By Chris Barber

The Penn Township supervisors want to hear what their residents have to say about a planned, 93-acre park.

A Master Site Plan for the land in the township is being development to explore the most appropriate ways to allocate the space. So far the site consists of four contiguous parcels bounded by Jenner's Pond and Jennersville Hospital on the north, Luther Homes and undeveloped land on the east, the Estates of London Brook on the south and undeveloped lands on the west.

Township supervisor-secretary Bill Finnen said the residents of Jenner's Pond retirement community have come out against the park. "They said, 'No way,' they want us to scrap the park plan."

He said the residents of that retirement community object to the potential lighting, noise and traffic. And yet, he said, the park would be separated from Jenner's Pond by at least 200 feet and is not accessible through the community.

He added that he and his fellow board members want to know how the rest of the community feels. He said that 60 percent of the funding available for the project can be used even if it is at a different site, so he doesn't want the plan cancelled entirely.

In summary, a press release issued by the township said the objectives of the park are providing a site for active recreation; promoting protection of natural resources; providing for group activities for Little League, Wildcat Football, Avon Grove Recreation Association and Avon Grove School District; establishing multi-use hard-court facilities; building a trail system; taking advantage of park grant funds; integrating recreational organizations into the design and funding; enhancing the landscape; and ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Some of the objections raised by Jenner's Pond were the following:

N If Penn Township has a large area of active adult developments, it is questionable that there is a need for a facility based on children.

N The traffic would access through the Estates of London Brook.

N The impact on the environment would take the form of light pollution, noise from public address systems, stormwater management and impacts on the riparian buffer.

N There is a danger to the neighbors brought about by the ability (or lack of) to protect them from intruders after hours.

The Master Site Plan Committee encourages all residents of Penn Township to visit the Web site at www.penntownship.us and click "Recreation Committee." Review the draft plan and submit comments to the township in writing or by e-mail at office@penntownship.us or Recreation Committee, Penn Township, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390.