Bicycles are not expected to be allowed but leashed dogs are expected to be allowed on the perimeter trail at Lindberg Park in western Salisbury Township.

The township board of commissioners is expected to consider an ordinance at an upcoming meeting, upon recommendation by a 3-1 vote from the Salisbury Township Recreation Advisory Committee to not allow bicyclists but allow dog walking.

Salisbury Township Recreation Director Genny Baillie said the recreation committee had considerable discussion about bicyclists and the dog walking in Lindberg Park.

Baillie, who attended the Oct. 13 township workshop when what type of uses will be allowed on the Lindberg perimeter trail was discussed, said the trail is only about eight-feet wide, which could create a hazard if bicyclists are using the trail at the same time as walkers, who sometimes are pushing baby carriages.

In introducing the workshop discussion, Salisbury Township Manager Randy Soriano said, “Apparently, there’s some concern about the perimeter and its use.

“Would the township want dog owners to use the track, a controlled dog, on a leash?

“Bicyclists are not permitted,” Soriano continued, adding, “Leashed dogs with owner are permitted.

“Originally, there was discussion to allow bicyclists on the perimeter walkway.”

Soriano said the original Lindberg Park Master Plan as approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources did include bicycle use on the perimeter trail. Soriano wondered aloud “whether or not we would violate the grant” should bicycles be banned.

However, Soriano reassured commissioners, “That plan can be changed, DCNR said, to address issues that might arise.

“It’s not going to affect your grant status,” Soriano said. DCNR has provided grants for Lindberg Park improvements.

“As long as we can have records as to why we should not have a certain use we should be OK,” Soriano said.

Baillie explained to commissioners the recreation committee’s reasoning. “They took the two issues separately, the bikes and dogs. They felt it was never the intent to ride bikes on the perimeter of the park.”

Baillie noted Trexler Memorial Park, Allentown, where bicycling is allowed, has a 16-foot-width walkway whereas Lindberg’s perimeter walkway is eight-feet-wide.

“With running, walking and baby carriages, it’s not safe,” Baillie said of Lindberg’s perimeter walkway. “If you’re going to share it, it’s not big enough.”

“From the very beginning of Lindberg Park, we knew it was a nonstarter,” Robert Agonis, Salisbury Township Environmental Advisory Council task force member said of bicycles on the perimeter path,

“Personally, as recreation director, bikes have already become a problem,” Baillie said of Lindberg Park.

Township Commissioner Joanne Ackerman asked what signs should be placed at Lindberg should commissioners approve the recreation committee recommendation. “Residents in the past have been asking to walk their dogs in the park,” Ackerman said.

Township Commissioner Vice President Robert Martucci Jr. expressed concern about allowing dog-walking on the Lindberg perimeter path. “If we allow it in one park, then we’re going to set a precedent.”

Dogs on leashes walked by their owners are allowed in Franko Farm Park. Otherwise, dogs have not been allowed in township parks.

“I think it should be status quo.” Martucci said of Lindberg.

Salisbury Township Police Chief Allen W. Stiles agreed. “It’s my opinion that it should not be changed,” Stiles said of the ban on dogs in Lindberg.

“We allow it in Franko if they clean up. They do not clean up,” Stiles said. “If they want to take their dogs to the park, they can take them to Franko.”

Said Salisbury Township Assistant Manager-Director of Finance Cathy Bonaskiewich, referring to the Lindberg perimeter walkway fence, “I thought that the intent of the installation of the fence was to allow the dogs on the outside.”

Soriano agreed, saying, “They now can come and have their own area.”

Toward the end of the approximately 40-minute discussion, Salisbury Township Commissioner President James A. Brown said of the recreation committee recommendation for Lindberg, “We would have to make an amendment to allow leashed dogs. I think that what we’re looking at is not allowing bicycles and allowing leashed dogs on the perimeter trail only.”

“I would go on the record as going against it,” Martucci said.

“I don’t like dogs,” Soriano added.

Emphasized Martucci, “And I like dogs.”

“The language on the signs has to be very clear,” Baillie said.

The approximate three-quarter-mile perimeter walking path, made of Flexi-Pave, which allows water to drain through its surface to mitigate stormwater run-off, is part of Phase I of the Lindberg Park master plan.

Phase II includes the interior pathway, a project nearly complete.

Phase III pertains to the new pavilion, storage shed and baseball field improvements.

Other Lindberg projects include: Lindberg Avenue traffic calming, playground improvements, improved parking lots, drop-off areas and signs and a tranquility garden.

The cost of Lindberg Park improvements is estimated at $3 million.

Work on the Lindberg Park Master Plan began in 2011. It is based on the township Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan. Public hearings on the Lindberg Park Master Plan were held during 2012.

Urban Research and Development Corp., Bethlehem, is consultant for the Lindberg Park Master Plan and the Laubach and Franko Farm Park Master Plan.