Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Radnor Township Parks & Recreation Board Meeting - February 12, 2026

Board of Commissioners & Boards — Thursday, February 12, 2026

BodyRadnor Township, Pennsylvania

SessionBoard of Commissioners & Boards

DateThursday, February 12, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:32:16

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:00

Well you don't have to be a good idea.

0:11

Under God of Liberty Justice for all.

0:19

Now if we can just move on to the approval of minutes, um allowing the board to review if I can have a motion to approve the minutes.

0:27

I um uh second second it, I guess.

0:31

First with a motion.

0:32

I make a motion.

0:34

And then a second.

0:37

Move to uh approve the minutes with an eye for all.

0:41

Yes.

0:44

You agree?

0:46

Yes.

0:47

Yes.

0:47

Okay.

0:48

Uh with that we can move on to reports, and I think uh we'll move right to Tammy.

1:00

Good evening, everyone.

1:04

Good evening.

1:07

Ian, if you want to kick over, thank you.

1:10

Oh, I bet that was planned.

1:18

It probably was and they look gorgeous together.

1:25

And right over here on the end here is Tracy Kroom, our program coordinator, her husband and her son.

1:32

So last Friday night we had our 15th annual, believe it or not, uh, Radner Sweetheart Dance.

1:37

So we were really excited to get to the 15-year milestone.

1:41

It was a great success.

1:43

Uh we had over 300 in attendance.

1:45

Uh it was another sellout with a large hefty wait list.

1:49

Uh took place at the inn at Villanova University, who we've been partners with uh for about the last five years of doing this event at the inn.

1:57

Um, and they do quite a big spread for us with a lot of food, the accommodations, all of the service for the evening, and we get the opportunity to use their large ballroom, uh, which has really been an amazing addition to the event.

2:11

Um, for those of you who don't know the history of the event, it did start out at the Willows.

2:15

We outgrew the Willows.

2:16

We ended up at the Radner Hotel, we outgrew the Radner Hotel, and here we are at the inn at Villanova, which is a really great space and a nice large space for us.

2:26

Um it was a great event, it was very successful.

2:29

Um our staff uh had a great night, great evening with lots of activities going on, arts and crafts activities.

2:34

We had a little claw machine that was there.

2:37

You can see um in the pictures here to the left.

2:40

Um we had lots of dancing.

2:43

Um Mainline Dance Studio, of course, was there with us.

2:46

Uh Mainline Dance Company, uh, who we work with over the summer with Summer Camp was there uh doing lots of dance activities uh with the girls and the kids and the boys.

2:54

We actually have uh transitioned this event.

2:56

It used to be a daddy daughter-based event, and now it's really for everyone.

3:01

And uh and we've seen the benefit of that as we have lots of families coming out and enjoying the night together with us, and then at the end it's capped off with a rose ceremony between the families, um, and just really a nice m memorable night for Valentine's Day.

3:14

So we want to thank everybody who attended.

3:17

Um, those who maybe didn't get into the event this year because they were on the wait list.

3:21

I know next year we always give consideration for those folks to try and get them into the event first and foremost in registration so that we can have an opportunity for everybody to get a chance to experience the event at one at one point um you know throughout their time here in Radner, because it's really uh a great milestone to be part of.

3:40

So I wanted to say thank you to the staff.

3:42

I know Bakir was there Friday night, um, and of course to Tracy Kroom for all her leadership uh in putting the event together.

3:49

Uh this up uh this upcoming Friday tomorrow.

3:52

Uh we actually will be having our eighth annual um Bishop Richard Bishop Richard Allen celebration.

3:59

Um this commemorates Bishop Richard Allen's birthday as well as his historic walk to Radner Township in 1784.

4:08

Um we have an opportunity this year to not only celebrate his life and legacy, but we're also transitioning this event um from the AME chur M E AME Church, African Methodist uh Episcopal Church of Ardmore, now to the AME church, St.

4:25

That was the former St.

4:26

John Church in Radner, um right up in Brynmar.

4:29

So we're really excited to have Reverend uh Kasha Sudler, who's gonna be taking the torch from this event for this event from Reverend Cavanus, uh who actually has moved on from our AME Ardmore, and she is now serving as the head pastor of the Mother Bethel Church, uh of which was founded by Bishop Richard Allen in the city of Philadelphia.

4:50

Uh both will be with us tomorrow at the event.

5:00

And we're also going to have the fourth great uh grandchild of Bishop Richard Allen, um, Mrs.

5:07

Yavon Studovon, who will be in attendance.

5:10

So it'll be a little cold.

5:11

It is an outside event.

5:12

We do a wreath laying and a little bit of a celebration.

5:14

It's a group gathering.

5:16

So for any of you who are available at 12 15 tomorrow, if you want to join us at Bishop Richard Allen Park, uh it's really a special event and gives us a chance to really celebrate um the life and all the accomplishments of Bishop Richard Allen.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Parks and Recreation██████████████████████████████████34%

Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████████████24%

Trail Management█████████9%

Fundraising█████████9%

Youth Programs████████8%

Master Planning█████5%

Procedural███3%

Arts And Culture███3%

Budget Equity Analysis██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Radnor Township Parks & Recreation Board Meeting - February 12, 2026

The Radnor Township Parks & Recreation Board met on February 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Radnorshire Room of the Township Building. The board approved minutes, received reports on upcoming events and programs, discussed a sidewalk-to-trail connection project, reviewed Odorisio Park improvements, received an update on Fenimore Woods stable construction, and debated capital funding priorities. A motion to explore the Brookside sidewalk connection was initially passed but later superseded by a motion not to recommend staff time on that project, which passed 5-1. The board unanimously supported moving forward with the Odorisio Park concept plan.

Consent Calendar

Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the January 8, 2026 meeting.

Reports

Parks & Recreation Staff Report (Tammy Cohen, Director):
- The 15th annual Radnor Sweetheart Dance was held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Inn at Villanova University. Over 300 people attended, and the event sold out with a large waitlist. The event previously outgrew the Willows and the Radnor Hotel. The dance has transitioned from a daddy-daughter event to a family event.
- The 8th annual Bishop Richard Allen celebration is scheduled for February 13, 2026, at 12:15 PM at Bishop Richard Allen Park. The event will include a wreath laying and feature the fourth great-grandchild of Bishop Richard Allen.
- Upcoming events: 34th annual Arbor Day (April, location TBD); 29th annual Youth Trout Derby (registration opens March 2, 2026); 12th annual Wheels of Wayne (April 26, 2026, registration opens February 19, 2026); 12th annual Radnor's Great American Backyard Camp Out (May 30, 2026, registration opens March 30, 2026); and a bus trip to see Wicked on Broadway (April 11, 2026, registration deadline March 1, 2026).
Program Supervisor Report (Bakir Altoumbosh):
- Radnor Day Camp registration is open for June 22 – July 31, 2026. The cost increased from $1,975 to $2,475 due to two years without increases, rising staffing costs (including transportation, facilities, and certifications), and to maintain staff retention. Staff retention last year was approximately 50% of over 50 staff.
- Wizarding Camp registration opened January 21, 2026; weeks one and three are sold out, week two still has openings. New this year: a field trip to Corking Candles in KOP.
- Spring/summer programs: World Cup Soccer, Survivor Nature Camp (over 475 participants in 2025 across eight weeks, now nine weeks in 2026 with hopes to exceed 500), Skyhawks (introducing golf camp and beginner field hockey camp), Hiking Hounds (kids fishing camp sold out; waitlist may open a second week), Universal Rackets, and Radnor Champions basketball (returning with a new Champions liaison, Melina Woon Every, a 10-year experienced lacrosse coach).
- A new program, "Walk with Ease," created by recreation assistant Christina Rios, will help individuals with arthritis.
Skunk Hollow Parking Lot Closure: Tammy Cohen announced that the Skunk Hollow parking lot is closed until further notice due to a visible structural issue with the bridge. An emergency repair is expected. The public is asked to use parking at Saw Mill and the Willows to access the Skunk Hollow Trails.
Shade Tree Committee: No formal report, but they are working on the spring tree planting program, Arbor Day involvement, and grants for tree plantings at the Willows and the Riparian Buffer along the exitway stream.

New Business: Brookside Avenue Sidewalk to Radnor Trail Connection Project Concept Review

Staff Presentation (Tammy Cohen): The project, requested by Commissioner Agnew, aims to connect a dead-end sidewalk on Brookside Avenue (near Conestoga Road) to the Radnor Trail. The sidewalk currently ends with a 60-inch turning radius. The proposed connection would require a path across property at 503 Conestoga, potentially involving a switchback, boardwalk, or graded trail to meet ADA standards. Next steps include engaging PennDOT, assessing feasibility, and cost estimation. The project could be funded by a Penn Medicine donation originally intended for Veterans and First Responders Park.
Board Discussion:
- Members expressed concerns about cost, limited benefit (the connection is approximately 150 yards from an existing trail entrance), traffic safety on Conestoga Road, tree impact, and prioritization over other park projects. Some questioned whether improving the existing crosswalk with a rapid flashing beacon would be a more cost-effective alternative.
- Support for exploring the concept came from one member who cited the dangerous intersection at Conestoga Road.
Initial Motion: A motion to support exploring the concept passed with one vote (unanimous, but later challenged).
Superseding Motion: After clarification that staff would need to invest time in an RFP process before commissioner approval, a superseding motion was made and seconded: "That this board not recommend that staff time be spent in exploring this option." The motion passed 5-1 (one member voted against). The board's recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners.

Old Business: Odorisio Park Comprehensive Improvements Preliminary Concept Plan Review

Staff Update (Tammy Cohen): The project has been under discussion since February 2022. The board reviewed the latest revisions, including removal of stadium seating, proposed dugout storage (8x4 storage area for Little League equipment), and relocation of stairs. The playground component is still in development; staff have engaged GameTime for a commercial playground with natural elements, and a playground plan is expected within a few months (not six, as initially suggested).
Board Discussion: Members supported the natural feel of the park and the removal of stadium seating. Concerns about shared storage were addressed by keeping Little League storage at the field. The board agreed to move forward with the concept.
Motion: A motion to approve the concept in principle and move forward with speed passed unanimously.

Old Business: Fenimore Woods Park Renovations Project Update

Staff Update (Tammy Cohen): Construction of the stable building is progressing. Demolition, hazardous materials mitigation, masonry, roof sheathing, framing, soffits, fascia, interior plumbing rough-ins, and drainage are complete. Remaining work includes roof shingles (requires 40-50°F days for lamination), electrical, drywall, and site work. The project is on pace for punch list by spring and opening by summer 2026. The building will include bathrooms and large storage, but no HVAC except baseboard heat in bathrooms. The interior will not be finished for programming; it will be used primarily for storage and possibly as shelter for nature camps.
Funding: The $1.5 million project is financed through the 2016 bond and minor grants.
Fenimore Woods Pond Discussion: A board member raised the issue of the pond's chronic algae and subsurface problems. Staff noted that without dedicated capital funding, the pond cannot be addressed. The board discussed the need for a capital plan and potential fundraising. The board will consider sending a message to the Board of Commissioners urging capital funding for park priorities in the 2027 budget.

Park Steward Program

Board members are dividing parks among themselves to serve as stewards, reporting maintenance or operational issues. The Radnor Conservancy plans a trails day at the Willows in March.

Public Participation

One visitor attended but had no comments, only observing.

Key Outcomes

Brookside Sidewalk Connection: The board voted 5-1 to not recommend staff time be spent on exploring the project. This recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners.
Odorisio Park Concept Plan: The board unanimously approved moving forward with the concept plan, including updated dugouts, removal of stadium seating, and continued development of the playground. Staff will proceed with cost estimates and community engagement on the playground.
Capital Funding: The board discussed the need for a dedicated capital fund and will consider sending a formal request to the Board of Commissioners for the 2027 budget.
Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

Meeting Transcript

Well you don't have to be a good idea. Under God of Liberty Justice for all. Now if we can just move on to the approval of minutes, um allowing the board to review if I can have a motion to approve the minutes. I um uh second second it, I guess. First with a motion. I make a motion. And then a second. Move to uh approve the minutes with an eye for all. Yes. You agree? Yes. Yes. Okay. Uh with that we can move on to reports, and I think uh we'll move right to Tammy. Good evening, everyone. Good evening. Ian, if you want to kick over, thank you. Oh, I bet that was planned. It probably was and they look gorgeous together. And right over here on the end here is Tracy Kroom, our program coordinator, her husband and her son. So last Friday night we had our 15th annual, believe it or not, uh, Radner Sweetheart Dance. So we were really excited to get to the 15-year milestone. It was a great success. Uh we had over 300 in attendance. Uh it was another sellout with a large hefty wait list. Uh took place at the inn at Villanova University, who we've been partners with uh for about the last five years of doing this event at the inn. Um, and they do quite a big spread for us with a lot of food, the accommodations, all of the service for the evening, and we get the opportunity to use their large ballroom, uh, which has really been an amazing addition to the event. Um, for those of you who don't know the history of the event, it did start out at the Willows. We outgrew the Willows. We ended up at the Radner Hotel, we outgrew the Radner Hotel, and here we are at the inn at Villanova, which is a really great space and a nice large space for us. Um it was a great event, it was very successful. Um our staff uh had a great night, great evening with lots of activities going on, arts and crafts activities. We had a little claw machine that was there. You can see um in the pictures here to the left. Um we had lots of dancing. Um Mainline Dance Studio, of course, was there with us. Uh Mainline Dance Company, uh, who we work with over the summer with Summer Camp was there uh doing lots of dance activities uh with the girls and the kids and the boys. We actually have uh transitioned this event. It used to be a daddy daughter-based event, and now it's really for everyone. And uh and we've seen the benefit of that as we have lots of families coming out and enjoying the night together with us, and then at the end it's capped off with a rose ceremony between the families, um, and just really a nice m memorable night for Valentine's Day. So we want to thank everybody who attended. Um, those who maybe didn't get into the event this year because they were on the wait list. I know next year we always give consideration for those folks to try and get them into the event first and foremost in registration so that we can have an opportunity for everybody to get a chance to experience the event at one at one point um you know throughout their time here in Radner, because it's really uh a great milestone to be part of. So I wanted to say thank you to the staff. I know Bakir was there Friday night, um, and of course to Tracy Kroom for all her leadership uh in putting the event together. Uh this up uh this upcoming Friday tomorrow. Uh we actually will be having our eighth annual um Bishop Richard Bishop Richard Allen celebration. Um this commemorates Bishop Richard Allen's birthday as well as his historic walk to Radner Township in 1784. Um we have an opportunity this year to not only celebrate his life and legacy, but we're also transitioning this event um from the AME chur M E AME Church, African Methodist uh Episcopal Church of Ardmore, now to the AME church, St. That was the former St.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com