A trail-running race is in the offing for Walking Purchase Park in Salisbury Township.

Township officials hope the race may chase undesirable elements from the park.

Officials see the race as another step to improve safety in the 530-acre urban wilderness in the township.

The Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 with one commissioner absent at the Jan. 25 meeting to approve a request for the “Ultra Race Event” Oct. 26 in Walking Purchase Park.

Jerry Steward, race director, Quadzilla Trail Race in Trexler Nature Preserve, Schnecksville, requested to hold a 12-hour running race Oct. 26 in Walking Purchase Park.

Steward attended Jan. 25 and Jan. 11 commissioners’ meetings. Steward said he has received permission from St. Luke’s University Health Network to use its Fountain Hill campus parking lot during the event.

Salisbury Township Chief of Police Donald Sabo said the township police department will have its motorcycles on standby for the race and Eastern Salisbury Fire Department would have its ATV available.

Walking Purchase Park, bordered by Allentown and Bethlehem, is north of Lehigh Mountain, which is along East Susquehanna Street and is south of the Lehigh River.

The park, accessed by Constitution Drive from Allentown and Riverside Drive from Bethlehem, is administered by Salisbury, Allentown and Lehigh County.

Portions of Walking Purchase Park have become a dumping site, are said to be beset by off-road vehicles which are not permitted there and is believed to house a homeless camp.

The Salisbury Township Environmental Advisory Council held an Earth Day cleanup April 22, 2023, in Walking Purchase Park.

Since July 2023, township residents Ed Del Viscio and John Eberhard have coordinated regular cleanups, usually twice per month, at Walking Purchase Park.

Use of the park by Valley Mountain Bikers has been encouraged by the township.

Salisbury Township Commissioner Heather Lipkin reported at the Jan. 25 meeting that she, township EAC member Maria Rodale and a Wildlands Conservancy representative met recently with Lehigh County officials concerning Walking Purchase Park.

“The main focus would be to secure the park,” Lipkin said.

Sabo said he has met with an official of the Pennsylvania Game Commission concerning the park.

“I want to thank Maria Rodale and the Wildlands Conservancy for being moderators [for the Lehigh County meeting],” Lipkin said.

The board of commissioners is seeking applicants to serve on township boards and commissions.

Those interested are to fill out an application form, available on the township website, and submit it with resume and references to: Attn: Township Manager, 2900 S. Pike Ave., Allentown, 18103, or info@salisburylehighpa.gov.

Vacancy board (one-year term) - If a vacancy occurs in the office of township commissioner, auditor, controller or tax collector, the vacancy board fills the vacancy by appointing a registered elector of the township or ward in which the vacancy occurs.

The vacancy board consists of the board of commissioners and one registered elector of the township appointed by the board of commissioners at the board’s first meeting each calendar year or as soon thereafter. The registered elector acts as chairperson of the vacancy board and serves as chairperson until the chairperson’s successor is appointed.

Recreation advisory committee, Ward 1 (five-year term), Ward 5 (unexpired term through Jan. 1, 2027) - The RAC works to ensure the preservation of public parklands, recreational facilities and playground areas within the township for the enjoyment of the community and regulate activities within these areas and sponsor recreational programs.

Environmental advisory council, Ward 5 (three-year term) - The EAC works to research environmental issues and funding sources; sponsors environmental education; partners with township residents, outside agencies and organizations with similar interests and coordinates environmental projects.

Civil service commission, alternate (six-year term) - The civil service commission regulates civil service rules and is responsible for testing for new police applicants, testing for police department promotions and hearing grievances filed by police department personnel.

The February Salisbury Township municipal meetings include: 7 p.m. Feb. 8, board of commissioners; 7 p.m. Feb. 14, zoning hearing board; 7 p.m. Feb. 21, environmental advisory council; 7 p.m. Feb. 22, board of commissioners, and 7 p.m. Feb. 28, planning commission, all in the meeting room of the municipal building, 2900 S. Pike Ave.