Greetings Willistown Parks & Recreation Friends, 

Just like Okehocking's Eastern Redbuds blossoming with cheer, I know we're all looking forward to some fresh air fun this year.

With that mission in mind, and to keep you informed of important planning efforts, this edition of Willistown Parks & Rec ENews includes the following segments:

• What's Up Outside
          The Stars!

• Summer Programs

• Comprehensive Plan Update: Public Meeting Save the Date

• Head Outdoors!

• Township News

• Be In the Know

• Contact Info

• Connect with Us

As always, please contact me with any concerns or suggestions you may have.

Can't wait to see you outside, 

Mary

Willistown Township Parks & Recreation Director
610-647-5300 x224  
Email 

WHAT'S UP OUTSIDE
The Stars!

PA IS TOP NOTCH FOR STARGAZING

Did you know that Pennsylvania has one of the darkest skies on the Eastern Seaboard and is perhaps the best place in the Northeast to take in the night sky? Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, PA has been named the best place on Earth for stargazing by the Travel Channel, yes—on Earth!, and the International Dark Sky Association has designated it a Gold Level Dark Sky Park. The Milky Way shines so brightly there that you can see your shadow!

Check out all the top notch places in our beautiful state to stargaze:

• 7 Epic Stargazing Spots in PA from VisitPA.com
  
  
• Franklin Institute's Recommendations
  
  
• PA Wilds Dark Sky Must See Destinations

• Skywatcher's Guide to PA Viewing 2021
  
  
• Full Moon Calendar

• 13 Tips for Stargazing from the Pros

• 15 Best Stargazing Apps

SUMMER PROGRAMMING

WILLISTOWN SUMMER FUN CAMPS POSTPONED TO 2022

I'm sorry to report that there will be no Summer Fun Camps this year. Due to the pandemic, the Sugartown Elementary School facilities remain closed to our use until further notice from the Great Valley School District. 

NEW SUMMER PROGRAMS  

T-Ball Registration Open
Boys and girls 3-5 years old learn the basics of throwing, catching, fielding, batting, and base running, and then apply what they have learned in fun, non-competitive games. 

• Saturdays June 12-July 24 

• 10-11AM or 11-12PM 

• Mill Park

• $90 Resident/$95 Non-Resident (includes t-shirt, hat, and award) 

• Find details and registration here. 

PAOLI LIBRARY & WILLISTOWN PARKS PRESENT 

Greentree Story Walk

Jabari Jumps, by Gaia Cornwall
Stroll the park and journey with Jabari as he gains the courage to take his first jump off the diving board. Stay tuned for installation updates and project unveiling.

Stories in the Park
There's nothing quite like an entertaining read with Paoli Library's Miss Stephanie and then playtime in the park for our youngsters. Stay tuned for registration info. 

OUR AWARD WINNING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAM RETURNS!

GO WilMa! Summer 2021
I am thrilled to announce that GO WilMa!, our award-winning outdoor adventure program, will be coming to the magical parks, preserves, and historic gems of our area again this summer. Stay tuned!  You can find out more about this beloved community program here. 

TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

KICK-OFF MEETING 
Save the Date: April 29, 7 PM  
 
Willistown Township is updating our Comprehensive Plan, Guidelines for Growth. The Plan looks at Willistown's history, considers current conditions, and charts a vision for the future including how to grow, develop, and improve facilities and services. The Township is authorized to plan for its future and must to do so according to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

Please join us on Zoom for the plan kick-off public meeting on April 29 at 7 PM. Stay tuned to the Crier and Willistown Parks & Recreation Enews for updates, reminders, and registration information. You can also sign up for email or text communications under Comprehensive Plan Update Information through the Notify Me module on our website.

For more, check out our Comprehensive Plan Update page which includes a project timeline and results from our 2020 survey presented in a Township-wide Top Line Report and a Top Line Report by Planning Area.  The reports address the survey’s statistical success, discuss the survey approach, supply baseline land use demographics and provide Township resident sentiment. 

HEAD OUTDOORS

WHERE TO GO to GET OUTSIDE

• Check out our  Willistown Township Park Land and Open Space Fund Map, an at-a-glance view including short descriptions of the wonderful recreational assets Willistown has to offer. 

• Check out Chester County's Parks & Trails 

• Get the dirt on the best trail navigation and exploration mobile map applications here.

• Locate PA state parks through PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resource and their Find a Park by Region service.

• Scroll down for quick links to our award-winning GO WilMa! The Adventure Continues outdoor adventure program. It's easy to register and is free.

TOWNSHIP NEWS

BE IN THE KNOW!

The Willistown Township website has loads of info & news about your township!

Township Email Notification System: Register through Notify Me