township website redesign team and input from residents. In January we added an additional feature that allows live streaming for residents to view our public meetings (Commissioners, Zoning and Planning) over the website. Once the meetings are completed the videos are also accessible for residents to view in the future as well.
For the Apple consolidated app, users can download the app and the icon that will display on their device will be the CivicMobile app icon. Once you opened the app, you have the option to search for “Marple Township, PA” or they can use the 'Find Your Location' feature. After selecting the app, it will not show the splash screen, but will open directly to the menu screen of your app.
Our next major improvement is on-line payment. The township will offer the ability for residents to pay for services, such as, Bulk Pick-up, permits, taxes and other services that will allow our residents to access pay for the township services. We are hopeful to have this new service available by July of 2022. keyword: stormwater and follow #stormwatersmartPA for updates.
Stormwater runoff is precipitation (rain or snowmelt) that flows across the land. Stormwater may infiltrate into soil, discharge directly into streams, water bodies, or drain inlets, or evaporate back into the atmosphere. In the natural environment, most precipitation is absorbed by trees and plants or permeates into the ground, which results in stable stream flows and good water quality. Emergency Notification System
Especially after the most recent Tropical Storm Isaias, I would like to remind residents about the importance of subscribing to the Townships Emergency Notification System. It is an essential service that provides information from our emergency management personnel so our community can be prepared for unexpected emergencies. In the event of an emergency that affects Marple Township, a subscriber who has provided us with their home and/or cell phone number(s) will be contacted via a prerecorded voice message about the nature of the event as well as proper response actions that the public should undertake. This service is provided by the Delaware County Emergency Notification System (DELCO ALERT), a strategic voice messaging system. Although the Township has provided Delco Alert with a general database of Marple Township home and business phone numbers, all residents are urged to subscribe all of their phone numbers (home and cell) to ensure that they receive proper emergency voice notifications.
To subscribe: http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/delcoready /delcoalert.html Once again, our number one goal is public service, and we see it as an honor and privilege to provide it to you. Should you ever need to talk with me personally, please feel free to contact me by telephone at (610) 356-4040. Sincerely, Larry Gentile Township Manager
Since 2003, Marple Township has been complying with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) requirements of their MS4 program that regulates stormwater discharges from the municipal storm sewer system. This program is the result of storm water regulations enacted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act. PA DEP has developed a municipal permit program with the goal of reducing pollutants associated with stormwater runoff. Marple Township is one of nearly 900 municipalities in the state required to obtain a permit and perform annual testing of all stormwater flows to ensure compliance with pollutant standards. Stormwater management information is available on PA DEP's website at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us; search
HOW YOU CAN HELP MANAGER STORMWATER
Reducing impervious areas so that rain soaks into the ground. Managing stormwater on-site with rain gardens, rain barrels and similar practices.
Grow native plants that are adapted to our climate and pests. Spread mulch thinly at the base of trees to prevent mower damage. Water your lawn deeply, but only every several days. Mow to 2½ to 3”. Rotate your garden crops, just as farmers do. If you find a pest damaging one of your plants, know what it is, what it does, and the best methods for treatment before taking action. PSU Extension (extension.psu.edu/pests) is a great place to start learning. When weeds sprout, hand dig or spot treat them with herbicices. If pesticides are needed, use insecticidal soaps or “Bt.” Healthier lawns and gardens. Fewer pesticides.
