The future of Hempfield Park is at the center of an upcoming study that will build on rehabilitation projects completed at the Forbes Trail Road facility over the past eight years.

Supervisors recently tapped Cranberry-based Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc. to work on the park’s master plan, which will provide a framework for park improvements and operations over the next 10 to 15 years, said Aaron Siko, director of parks and recreation. HRG is also completing the township’s comprehensive plan.

“This framework includes future phases of rehabilitation, a feasibility study for future improvements and growth of the Hempfield Township Athletic Complex, park infrastructure investments, new programming and events, and operations and maintenance strategies,” Siko said.

Since adopting their first master plan in 2014, township leaders have completed several projects at the park.

Those include rehabilitating the Bill Mazeroski Field with new dugouts, fencing, field signage, bullpen and batting cage, for $125,000; building an amphitheater, $425,000; renovating pavilions and restrooms for $260,000; as well as constructing a pavilion and dog park.

Officials also debuted a new inclusive playground this month, marking an end to the first two phases of the Hempfield Park Rehabilitation Project.

“The timing of the plan is due to our aggressive implementation of the last park master plan … and being nearly complete,” Siko said. “In that plan, we identified additional improvements and amenities for Hempfield Park, but due to the park’s growth and changes in use, this is the ideal time to reevaluate and retool for the next decade and beyond.”

The master plan will work alongside the comprehensive plan, which will identify recreational needs throughout the community while helping to identify locations for future parks.

Work on the master plan will begin this month, costing $53,370. Money will come from the Hempfield Park & Recreation Fund.

The project will take 12 months to complete.

There will be opportunities for public input through surveys, special event outreach and stakeholder interviews, Siko said.

“The master plan at North Hempfield park is an important asset to the community in regards to providing permanent recreational space,” said Supervisor Doug Weimer. “It allows us to attract new housing developments, because it’s an asset not only to Hempfield, but regionally. People today want to have open green space, and I’m proud to be part of that commitment with the rest of my board of supervisors.”

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