Spartan Community Park is situated between State Route 136, Spartan Lane, and the Hempfield Area High School. The parcel is "Y" shaped, with access points off of State Route 136 and a potential access from Spartan Lane.

The parcel was acquired in 2003 with assistance from the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources with a $65,000 grant from the Community Recreation and Conservation Planning fund. The parcel was originally acquired to develop a community park in the central portion of Hempfield Township. Planning commenced for possible site development, but over time, improvements and development have been directed towards Hempfield Park.

Established residential communities, continued growth and development, the proximity to Hempfield Area School District facilities, and the potential for public-private partnerships make this parcel an inviting park development site. Through the comprehensive process of a master site development plan, we were able to identify the best possible uses for this potential future park. This step is the research step in determining if this parcel would be a viable location for a park. This process is not a commitment to construction.

Existing Conditions

The existing site conditions include approximately 13 acres of meadow with the remaining 4+ acres being wooded with thick underbrush. The majority of the site sits atop a hill with a stunning vista to the south viewing the Laurel Highlands. From here, many of the local houses of worship can be seen.

The site offers a strong forest canopy along the northern property boundary, and to the west moving closer to the High School. Moving back towards Route 136, the property bellies between the two former residential homes on the site, then climbs steeply to meet Route 136. The site currently has electric and natural gas services.

The Plan

Mackin Engineering followed through on a thoughtful design, focused on passive use with active recreation areas mixed in. The design uses the natural contours of the land to create recreation areas for all users, with an emphasis on accessible and inclusive design. The sites topography allows for natural buffering from neighboring residential properties, with minimal impact to the existing tree canopy.

Inclusive Playground and Spray Pad

Everyone deserves the opportunity to play with their friends, splash with their siblings, or have some fun in the sun. That's what inclusive play is about. Spartan Community Park would be a haven for families and individuals searching for inclusive play in Hempfield Township.

This area will be divided using the natural slope, with the inclusive playground at the park entrance, with the spray pad right beside it. Close to the restrooms and parking, this area will be a destination for Hempfield families.

Outdoor Classroom and Nature Education

In 2020 we found out that spacing out is as important as a structured education. With the proximity of the Hempfield Area High School to Spartan Community Park, outdoor education is a short walk away.

The outdoor classroom will feature natural, embankment seating looking down on a gravel "stage." With minimal impact to the existing tree canopy, students will be able to explore nature, and learn about the positive impacts parks can have on land use. This area will feature a unique storm-water feature called a "forebay," allowing students to encounter local flora and fauna right in the schools backyard.

Sports Courts

The new sports courts will fill a void for outdoor paddle sports and basketball in central Westmoreland County. Pickleball, a sport for all ages and abilities, will be a feature facility.

The addition of regulation basketball courts will allow for unstructured and structured league play. With the proximity to the restroom and concession area, special events and group lessons will provide helpful revenue sources. 

The picnic area located at the end of the courts will be great for looking out at the great vista and your young athletes birthday party!

Pavilions and Picnic Spaces

During our information gathering stage, many residents indicated they would like more pavilion and day-use picnic areas. Spartan Community Park offers great opportunities for picnic areas with great views! There is one large pavilion, capable of hosting 200 people. Near each of our park features, there are designated sitting areas with picnic tables. As you walk around the park, and climb the gentle slope, you get to the Picnic Overlook. This area features multiple picnic tables for family picnics look at the Laurel Highlands.

Garden and Art Sculptures

This area will be unique to Hempfield and Central Westmoreland County. The garden, planted with native plants and flower will have a gravel walking path leading to a gravel "stage." This area will be an intimate space for small gatherings focusing on the arts.

As you continue on the trail, the garden will feature commissioned art sculptures from local artists. This rotating display of art exhibits will provide a cultural flair to our community that is missed. 

"The Garden" will be a refuge from the busyness of everyday life.

Spartan Community Park Budget

The budgeting for the project are estimates based on the listed park features. The budget is divided to match the three (3) possible construction phases. If the project were to move forward, Hempfield Township would fund the project without increases to your local taxes. 

The Township would seek project funding from the following resources:

• Local, State, and Federal Grant Programs
• Public-Private Partnerships
• Matching funds from the Hempfield Parks & Recreation Fund
• Grassroots fundraising efforts
• Sponsorship's, Naming Rights, and In-Kind Giving

Phase 1 Budget:

(Click the image to view full screen)The Phase 1 budget includes $1,267,730 in estimated work. See below for total project costs.

Phase 2 Budget:

(Click the image to view full screen)The Phase 2 budget includes $1,148,750 in estimated work. See below for total project costs.

Phase 3 Budget:

(Click the image to view full screen)The Phase 3 budget includes $1,166,150 in estimated work. See below for total project costs.

Soft Costs and Total Project Budget

(Click the image to view full screen)The total cost to build all three (3) phases, including the soft costs associated with the project, would be $4,494,051.

Additional Project Details

The Spartan Community Park is conceptual, and Hempfield Township has not committed to construction. This Master Site Development Plan process is to determine what could work on the land that is available. Spartan Community Park would be designed to be built in phases. These phases would require years of preparation to get to construction. 

This process includes:

• Grant preparation and submission to local, state, and federal sources
• Grassroots fundraising in the greater Hempfield area
• Identification of public-private partnerships to help with park development
• Public input for final design
• Preparation of construction and bid documents
• Public bidding and award
• Construction

Each of the above steps would be completed for each project phase. The Spartan Community Park is conceptually divided into three (3) phases:

Please click on the "Complete the Survey" tab at the top of the page to provide your feedback!

Walden Court Parklet would be a passive use recreation and leisure area serving the western end of Hempfield Township. The township owned parcel sits at the end of the Walden Court cul-de-sac. The property is approximately 4.3 acres, rectangular in shape, and features a diverse selection of trees and shrubs reflecting it's past as a small landscape nursery. The parcel sits within a valley, the primary reason for the Township purchasing this land. 

In 2018 Hempfield Township applied for and received a state grant to build a stormwater retention facility on the site. This project is slated for completion in 2021. Due to the expected work of the stormwater facility, the dense residential population in the immediate vicinity of the site, the proximity of West Hempfield Elementary School, and the lack of recreation facilities in west Hempfield, the Board of Supervisors voted to proceed with the Master Site Development Plan to evaluate the site for a potential park. The Master Site Development Plan is not a plan for construction. It is a plan to evaluate the parcel, and determine what would best fit on the site if development was considered.

Existing Conditions

The existing site conditions include a dense growth of trees and underbrush, with meadow and wetlands through the middle of the property. The Walden Court side of the property has a significant hill separating the site from neighboring properties. The north-east corner of the property abuts the Westmoreland County Housing Authority property which is adjacent to West Hempfield Elementary. A small spring runs through the property, which in heavy rain events, causes stormwater issues for neighboring downstream properties.

Past development on the site includes a pole-barn garage, asphalt paving, and various debris. The site sits in a wetland causing the center section of the site to be wet the majority of the year. The site has diverse wildlife including several identified species of song bird along with deer and other small mammals.

The Plan

Mackin Engineering followed through on a thoughtful design, focused on environmentally friendly development, nature play, native plantings, and stormwater mitigation. The design uses the natural contours of the land to create recreation areas that are passive, with the active areas being the playground and restroom, directly off of Walden Court. The site was designed with safety in mind. Most area of the property can be viewed from the cul-de-sac because of clear site lines and thoughtful placement of site features. The sites topography allows for natural buffering from neighboring residential properties, with minimal impact to the existing tree canopy.

Walden Court Vision Board

The vision board reflects what the included site features could look like if developed. The site will feature nature play areas which will focus on a natural looking play space; active play which features more traditional playground equipment; walking trails that are fully accessible, and natural plantings focusing on beautifying the area and mitigating the effect of major rain events.

Nature & Passive Play

The nature play area will include natural features like boulders and logs for climbing over, under, and around. The natural play areas will include educational features to create a partnership with the West Hempfield Elementary School. These items will create a lasting partnership for naturalized play, environmental education, and an option for local field trips.

The adjoining passive play area is a grass lawn with native plantings. The area will be great for picnics, flying kites, or just escaping for some quiet time. The area will be low maintenance, but will be easily accessible and will still be viewable from Walden Court.

Playground & Walking Trail

The active play area includes two play structures, one for children aged 2-5, and one for children aged 5-12. These play structures will feature inclusive play elements, including sensory play, and accessible features. The area will have a picnic space and seating focused on short trips to the park. The limited parking will deter large gatherings.

The asphalt trail around the perimeter of the property will travel through all of the featured park elements. The path will be fully accessible, not exceeding a 5% maximum grade requirement per ADA standards. The walking path cut-through between the active and passive play areas will permit trail users a direct path to feature elements. The path also can be dived in to three loops, the short, intermediate, and long loops. This is an important feature for park visitors just starting an exercise regiment, or those who have graduated to longer loops. With the interconnected raised walkway, users have a variety of paths to explore at the Walden Court Parklet. 

Walden Court Park Budget

The Walden Court Park budget reflects the cost to build the conceptual park as shown here. The budget is divided to match the two (2) possible construction phases. If the project were to move forward, Hempfield Township would fund the project without increases to your local taxes. 

The Township would seek project funding from the following resources:

• Local, State, and Federal Grant Programs
• Public-Private Partnerships
• Matching funds from the Hempfield Parks & Recreation Fund
• Grassroots fundraising efforts
• Sponsorship's, Naming Rights, and In-Kind Giving

The total cost to build both (2) phases, including the soft costs associated with the project, would be $799,290.

Additional Project Details

The Walden Court Parklet is conceptual, and Hempfield Township has not committed to construction. This Master Site Development Plan process is to determine what could work on the land that is available. Walden Court Parklet would be designed to be built in phases. These phases would require years of preparation to get to construction. 

This process includes:

• Grant preparation and submission to local, state, and federal sources
• Grassroots fundraising in the greater Hempfield area
• Identification of public-private partnerships to help with park development
• Public input for final design
• Preparation of construction and bid documents
• Public bidding and award
• Construction

Please click on the "Complete the Survey" tab at the top of the page to provide your feedback!