Buckingham Township. Photo by James Short.
Buckingham Township has unanimously approved an ordinance expanding its advisory recreation board, citing strong public interest and growing demand for involvement in parks and recreation planning.
The 3-0 vote came Wednesday night following a public hearing led by Chair Maggie Rash, who outlined the ordinance affirming the board’s creation, increasing its membership from seven to nine, and establishing terms and responsibilities for both new and returning members. Officials said the change is intended to better structure the board while allowing more residents to participate.
During the hearing, a resident questioned why the body is formally designated as an “advisory recreation board” rather than a parks and recreation board. Township Solicitor Craig Smith explained that the terminology is defined by state statute, while Township Manager Dana Cozza added that the functions are effectively the same.
Supervisors pointed to a surge in community engagement as a driving force behind the expansion.
"When we had initially reached out to the public for interest in this board, we weren't really sure what to get and the turnout and the interest that has come to the meetings and the subsequent meetings and the following interviews has been really refreshing. It really has," said Supervisor Mike Bateman. "And so I'm very thankful to the community, and all of my neighbors for continuing to show up and put forth their time to help make our parks and rec better and to continue to build it."
Bateman thanked everyone that took time to volunteer and offer their thoughts and time on an ongoing basis.
"That's why we're ultimately doing this, to increase it from seven to nine, is because we had such great interest," he said.
Rash built on Bateman's comment.
"(Supervisor) Jon (Forest) and I were at the last work session, and we had quite a turnout. Interesting people interested in participating, and that's why we said, ‘Let's make it bigger.’ So, that's what we're doing," she said.
With the ordinance now adopted, township officials said the expanded board will help support planning and improvements to Buckingham’s parks and recreation offerings, with additional opportunities for residents to get involved.
