SPRING/SUMMER 2008 Programs
Note: All East Norriton residents will be given first preference with space availability for all programs, trips, and special events.

Registration Information
Please fill out the registration form with payment and either drop off or mail to East Norriton Township Parks and Recreation Department, 2501 Stanbridge St., East Norriton, PA 19401. Please make checks payable to "East Norriton Township." Registrations will be accepted at the East Norriton Township Building receptionist area (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.), the Parks and Recreation office (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.), by mail, or dropping off in the mailbox outside the recreation office.

Click Here for the Program/Trip Registration Form 2

Tennis Lessons - youths   8‑15 yr. Olds
at: Stanbridge Street Park Courts
on: Saturday mornings beginning May 3^RD
fee: $25.00 per child
8‑10 yr. Olds      9 a.m.    11‑15 yr. Olds 10 a.m.
Five one‑hour lessons taught under excellent supervision.   Class size limited to first 20 registered. Register by Friday April 25^TH .

Tennis Lessons   16 yrs.- Adult
at: Stanbridge Street Park Courts
on: Saturday mornings   11 a.m. beginning May 3^RD
fee: $25.00 per adult
Program consists of 5 one‑hour lessons. Class size limited to 15 registrants. Sign‑up by Friday, April 25^TH .

Adult Softball League
at: Stanbridge Street Complex Field
on: Sunday afternoons beginning May 4^TH
This is strictly a recreational league.   Deadline for roster and $50.00 deposit is Friday April 18^TH. Organizational meeting to be held in late April. Registration accepted on a team basis only.
fee: resident teams (70% or more) $350.00
       non‑residents                            $375.00

Youth Softball Fast Pitch Pitching Lessons for 9-17 yr. olds
at: East Norriton Middle School gym
on: Wednesday evenings beginning April 23^rd for 5 weeks
class times: beginners 9 – 11 yr. olds   6-7 p.m.
                    intermediate 12-15 yr. olds 7-8 p.m.
                    advanced     15-17 yr. olds 8-9 p.m.
Minimum of 4 per class and maximum of 8 per class. Certain players may be asked to move to another session after 1^st week depending on skill level
Fee: $55.00 per student
Group fast pitch pitching lessons are being offered by Tara White Fitch. Tara was starting varsity softball pitcher for Norristown High School from 1995-1998 and starting pitcher for Kutztown University for three years. She has 15 years of competitive pitching experience. Fundamentals of windmill pitching will be covered with emphasis on proper form and technique for various pitches depending on age and skill level. Drills and proper practice routines will also be established. Deadline to register is Friday April 18^th .

Women's Basketball League
at: East Norriton Middle School
on: Thursday evenings beginning April 3^rd
fee: resident teams (70% EN residents)      $300
       non-resident teams                                $350
Roster and $50 deposit due at Parks and Recreation Office no later than March 7^TH. Registration accepted on team basis only.

Kids Karate Beginners 5‑12 yr. Olds
at: Paul Fly Elementary School    6 weeks
on: Mondays 6:00 ‑ 7:00 P.M., beginning April 21^st
fee: $30 per student
A beginner’s course in TaeKwon-Do Karate, the class covers the basic technique, discipline, coordination, and exercise while having fun. Class instructor Master Harry Plichta. Pre‑register at the Recreation Office or at your first class at Paul Fly School.

Adult Karate Beginners 13 yr.& older
at: Paul Fly Elementary School, 6 weeks
on: Monday evenings 7-8 p.m. beginning on April 21^st
fee: $30.00 per student
An adult beginner's class introducing the basic technique, discipline, coordination and exercise for this martial art. Class instructor Master Harry Plichta. Pre-register at the Recreation Office or at your first class meeting at Paul Fly School.

East Norriton Karate Club
at: Paul Fly Elementary School
on: Monday and Wednesday evenings beginning April 21^st
fee: $25.00 per person per month   (Register at your first class)
       youths 6‑12 yr. Olds 6:00 ‑ 7:00 p.m.
     adults 13 and up       7:00 ‑ 8:00 p.m.
An internationally certified TaeKwon‑do school.   Classes cover all aspects of this defensive art, with opportunities to advance to black belt. Classes are open to beginners through advanced students, male or female. Instructor Master Harry Plichta.

U.K. Elite Soccer Clinic   3, 4, and 5 yr. olds
at: Stanbridge Street Park Complex
Fridays April 11^th - May16^th    (Rain date May 23^rd )
Fee: $75 per child
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.    or      4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
A fun introduction to the world of soccer. Through exposure to exciting and stimulating physical activities, tremendous developments can be made in children’s motor skills and coordination as well as social skills. Program taught by U.K. Elite Soccer teaching staff using “Games Based Approach”. Limited space is available. Deadline to register April 4^th.

U.K. Elite Soccer Clinic 5,6 and 7 yr. olds
at: Stanbridge Street Park Complex
Fridays April 11^th - May 16^th    (Rain date May 23^rd )
Fee: $75 per child
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Fun innovative program taught by qualified coaches and teachers of U.K. Elite Coaching staff. Six weeks of instruction including a mini-tournament on the 6^th week. Limited space is available in each session. Deadline to register is April 4^th .

PONYSHARE CAMP- GROOMING, RIDING AND HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAM
For: boys and girls 4-11 YR. OLDS
July 21^st-- July 25^th
at: Stanbridge Street Park Complex
times: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. for 7-11 yr. olds,   3-6 yr. olds 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
fee: $205 per child for 7- 11yr. olds, and $175 for 3-6 yr. olds
This unique program provides an exciting and inexpensive introduction to the wonderful world of equines in a fun-filled, non –threatening atmosphere. PonyShare uses ponies and cobs, smaller and easier to handle than their larger equine counterparts. Small groups of 4-5 children are formed according to age and prior experience- if any. After reviewing Safety Rules, materials previously covered and learning of new subject matter, children are assigned their size related pony or cob and each small group works under the tutelage of a qualified instructor. Some of the horsemanship matters covered include: Safety on and around horses, basic anatomy, equine senses and body language, grooming, the tack and harness, driving the miniature horse, English and Western riding, barn management and careers in the industry. Participants also get to shortly ride and drive their charges three to four times during each session. This program enhances team work and self-esteem while helping develop a genuine appreciation and respect for the animals. Course materials are provided. Space is limited. Recommended attire, hiking shoes, jeans/sweat pants, bicycle helmet, fluids and a carrot. Deadline to register is July 3^rd . For a detailed flyer call the Recreation Department.

MEGA Multi-Sports Camp
For: boys and girls 5-14 years old
5-7 yr. olds 9 a.m.–1 p.m.,   7-14 yr. olds 9 am–3 pm** ( ends 1 p.m. on Friday)
Monday August 4^th – Friday August 8^th
At: Stanbridge Street Park
Fee: 5-7 yr.olds    9 a.m. – 1 p.m.    $140
         7-14 yr. olds 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.    $160
Give your child the unique opportunity to experience over 15 different sports from around the world. Children can learn how to bowl and Cricket ball, score a try in Rugby, shoot hoops and score plenty of goals in a variety of sports from around the world.   All activities and games take place in a positive low pressure educational environment under the guidance of our qualified coaches who are chosen for their ability to inspire, motivate, and encourage campers.   Deadline to register Friday July 25^th.

Sports Squirts
For: boys and girls 3-5 years old
Monday August 4^th – Friday August 8^th
At: Stanbridge Street Park   4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Fee: $80 per child
This is a great way to introduce children 3 to 5 years of age to a variety of sports such as soccer, t-ball, basketball, and tennis. Sessions take place in a safe, structured environment and sports are played through a series of games and activities designed to ensure learning and most importantly fun, fun, fun. Deadline to register Friday July 25^th.

The following programs are being offered in conjunction with Upper Merion Dance and Gymnastics Center, 421 Feheley Dr., King of Prussia; For a complete list of programs offered please call 610-731-0022 or visit them at www.umdg.com;

Gymnastics/Tumbling Summer Camp, 5 yrs & up
at: Upper Merion Dance & Gymnastics Center
421 Feheley Dr., King of Prussia, PA 19406
Free Extended Supervision 75 minutes before and after listed times. Gymnastics and tumbling options available; note on registration form. After warm-up and stretch, morning activities will focus on skill development with groups of 5-8 campers per staff member. During the afternoon, the staff provides basic instruction in numerous activities including cheerleading, dance, martial arts, arts & crafts, and sports & games; campers will also have open workouts to master new skills. Bring a healthy snack and drink everyday; all-day campers must also bring a bagged lunch. No instruction during Extended Supervision; campers may play boardgames, cards, relax, or bring their own activity. Field trips will be offered at an additional cost; information will be available in June. No camp Jul 4. More information available at www.umdgc.com.

Typical Daily Schedule
8:30-9:30           Extended Drop-off: Campers do independent activities or relax.
9:30-9:45           Warm-up and stretch
9:45-12:30         Gymnastics/tumbling workout with 10-minute snack break
12:30-1:45         Lunch break, open workout, and strength (team members) for all-day campers. Morning-only campers depart.
1:450-3:45         Afternoon activities: dance, arts & crafts, sports & games, baton, color guard, rhythmic gymnastics, cheerleading, martial arts, and/or Greco-Roman wrestling, stretch (team members), and event workouts.
3:45-4:15           Open workout and group activity
4:15-5:30           Extended Pick-up: Campers are supervised as they do independent activities or watch a G or age-appropriate PG movie.

Weeks Offered
     Jun 16-Jun 20       Jun 23-Jun 27       Jun 30-Jul 3       Jul 7-Jul 11        Jul 14-Jul 18
     Jul 21-Jul 25         Jul 28-Aug 1         Aug 4-Aug 8      Aug 11-Aug 15

Costs per week                                       9:30-4:00pm                9:30-12:30pm
Attending 1-4 weeks total                            $185/wk                        $160/wk
Attending 5-9 weeks total                            $150/wk                        $125/wk
Half-day camper staying whole day             $10/day

Dance Camp, 5 yrs & up
at: Upper Merion Dance & Gymnastics Center
                421 Feheley Dr., King of Prussia, PA 19406
Free Extended Supervision 75 minutes before and after listed times. During the afternoon, the staff provides basic instruction in numerous activities including cheerleading, dance, martial arts, arts & crafts, and sports & games; campers will also have open workouts to master new gymnastics skills. Bring a healthy snack and drink everyday; all-day campers must also bring a bagged lunch. No instruction during Extended Supervision; campers may play boardgames, cards, relax, or bring their own activity. Field trips will be offered at an additional cost; information will be available in June. No camp Jul 4. More information available at www.umdgc.com. All-Inclusive: A fun-filled camp that combines ballet, jazz, tap and hip-hop. Modern dance as well as Irish and Scottish dance may also be taught one or two days per week by guest instructors. Tap shoes must be purchased or rented. Also, ballet/jazz shoes must be purchased or bare feet for other parts. Combo: Campers will enjoy ballet, tap, and jazz combined in the studio from 9:30-11:30 and gymnastics from 11:30-12:30. Campers must participate in both portions for camp. Tap shoes must be purchased or rented. Bare beet or jazz/ballet shoes. Musical Theatre: Focus on all aspects of musical theatre; basic vocals, acting, and improv skills as well as theatre jazz are combined.  Family members are invited to attend a mini performance on Friday morning. No special shoes required. Specialty:   Jazz portions require ballet/jazz shoes or bare feet. Hip-hop portions need clean street sneakers or hip-hop sneakers. Tap shoes for tap portion must be purchased or rented.

Camp Schedule: (Minimum of 4 campers required for all camp sessions)
Jun 16-Jun 20    All-Inclusive Ages 7-10                         Jul 21-Jul 25           Combo Camp Ages 5-7
Jun 23-Jun 27     Jazz/Hip-Hop Ages 7-9                        Jul 28-Aug 1           All-Inclusive Ages 7-10
Jun 23-Jun 27     Jazz/Hip-Hop Ages 10-14                   Aug 4-Aug 8           Musical Theatre Camp Ages 8-12
Jul 7-Jul 11         Jazz/Tap Ages 7-10                            Aug 11-Aug 15       Jazz/Hip-Hop Ages 7-9
Jul 14-Jul 18       Combo Camp Ages 5-7                       Aug 11-Aug 15       Jazz/Hip-Hop Ages 10-14
Jul 14-Jul 18       All-Inclusive Ages 7-10

Costs per week                                              9:30-4:00pm                9:30-12:30pm
Attending 1-4 weeks total                                   $185/wk                        $160/wk
Attending 5-9 weeks total                                   $150/wk                        $125/wk
Half-day camper staying whole day                    $10/day

Easter Egg Hunt
Friday March 21^st     (rain date Saturday March 22^nd same times)
at: Stanbridge Street Park
for: East Norriton Boys and Girls 3-8 yrs. Old
Age groups: 3-4 yr. Olds 10:00 a.m.
                    5-6 yr. Olds 10:15 a.m.
                    7-8 yr. Olds 10:30 a.m.
Bring the kids out for this fun event and meet the Easter Bunny in person. All participants should report to the pavilion five (5) minutes prior to the starting time for their age group. THIS EVENT IS FOR THE CHILDREN ONLY. PARENTS ARE REQUESTED TO REMAIN BEHIND THE STARTING LINE DURING THE EVENT.

23^RD Annual Montgomery County Sr. Olympics
MAY 12^TH - 16^th , 2008
for: Montgomery County residents 50 years old and over. (7 separate age groups)
at: Montgomery County Community College and several specialized facilities in the area
events: golf, tennis, horseshoes, bowling, swimming, shuffleboard, billiards, softball throw stationary bicycle, basketball "hot shot", running events, and walking 1 ½ mile, table tennis, and darts. CALL THE UPPER DUBLIN TWP. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT AT 215-643-1600 EXT. 3443 OR E-MAIL AT       PRCSR@upperdublin.net FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORMS.   PROGRAMS OPEN TO ALL MONTGOMERY COUNTY RESIDENTS AGES 50 AND OVER.

Trips and Outings

Casino Trip
on: Wednesday April 30^th , 2008
fee: $35.00 per person
Bus departs from the East Norriton Township Parks and Recreation Office at 7:45 a.m. After arrival in Atlantic City, Hilton Casino, and you will be on your own for the day. Bus will depart for East Norriton at 4:15 p.m. ** You must be 21 year of age to participate in this trip. For a detailed flyer and cash back program, please call the Recreation office at 610-275-2800. Limited space is available for this trip and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline to register for this trip is April 11^th.

Broadway Show trip “Little Mermaid”
on: Saturday May 3^rd and Wednesday June 4^th, 2008
fee: $155.00 per person
Bus departs from the East Norriton Township Parks and Recreation Office at 7:45 a.m. for a trip to see this new hit Disney Broadway Show. After arrival in New York, you will be on your own for a day of shopping, sightseeing, and lunch prior to the show. Doors for the show open at 1:30 p.m. for the 2:00 p.m. matinee show. Bus will depart from New York City directly after the show. Limited seats are available for each show and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

St. Michaels Maryland
on: Saturday May 31^st, 2008
fee: $75 for adults, $65 for youths 12 and under
Bus will depart from the Parks and Recreation Department at 8 a.m. to St. Michaels, Maryland. Lunch in included at the Crab Claw Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. with a choice of crab cakes, crab imperial or chicken. At 1 p.m., you will board the Patriot to cruise the Miles River. Upon return, you will have free time to visit the many shops and boutiques along Main Street in St. Michaels. We will board the bus for home at 5 p.m. and make a meal stop at the Delaware House for a light dinner on your own. Trip is limited to 45 registrants and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline to register is April 25^th. For more information or to register, call the Recreation Office.

Summer Playground Program 2008

Click Here for the 2008 Summer Playground Registration Form 2

The East Norriton Township Parks and Recreation Department will open its 2008 Summer Playground program on Monday June 23^rd and continue for six weeks until Friday August 1^st . This program is designed for East Norriton Township youths ages 5-13. A wide variety of activities is offered for the participants to partake in, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, contests, special events, and field trips. Anyone planning to participate on a trip must have a filled out permission slip accompanied with payment turned into your counselor by the prescribed deadline. A flyer on each trip will be distributed at the playgrounds, listing departure and return times, fees, etc. for your review. Parents and other family members are invited to join us on any of our trips or special events. All non-registered youths must be accompanied by an adult. Rates for non-registered guests are available upon request.

The playground program operates Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. with the exception of trip days and the 4th of July. All staff members are required to supervise the participants on scheduled trips, therefore no playground will be conducted at the Paul Fly playground on trip days unless otherwise noted. This year’s summer camp will once again be operating from the Paul Fly Elementary School. Flyers and a playground syllabus will be available the first day of camp to assist you and your child in planning for the summer's activities.

Our playground program is designed for an active/passive group learning experience for the participants. Therefore, children must be 5 years old prior to the start of camp. All new participants are required to provide a copy of their birth certificate for proof of age. Our hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; it is imperative that all participants are picked up at the designated time. Our staff has other commitments to attend to after playground hours. NO Supervision is available through the East Norriton Township Parks and Recreation Department after playground hours unless a special event or trip is planned.

Early registration for East Norriton Township residents only will be accepted until May 30^th, 2008 at the East Norriton Township Building, 2501 Stanbridge Street, and Monday- Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m... Registrations may also be made through the mail- fill out the summer playground registration form and submit payment (make checks payable to East Norriton Township). Early registration fee for residents prior to May 30^th is as follows: first child $200, two members per family $350, three or more members in a family $500. Registrations received on or after the June 2^nd will be accepted on a space availability basis at Paul Fly playground. East Norriton Township residents will be assessed $210 for first child, $370 for two children, and $530 for three or more children in a family. Non residents may also register at this time and will be assessed the following fees: $275 first child, $500 for two children per family and $675 for a family of three or more. There is a limited number of spaces available at each camp and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

All parents are welcomed to attend playground activities and become acquainted with the staff and our playground. For further information contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 610- 275-2800.

Disorderly conduct amongst playground participants will not be tolerated. Playground privileges will be revoked with no refund for fighting or causing any type disturbance on our playgrounds.

Refunds: Subject to a $5.00 administrative charge prior to the start of the program or trip. Any cancellation the day of a trip or special event will result in no refund being made. NO REGISTRATION REFUNDS will be made after 6/13/08.

Handicap Info. Those persons with special needs who desire to participate in any of our recreation offerings should contact the Parks and Recreation office.

Children must be picked up at the designated times; there will be no supervision at the locations supplied by the East Norriton Township Parks and Recreation Department after playground hours.

DISCOUNT AMUSEMENT PARK TICKET SALES:
East Norriton Township Parks and Recreation Department is once again selling tickets to many of the area amusement parks at discounted prices. These are the actual tickets for entrance, not discount coupons. Savings depend on park and type of ticket to be purchased. Tickets will be available in May for Dorney Park, Six Flags Great Adventure, Hershey Park, Sesame Place, Baltimore Aquarium, Camden Aquarium, Morey’s Pier, Kings Dominion, Philadelphia Zoo, Dutch Wonderland, Colonial Williamsburg and more. These tickets are good anytime during the 2007 season. Avoid the long lines at the ticket booth, save money and help support your recreation department by purchasing your tickets through us. For more information on ticket prices or to arrange a time to pick up your tickets, please call our office at 610- 275-2800.

No News Is Good News . . .
When you register for any of our recreation programs, don’t wait by the phone or camp out at your mailbox. The only time you will hear from us is:

In August of 2002, a committee of Township staff, Ve

terans in the community and the Township Engineer began meeting to establish a Veteran’s Memorial Monument in East Norriton Township. After several committee meetings, it was recommended and ultimately approved by the Board of Supervisors to establish such a memorial in the grassy triangle along Germantown Pike which is owned by the Township. In September 2003, the Committee held a ground breaking ceremony at the site of the mem

orial. Shortly after that, a Fund Raising Committee was formed to generate funding for the construction of the memorial. The Fund Raising Committee raised over $160,000.00 for the Monument’s construction and maintenance costs. Dedication of the monument was held on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2004. The following members of the two committees should be recognized for their efforts:

Veteran's Memorial Committee

F. Bud Denner
Ben Lare
Bill Morello
Joseph Palaia
Frank Petrone
Vince Palaia
John Timbario
Thomas Stralkowski, Sr.
Charles Viola
Robert Blue
Helmuth J. Baerwald
Larry Brown

Veteran's Memorial Fundraising Committee
Lewis McQuirns, Co-Chairman
Joseph Tarantino, Co-Chairman

F. Bud Denner
Donald Gracia
Gus Mandracchia
Anthony Taormina
Michael Gambone
Joan Morello
Dr. Joseph DiMino
Gus DiMino
Mark Chalphin
James Serratore
Helmuth J. Baerwald
Larry Brown

2008 EVENTS and ACTIVITIES

The East Norriton Township Veterans Memorial Committee has been busy planning events for this upcoming spring of 2008. The Committee has scheduled a Spring/Summer Flag Sale program beginning in March and continuing through October their 3^rd Annual All-you-can-eat breakfast for April 13^th, 2008, a Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony in observance of Memorial Day on Sunday May 25^th and a tattered flag burning ceremony on Friday, June 13^th.

The Veterans Committee is selling U.S. flags, Pennsylvania flags, military flags, MIA/POW flags, Eagles and Phillies flags and much more from March through October of 2008. A large variety of flags are available, many are in stock at the Parks and Recreation Office. A detailed flyer and order form is included in the spring/summer newsletter, available at the Township Building or Parks and Recreation Office or see below on this web page to purchase your flag. All proceeds from the sale of these flags will be used for the continued upkeep of the East Norriton Township Veterans Memorial.

The East Norriton Township Veterans Committee has scheduled their 3^rd Annual "All You Can Eat Breakfast" at the Tall Cedars Club on Germantown Pike in East Norriton Township on Sunday April 13^th, 2008. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost for the breakfast is $8.00 for adults and $4 for children under 10 years of age. Proceeds will be used for the continued maintenance of the East Norriton Township Veterans Memorial. The East Norriton Township Veterans Memorial is located just off of Germantown Pike between Old and New Stanbridge Streets. Tickets are available at the Township Building or the Parks and Recreation Office, 2501 Stanbridge Street, East Norriton, PA. For more information or tickets, please call Larry Brown, Director of Parks and Recreation at 610-275-2800 ext. 120.

A Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony has been scheduled for Sunday May 25^th, at 1 p.m. at the East Norriton Township Veterans Memorial located just off Germantown Pike between Old and New Stanbridge Streets in East Norriton. Guest Speaker for this year's event will be Lt. C. Howard Hostrander of East Norriton.

On Friday June 13^th, the Veterans Memorial Committee will once again hold a tattered and worn flag burning ceremony at Norris City Cemetery at 11 a.m. Old worn and tattered flags can be dropped off at the flag box at the East Norriton Township Building which will then be properly disposed of through burning and burying of the ashes of these flags.

SPRING - SUMMER 2008 FLAG SALE
The East Norriton Veterans Memorial Committee is selling flags and the proceeds will go to the Memorial Fund for continual maintenance and upkeep. This fundraising promotion will continue through October 31, 2008. Please call 610-584-4996 with any questions about the product and please call 610-275-2800 with any questions about pick-up and delivery of the flags.

Click here to download the flyer and Order Form (pdf)

ENGRAVED BRICK SALE FOR EAST NORRITON VETERANS MEMORIAL
Engraved bricks can be purchased for the East Norriton Township Veterans Memorial. These bricks line the walk-way to the memorial. Over 425 bricks have been purchased to date. Bricks cost $50. These bricks can accommodate three lines of writing with 15 characters per line. Forms can be picked up at the Township Building or the Parks and Recreation Office. This is a great way to honor or remember a friend or family member who served in the armed forces or a way to support this Memorial built to honor all the men and women who have served our Country in one of the branches of the Armed Forces.

Greenway Trail Feasibility
Context
The Greenway Trail Feasibility Study Report is the culmination of a six month long investigation into the possible development of an off-road trail system in the southwestern corner of East Norriton Township. The proposed trail system is recreational and transportation infrastructure for use primarily by East Norriton Township residents. Future developments may allow for this system to become apart of a larger Township, County or Regional system of trails and greenways.

Goals
In addition to providing the ultimate goal of creating an off-road trail system connecting the Ballard Wolffe Park with the Norristown Area High School, the Project Study Committee, with input from the public, identified various project goals that include safe road crossings, emergency access, privacy for adjacent landowners, and the incorporation of accepted design and maintenance standards.

Study Area & Design Process
The study area is the southwest corner of East Norriton Township and a portion of West Norriton Township. It is generally bound by Woodland Avenue to the north, Norristown Area High School to the south, Stony Creek to the east, and Trooper Road to the west. The project team performed an inventory and analysis of existing conditions through a number of site visits, review of available plans & Data, and four public meetings. Alternative trail alignments were investigated to determine their feasibility. Estimates of probable construction costs were developed and a preferred alignment was determined.

Preferred Alignment
The preferred trail alignment extends from the Ballard Wolffe Park to Germantown Pike through the Valley Forge Medical Center property by following an existing stream valley. The existing traffic signals at Potshop Road and Burnside Avenue provide a safe crossing of Germantown Pike. A connecting trail loop will provide a linkage to the Paul Fly Elementary School. The trail will follow the north and east perimeters of the Norriton Business Campus. At the southern end of the Business Campus, the trail will enter West Norriton Township and cross Burnside Avenue near the entrance to the Norristown Area High School. Coordination with West Norriton Township is necessary to provide the final connection to the High School. A trail spur from the High School will provide access to the open space parcel jointly owned by East Norriton and West Norriton Townships.

Implementation
The report outlines potential funding sources, a recommended task list and timetable, and accepted trail design and maintenance guidelines. These elements will serve ass a guide for Township Officials to implement this proposed off-road trail and greenway system.

Liberty Bell Trail

The Board of Supervisors held a Public Meeting on November 8, 2007 to review the proposed design and alignment of the Liberty Bell Trail. The Township is accepting comments, in writing, about the proposed trail and will schedule another public meeting for some time in January or February 2008. The following is a Power Point presentation made by Simone Collins at the public meeting and a PDF file of the preliminary plan for the Liberty Bell Trail:

Background
The Liberty Bell Trail is only a line on a map today, but tomorrow it could be an important trail for bicyclists, walkers and in-line skaters in Montgomery and Bucks counties, connecting residents to a region wide network of trails throughout the Delaware Valley. The planned endpoints of this 25-mile trail are the Norristown Farm Park in East Norriton Township, Montgomery County and Memorial Park in Richland Township, Bucks County. Throughout its length the trail is expected to link together residential areas, employment centers, office parks, shopping districts, historic sites, schools and other parks.

The name of the proposed trail is derived from the Liberty Bell for two reasons, First, the trail is envisioned to follow as closely as possible the alignment of the Liberty Bell Route which was an inter-urban trolley that the Lehigh Valley Transit Company operated from 1900 to 1951. Secondly, the trail, like the former trolley, is named because a branch of the trolley trackage followed Bethlehem Pike which was the route used to transport the Liberty Bell to Allentown in 1777 during the British occupation of Philadelphia.

A Group Effort
In 1996, the Montgomery County Commissioners adopted an open space plan recommending a countywide trail system, including the Liberty Bell Trail. Upon learning of the proposed trail, the North Penn Regional Improvement Association (NPRIA), a business consortium dedicated to lane use and transportation issues, organized a meeting in 1998 to discuss the trail idea among municipal officials and business leaders. Support for the trail grew and the NPRIA helped form a committee to study the concept of the trail in more detail.

Montgomery and Bucks counties, sixteen municipalities and the NPRIA are working together to make the Liberty Bell Trail a reality. These partners sponsored a grant application to examine alignment opportunities and select the best route for the future trail that resulted in a $30,000 commitment from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. East Norriton Township is a member of this partnership and pledged $3,000 in matching funds to help pay the local share of grant project costs.

Using the State grant and local funding, a planning consultant was hired who prepard the feasibility study in conjunction with the Liberty Bell Trail Advisory Committee. The feasibility study began in the Fall, 2002 and was completed in 2005. Now that the trail alignment is determined, design engineering will be undertaken followed by construction. Some segments of the trail where the alignment is already secured could be developed first by the municipality to accelerate the development process so that residents can benefit as soon as possible from this important community asset.

Based on the feasibility study, the proposed trail is expected to pass through the following municipalities, all of which were represented on an advisory committee that oversaw the study process:

Montgomery County - East Norriton Township, Whitpain Township, Upper Gwynedd Township, Lansdale Borough, Hatfield Township, Hatfield Borough, Franconia Township, Souderton Borough and Telford Borough.

Bucks County - Telford Borough, West Rockhill Township, Hilltown Township, Sellersville Borough, Perkasie Borough, East Rockhill Township, Richland Township and Quakertown Borough.

Next Steps
East Norriton Township has begun the process to prepare construction plans for the segment of the trail from the Farm Park along Norris City Avenue, crossing Swede Road and then along the PECO power lines to Germantown Pike. The Township is working with the landscape architecture firm Simone Collins of Berwyn, PA and the engineering firm of The Louis Berger Group of Exton, PA to prepare the design for the 1.25 mile trail segment within the Township. Once the plans are completed based on public input, the Township will then commence with the construction of the trail.

For More Information
If you would like to learn more, please call any of the following people:

Larry Brown, East Norriton Township Advisory Committee Member, 610-275-2800
Ken Edmonds, Citizen Volunteer, Rails-to-Trail Conservancy, 215-721-6543
Pamela Register, Executive Director, NPRIA, 215-368-9322
Curtis Bish, Senior Planner, Montgomery County Planning Commission, 610-278-3742

Public Facilities
Stanbridge Street Park Complex
2501 Stanbridge Street located directly behind the Municipal Building. 21 acres, includes lighted softball field, picnic pavilion with grills, play apparatus, 1mile walking trail, tennis courts, basketball court, exercise equipment, soccer field and sand volleyball court.

Calvert Hurdle Park
North Wales Road, 15.3 acres, includes hard surface hockey/basketball court, picnic area with tables and grills, play equipment, and pond.

Ballard-Wolffe Park
Trooper Road and Woodland Avenue, 35.5 acres, woodland preserve with trails and benches. Circular trail developed with additional trails planned and will be the start of the Green Way which will connect this park to the Norristown High School and eventually Germantown Pike near Rt. 202.

Old Arch Road Park
Old Arch Road, 2.8 acres, includes play equipment, sand volleyball court, and picnic area.

Louis K. "Mack" Watson Sr. Memorial Park
2.0 acres, includes play equipment, basketball court, and picnic area.

DeSage Park
9.8 acres, recently purchased property to be developed as a passive park with trails and benches located throughout the wooded area.

VanLandeghem Tract
19.5 acres, recently purchased property to be developed as a passive recreation area.

Norris City Cemetery
9.0 acres, permanently preserved and cared for as a cemetery. The Township has taken over the care of the facility in an attempt to provide the cemetery with the proper maintenance and care this area deserves.

Rentals
Township Pavilion
Need a place for your family reunion or picnic? Call the Parks and Recreation Department to reserve our pavilion. Fee is $50 refundable deposit and $75 for the rental.
Click Here for the Pavilion Application Form2
Click Hear for the Pavilion Use Rules and Regulations2


Dunk Booth
Our dunk booth is also available for fund raising or family outings. Fee is a $50 deposit and $75 rental fee for the weekend. Reservations for both of these items go fast, so call early to place your reservations.
Click here to download the Dunk Booth Application Form 2

Memorial Dedication Program
The Parks and Recreation Department has initiated a program for residents who wish to honor or remember a relative or friend through the purchase of a gift to the parks. Picnic tables, benches, bike racks and trees can be purchased with an engraved dedication plaque. The purchase of these items is a personal tax deduction. Through this program, residents are able to remember someone special to them, while contributing to the enhancement of our parks.

Bike Helmets For Sale
The East Norriton Parks and Recreation Department is selling bike helmets at the Recreation Offices, Monday through Friday 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. These helmets are ANSI and Snell B-90 certified. Helmets are being sold to promote bicycle safety and the state law, which requires all youths under 12 years of age to wear helmets. Cost for the helmets is $12.00 each.