The Salisbury Township Recreation Advisory Committee held a meeting at the municipal building Nov. 18 to discuss and plan upcoming events and revisions to area parks.

Fall’s fair weather has allowed all township parks to continue to serve residents whether you enjoy walking, kicking a soccer ball with the kids or utilizing one of the many playgrounds, pickleball, basketball or tennis courts. Committee members report seeing plenty of activity in all of the parks.

After several years of planning and garnering community participation, the committee regretfully announced the Dec. 6 tree lighting ceremony at Franko Park has been canceled for the second year in a row due to the fact the Christmas tree has died.

Residents who attended the AM Radio concert in early September may have noticed how healthy the tree appeared as it stood proudly along Black River Road. It has been speculated the tree may be diseased or the rooting system did not have time to take hold before the onset of the recent drought.

While the cancellation of the event is unfortunate, committee members are not discouraged and will work with the public works department to replace the tree in the near future. Preparations will then be made for a tree lighting ceremony with fun activities for all residents to enjoy.

In other news, with the August 2023 completion of the Lehigh Avenue Stormwater Improvement Project in the rearview mirror, township residents will see big changes coming to Laubach Park. The timing for the Laubach revamp depends heavily on when grant money becomes available but plans are well underway. Some changes include a pavilion with an attached restroom as well as a second bathroom in the park.

Tennis courts will be moved to Franko Park to make room for four pickleball courts at Laubach. The basketball court will be reduced to one court and the park will have room for two ball fields and a multipurpose field.

The pond viewing area will remain and a new playground and splash pad will be constructed along with a half-mile perimeter trail and a dry concession stand with room for storage.

In addition to 89 parking spaces in the park, a road will also be constructed to run through the park from Emmaus Avenue to Lehigh Avenue.

Christmas has not yet arrived but the recreation committee is continually in the planning stages for many of the spring and summer events residents look forward to every year. Mark your calendars for the April 12, 2025 community egg hunt which will be held at Franko Park. Plans are also being made for an IronPigs game, the summer playground program and a summer concert.

The next meeting of the recreation advisory committee will be 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20, 2025 in the municipal building, 2900 S. Pike Ave., Allentown.