In Rapho Township, a significant event took place during the Board of Supervisors meeting on November 21. After extensive discussions from residents, the supervisors made a crucial decision to apply for an $815,000 Local Share Account grant. This grant will be used to install lights at two baseball and softball fields located at Rapho Township Community Park on Strickler Road in Manheim. Such grants are funded by state gaming revenues distributed through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

Background and Initial Request

Don Wenger, the athletic field scheduling coordinator, had previously asked the supervisors to consider installing lights at the ballfields during a September 19 meeting. He emphasized that field space is limited in the Manheim area and no new fields are being constructed. By installing lights, games can be played into the night at the existing fields, providing more opportunities for sports activities.

Public Opinion and Concerns

Chris Neiles, whose home adjoins the park, expressed support for adding lights as night games would alleviate the demand for field space. However, several residents with properties adjacent to the park had concerns about lighting and increased traffic. Steve Stiles questioned the impact of lights on neighboring homes, and Michael Groff asked if the township's fee schedule would be adjusted to cover the costs of operating the lights and maintaining the fields. Jeanette Carter was worried about "cut-through" traffic on her street, Fieldstone Drive.

Quotable Statements

"Kids smile when coaches tell them they're playing under the lights. For kids to be able to play under the lights is a great use of grant funds," Neiles said. "Basketball courts are behind my house, and there are sometimes people playing on them at 5 a.m., but I accept that. I knew the park was there when I bought my house."

Township's Response

Randall Wenger, the township manager, assured that the light fixtures would direct light only onto the fields and there would be no light spillover onto nearby homes. Lowell Fry, the board chair, mentioned that organizers of adult and children's teams have requested additional field use. He also stated that a fee schedule will be reviewed once the lighted fields are ready for use.

Church Expansion

The supervisors also approved the second phase of a sketch plan for the revised expansion of Chiques Church on Sunnyside Road. In 2008, a two-phase expansion plan for the church was approved, and the first phase - the construction of an 18,485-square-foot family life building and a new parking lot - was completed in 2009. The revised project includes a 2,100-square-foot addition to the family life area and an 18,395-square-foot sanctuary addition with approximately 698 seats.