Richland supervisors discuss disc golf, approve easement for Armstrong Utilities

There may be a new sport taking over the land in Richland Township Community Park.

Resident Cody Winget proposed the installation of a disc golf course at Richland Township Community Park as a way to utilize the large open space there during the May 18 board of supervisors meeting.

“I’m not a business or anything, I’m just a person that loves disc golf and I am just trying to grow the sport here,” Winget said. “My daughter plays in the park and I think it is a beautiful piece of land. I think it would be perfect to host tournaments and bring the community together.”

The proposed disc golf installation would cost anywhere between $12,000 and $30,000. The plan proposed by Winget would utilize the land surrounding the walking paths for a disc golf field.

The board said they would take the proposed plan into further consideration before providing a recommendation.

In other business, Armstrong cable company would like to increase the speed of its service by installing a fiber optic hub on township property adjacent to Public Works Drive.

“There will be minimal impact to both the neighbors and the township with this facility and we were able to negotiate in exchange for the authorization of this facility,” township manager Dean Bastianini said. “We would receive free internet and WiFi service at the municipal building and the public works garage, and new telephone equipment with the monthly bill discounted by 50%.”

The board approved the motion to authorize a utility easement lease for Armstrong unanimously, under the conditions that the facility will adhere to township rules, including noise levels.

The board also proposed the submission of a $50,000 planning grant application to the Allegheny County Economic Development Department for consideration under the Active Allegheny Grant Program.

The Active Allegheny Grant program is a program meant to encourage the health of residents, in an effort to get residents of all ages moving and staying active. Bastianini said the grant proposal would utilize the money to conduct studies on the health of its residents as well as create more trails and bike paths to make the community more accessible to pedestrians.

“If you want to be successful in funding these initiatives, you need to have a base study supported,” Bastianini said. “The opportunity is prime to put in an application to receive a $50,000 grant to fund a feasibility study so we can make our parks more accessible.”

The board approved the grant application unanimously.

The board also approved the appointment of Rachel Suchevich to the position of administrative secretary, subject to a one-year probationary period, effective May 31, as well as a temporary use permit for TNT Fireworks to sell legal fireworks on 300 Walmart Drive from June 25 to July 4, 2022.

Supervisors ended the meeting by discussing the need to be mindful of gas and electricity expenditure. Bastianini said due to rising gas prices, 65% of the annual gas budget has already been spent.

“We’re adjusting the heating and cooling and turning off unused lights in the building to try to economize as much as we can,” Bastianini said.