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2003 Horsham Township Park And Recreation Plan Update

Updated: View The P & R Plan Update Online Presentation

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What is the 2003 Horsham Township Parks & Recreation Plan Update?

The 2000 Census recorded 24,232 people in Horsham Township. The population of the township is projected to grow to 30,890 by 2025, a population gain of 6,658 persons, which translates to a 27.4 percent increase. Provision of adequate parks and recreation opportunities to serve the growing population takes careful planning. The 2003 Horsham Township Park and Recreation Plan Update represents a commitment on the part of Horsham Township Council to continue assessing the municipality's role as a provider of parks and recreation services.

The Update is intended to serve as an effective planning tool to maintain and improve the present level of service and to enhance an already successful park and recreation system. It assesses the need for a broad array of recreation opportunities into the future and identifies needs and priorities so that decision makers can make informed decisions regarding the delivery of parks and recreation services in Horsham Township.

Uses of the Plan

The Update is intended to serve two basic functions upon completion and adoption by the Township Council:

Advisory - The Update will set forth a comprehensive strategy for establishing an effective park and recreation services delivery system. It will recommend parameters, principles, and actions to accomplish a level of service capable of meeting the community's long-term needs. Although the recommendations will only be advisory, they will provide a framework for Township officials, administrators, and management to formulate policies. The recommendations will not commit the Township to specific actions. Aside from being used internally by the Township, the plan will also serve as a tool for external stakeholders and partners (i.e., developers, businesses, recreation-related organizations, neighborhood groups, associations, agencies, the general citizenry, etc.) to learn how they, too, can help implement the plan.
Legal - The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (PMPC), which sets forth requirements for planning on the municipal level, stipulates that planning documents and ordinances must be adopted by the municipality to provide a defensible basis for sound decision-making regarding land use. The Update will satisfy this legal directive by serving as a blueprint for decision-making. It will provide guidance for parkland acquisition and development, operations and maintenance, recreation programming, staffing, budgeting, and other fundamental elements of fulfilling the prescribed mission and goals for the Township's park and recreation system.

The Study Committee

The Update is being prepared by a study committee established by Township Council to serve as the official policy- and decision-making body for developing the plan and presenting it to Council for adoption. The committee includes a broad representation of people who share a mutual interest in enhancing the quality of life in the township through public recreation. The committee is comprised of the following representatives:

two members from the Township Council;
two members from the Park and Recreation Board;
one member from the Planning Commission;
one member from the Environmental Advisory Board;
one member from the Hatboro-Horsham School District;
four residents at large;
one senior citizen;
the Township Manager; and
the Parks and Recreation Director.

The Planning Process

Click here to view the project timeline (PDF, 31.4 KB), which provides an overview of the tentative schedule for preparing the Update. Keep in mind that the meetings identified with dots in the timetable are representative as to when different types of meetings may be held. Upcoming meetings that have been scheduled and for which dates, times and locations are known are listed in the meeting calendar.

Public Participation

The planning process for the Update is designed to incorporate broad and meaningful public participation to determine park and recreation support, needs, and priorities.

Citizen Survey - A recreation needs questionnaire was mailed to every postal address in the township as the primary means of assessing the public park and recreation interests and needs. Check on the status of the survey results.
Public Meetings - The study committee meetings are advertised and open to the public. These give the general public and other stakeholders an opportunity to become informed about the plan and to understand the potential impacts and benefits of its findings and recommendations. Information is presented and any questions and concerns can be addressed during these public forums. Check the meeting calendar for dates when meetings may be held. These will be opportunities for anyone who has an interest in the Update to become involved in the planning process.

Organization of the Plan

The Update will be organized into 11 chapters. Each of the following chapters will be posted on this website as drafts are completed. Click on any chapter to read the text and to view its accompanying maps and graphics for chapters that have been approved by the study committee.

Chapter 1 (Introduction) is simply a reiteration of the content of this home page for the Update. It provides a basic description of the planning project.
Chapter 2 (Customer Analysis) identifies the customers that are served by Horsham Township's parks and recreation services. The chapter provides background information about the community, including township history; governmental structure; population and employment data; land use; growth patterns; and remaining open land.
Chapter 3 (Supply Analysis) inventories and assesses the existing supply of available parks, recreation facilities and recreation programs. Active proposals that could supplement the existing supply are identified.
Chapter 4 (Needs Analysis) presents the park and recreation interests and needs that customers expressed through a mailed survey, interviews, and public meetings. The spatial distribution and physical accessibility of parks and recreation facilities are examined.
Chapter 5 (Issues and Opportunities Analysis) draws conclusions about the future demand for parks and recreation in light of constraints, trends, and forecasts. Opportunities to enhance the delivery of parks and recreation services are outlined.
Chapter 6 (Strategic Goals) proposes a mission statement and definitive goals for achieving the mission. General roles and responsibilities are assigned.
Chapter 7 (System Plan) identifies new parks to be acquired, new recreation facilities to be developed, and other resources to be replaced/rehabilitated. Trail, sidewalk, and on-road bicycle facility improvements are addressed.
Chapter 8 (Maintenance Plan) proposes operation, maintenance, and land management practices to enhance the condition of parks and recreation facilities. Maintenance equipment needs are evaluated.
Chapter 9 (Recreation Services Delivery Plan) describes new programs to be offered to better meet customers' recreational interests. Public relations and marketing efforts are recommended to inform customers of available functions, services, and programs.
Chapter 10 (Administration and Personnel Plan) recommends a level of staffing needed to administer and maintain the recommended parks, facilities, programs, and services. Additional personnel needs are identified.
Chapter 11 (Implementation Plan) provides a cohesive five-year list of prioritized operating-related recommendations with their associated costs. A prioritized capital improvement program extending 8+ years is recommended. Implementation techniques are proposed.
Appendix A Regional Recreation Facilities Outside the Township
Appendix B Horsham Township Recreation Survey Questionnaire
Appendix C Priority Identification Methodology
Appendix E Key Person Interview Responses
Appendix F Standards For On-Road Bicycle Facilities
Appendix G Fiscal Affairs