Background

In May of 2000, Ephrata Township authorized a feasibility study and environmental assessment of two parcels of land along Fulton Street in the southeastern portion of the Township to determine if the site would be suitable for a community park.  A sand mining operation was conducted on the two properties from the late 1950’s through 1977.  The site was essentially unused since the mining operation ceased and many of the structures and equipment used as part of the mining operation were still on site.  A 7.5 acre lake now occupies the site of the former quarry pit and a two acre pond is also located on the property.  The feasibility study concluded that the site would be ideal for a community and/or a natural resource park  

In September of 2002, Ephrata Township purchased one of the parcels of land and acquired the other parcel in June of 2005.  The total acreage of the two properties is 50.8 acres.  In 2006, Ephrata Township completed a Master Plan for the Community Park.  The Master Plan considered the potential park users, the unique park site characteristics, adjacent land use, municipal recreation needs and goals and the desires of the community.  The master plan has been divided into seven (7) phases of development.  The proposed phases are based on logical sequence of construction and park function.  Ephrata Township has submitted a grant application to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for funding to complete Phases 1 and 2 of the development of the park.  Phases 1 and 2 include the construction of the parking lot, aggregate and bituminous trails, a large community lawn area for soccer and other activities, an accessible fishing pier, site lighting, information signs, extending public utilities to the site and various landscaping.