Guiding the Future of Conservation and Recreation
The Detweiler Park Master Plan, completed in March 2021, lays out a comprehensive vision for the park’s development over the next 100 years. This plan was thoughtfully created to balance recreation, conservation, and public engagement, ensuring that the 411-acre property continues to be a vital resource for Dauphin County residents. The plan highlights strategies for enhancing trails, preserving ecological systems, and expanding amenities to meet the evolving needs of the community while honoring the legacy of the Detweiler Family.
Purpose and Vision
Acquired by Dauphin County in 2016, Detweiler Park was opened to the public in 2017 and quickly became a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts. The mast plan aims to build on this foundation by guiding the park’s transformation into a model of sustainability and recreation. key goals include protecting sensitive ecological areas, increasing accessibility, and fostering community engagement through education and recreation programs.
The plan envisions Detweiler Park as a premier regional destination that balances active and passive recreation. This includes a phased approach to implementing improvements such as enhanced trail systems, expanded educational opportunities, and the introduction of new facilities like pavilions and interpretive signage. At its core, the plan emphasizes preserving the park’s unique ecological features, including its diverse wildlife habitats, waterways, and historic landscapes.
Community-Driven Development
Public participation played a critical role in shaping the master plan. Over the course of 12 months, stakeholders and community members were engaged through public meetings, surveys, and interactive tools like the Wiki Mapping platform. These efforts gathered valuable input on current park usage and community priorities, resulting in a plan that reflects the needs and desires of its users.
Feedback from the sessions identified key priorities, such as maintaining and expanding the park’s seven miles of trails, protecting wildlife habitats, and ensuring that amenities like restrooms and wayfinding signage are available. the community’s desire for more educational and recreational programs also informed the plan’s recommendations.
Key Components of the Plan
- Ecological Conservation: The pan includes a detailed ecological assessment to address challenges such as invasive species management and the overpopulation of white-tailed deer. Restoration projects are proposed for wetlands, meadows, and riparian areas to improve biodiversity and water quality.
- Recreational Enhancements: Trail improvements and expanded connections to regional hiking networks are central to the plan.
- Phased Implementation: With a timeline spanning 15-20 years, the plan outlines 6-8 phases of development. This phased approach ensures that improvements are both financially feasible and responsive to future community needs.
For a detailed look at the master plan and its recommendations, as well as its accompanying appendix, click the links below:
Together, we can preserve the beauty of Detweiler Park and ensure it remains a cherished resource for generations to come.
