Antrim Township Community Park grand opening is Saturday

Years of work are nearing completion, and Antrim Township is hosting an open house at Antrim Township Community Park on Saturday, Sept. 24. The public is invited to the park at 12315 Grant Shook Road from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

“We want the public to come and see the improvements being made, and hopefully enjoy them,” said Mark Goldbach, vice chairman of the Park Committee. “We especially invite the people who have never been there.”

Committee member Nate Bacon concurred. “It’s a gem for the township. It’s a place to recreate. In these turbulent times, we probably needed more of those.”

Both pointed out the variety of features to appeal to all ages - hiking trails, picnic areas, a playground, soccer and ballfields, basketball and tennis courts under construction, and Martin’s Mill Covered Bridge to the south. The park was a great place to bring the dogs, or to ride bicycles too.

The big day

The Grand Opening will feature free watermelon and popcorn, with Mikie’s Ice Cream and barbecue chicken for sale. Boy Scout troops will present demonstrations on outdoor skills and perform a flag retirement ceremony.

The 717 Flying Disc Club will demonstrate disc golf on the Whispering Falls Disc Golf Course. Artisans will also be on hand to display their wares and show how they create. Other events may be added by Saturday.

“We hope the public gets better insight to what’s available, including information on proposed features,” said Goldbach.

Still under review are a dog run and additional restrooms.

“We will introduce and welcome residents to their park,” Bacon emphasized. “It already seems to have a regular clientele.”

Park history

A park was recommended in Antrim’s 1995 Comprehensive Plan. The board of supervisors purchased a 136-acre farm along the Conococheague Creek near Martin’s Mill Bridge in 1999 and finished phases 1 and 2 by 2004. That included three soccer fields, an all-purpose field, pavilion, gazebo, playground, restrooms and four miles of walking and hiking trails.

In 2006 work on phases 3, 4, and 5 began. That added five softball/baseball fields, concession stand, multi-purpose fields, more trails, another pavilion, parking lots and extended the road to an exit on Grant Shook Road. The disc golf course was added in 2007.