Radnor Township Parks & Recreation Board Meeting - September 10, 2026

The Radnor Township Parks & Recreation Board met on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Radnorshire Room of the Radnor Township Building. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including recognition of local scouts, remembrances of two community figures, updates on park projects (Fenimore Woods and Odorisio Park), recreation programming, and public comments. Key decisions included approval of minutes, acceptance of a $700,000 grant, and a plan to gather further community input on the Odorisio Park playground design.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the Parks & Recreation Board meetings of April 9, 2026 and May 14, 2026 (motion, second, approved unanimously).

Remembrances

• Jeff Morris: Remembered for his contributions as a soccer coach at Radnor High School, Episcopal Academy, and owner of World Cup Sports Academy. A moment of silence was observed.
• Sara Pilling: Remembered as a Radnor Township resident, advocate for environmental issues (Radnor Ready for 100), and regular attendee of Board of Commissioners and Parks & Recreation Board meetings. A moment of silence was observed.

Recognition of Radnor Scouts

• Scouts from Troop 284 (including Trailblazers) were recognized for their leadership at the 12th Annual Great American Backyard Campout, which drew over 200 attendees. Tammy and others praised their contributions. A video was shown, and scouts demonstrated lashings, fishing, BB guns, and cooking. Gift bags were presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jackie Baver (415 West Wayne Ave): Opposed sand play due to maintenance and animal concerns. Emphasized the importance of accessible parking and paths, favored bucket swings, expressed doubt about adult fitness equipment usage, and requested speed limit enforcement on West Wayne Ave.
• Chris Mary (410 Maplewood Ave): Expressed excitement for the park, relayed his children's request for zip lines, preferred GameTime over Landscape Structures, noted that kids love sand but parents do not, and suggested outreach through Wayne Elementary and St. Katharine's PTO.
• Bill Baver (415 West Wayne Ave): Supported zip line idea, noted that Wilson Farm Park has zip line and no sand pit. Suggested changing speed limit to 25 mph and increased enforcement. Supported outreach to schools.

Discussion Items

• Recreation Programming Development & Administration: Clark presented an overview of how programming is delivered: individual contractors, programming partners (e.g., Skyhawks, Soccer Shots), township-run programs (e.g., Radnor Day Camp, Champions), and independent organizations. Priority areas include preschool, adult, neurodivergent, and summer camp programming. The Champions program for neurodivergent children was highlighted: 28 participants in bowling, with 10 non-residents. Feedback is gathered mid- and post-program.
• Fenimore Woods Park Renovations:
  • Announcement: The township received a $700,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Governor's office.
  • Stable rehabilitation is nearly complete; remaining work includes ADA bathroom modifications (change order under $10,000) and installation of gutters on the pavilion.
  • Next phase: Walking path, parking lot rehabilitation (upper lot mill/overlay, lower lot crushed stone with handicap accessible spaces), stormwater feature, and electrical conduit work. Bidding expected in the next few weeks, construction start spring 2027.
  • Pond update: Ongoing algae blooms (Pithophora) and invasive species (Phragmites, water primrose). Third year of mechanical algae removal. Plans for bathymetry testing, sediment analysis, and potential dredging or hydro-raking. Discussion of long-term restoration including perimeter planting and addressing lack of water flow.
• Odorisio Park Comprehensive Improvements:
  • Extensive review of playground replacement concepts. The current playground is ~3,000 sq ft; proposed expansion to 7,400 sq ft, but engineering suggests scaling back to 4,000–5,000 sq ft due to stormwater management, tree setbacks, property lines, and ADA/safety zone requirements.
  • Two manufacturers presented: Landscape Structures (natural look, music chimes, adaptive swings) and GameTime (including zip line, recumbent bike). Both include inclusive and sensory features.
  • Constraints include lack of stormwater conveyance, existing trees, and the need to manage runoff on-site.
  • Public input: Residents expressed concerns about sand (maintenance), parking (need accessible parking near playground), and desire for shade structures. Adult fitness equipment questioned for usage.
  • Board decided to defer final design and instead conduct a community outreach effort using QR codes and a Google survey to gather preferences, targeting park neighbors via MyRec data and local schools. A vote on preferred design packages will be sought by the next meeting.
• Old Business: Fenimore Woods and Odorisio updates covered as primary items. Other items (trail projects, capital budget, stewards program, Shade Tree Committee riparian buffer work) were deferred to the next meeting due to time.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved (April 9 and May 14, 2026) unanimously.
• RACP grant accepted for Fenimore Woods ($700,000).
• Odorisio Park outreach plan approved: The department will create a QR code leading to a survey with design options (A, B, C) for community voting, to be shared via MyRec system and local schools (Wayne Elementary, St. Katharine's). Results to be presented at the next meeting.
• Shade Tree Committee projects noted: Work on riparian buffers at Warren Philippone Park and The Willows (planting 100 trees, 134 bushes) authorized by Board of Commissioners.
• Next meeting: TBD in October, where reports and remaining agenda items (trails, capital budget, stewards) will be addressed.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 PM.