Covered Bridge Park Complaints Lead to New Rules, Permit Requirements

S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – On Wednesday evening, the South Whitehall County Board of Commissioners adopted changes to the rules and regulations for the parks and recreation ordinance.

City officials said the new regulations were the result of complaints about various activities at Covered Bridge Park. These complaints included loud music and barbecues along the banks of Jordan Creek, taking and then placing picnic tables in Jordan Creek, littering, and parking in areas where parking is prohibited.

The new regulations include licensing requirements, establishing standards for the operation of motor vehicles, and regulations on a range of activities, including the consumption and use of alcoholic beverages, audio equipment, boating, camping, dogs, pets and other activities, firearms and firearms firearms, fires, fishing, hunting and trapping, illegal drugs and controlled substances, swimming, bathing and wading, and vandalism.

The changes include new requirements for permits for the use of all recreational buildings, pavilions and adjacent areas of any facilities within the park system. A permit will be required for the use of athletic fields and the reservation of any area within the park system for use in conjunction with an event, gathering or activity bringing together 10 or more people.

This does not apply to persons and groups using playground facilities located in the immediate location of a given playground facility.

Further permit requirements include the use of park land for commercial purposes.

Finally, special event permits will be needed for various activities. These various activities include organized walks or runs of any distance. This includes 5K and 10K runs, half marathons, marathons, birthday parties, company picnics, festivals, weddings and ceremonies, family reunions, workshops, clinics and classes, and any other events deemed special by the municipality.

If more than 1,000 participants are expected, the organizer must submit an emergency operations plan to city officials for review and approval.

The changes also introduce detailed criteria in the form of guidelines that must be met before permits are issued.

Other types of activities will now also be regulated. These new regulations cover the use of entertainment and play equipment, animals, birds and reptiles, boating, camping, fishing, littering and swimming, bathing and wading.

The ordinance will also implement short-term measures at Covered Bridge Park to alleviate ongoing concerns at the park. These actions include the removal of rope swings and the hiring of additional staff for Public Works and Police during peak periods at the park.