LANCASTER TWP — Preliminary plans for a 26-acre community park on the former Haine farm highlight the rural municipality’s character.

John Buerkle of Pashek Associates on Thursday night presented tentative drawings for the park to the township supervisors, members of the park steering committee, and about eight residents.

The land is at the intersection of Route 19 and West Lancaster Road.

The Haine barn would be retained and improved for use as a three-season recreational facility with several multipurpose rooms.

A sign on the barn would depict its agricultural heritage. Buerkle said the barn would be protected from the weather in the first of the plan’s six phases.

The landscape of the park would remain largely natural, with trees, wildflowers, and a 1-mile walking trail around the park’s perimeter complete with a boardwalk over a non-mowed wetland area.

Buerkle said land in the center of the park would be saved for a log cabin that could serve as a history center or educational venue.

“It would really be a nice centerpiece for the park,” Buerkle said.

He said an authentic log building could be moved there if one is found.

Buerkle recommended that the park’s four shelters be made of timber and stone to reflect the township’s rural character. One shelter would have a fireplace that visitors could use while they are using the sledding hill.

A large rectangular field could be used for soccer, softball and other sports. Benches and bleachers would come with the field, and there would be a nearby playground.

A separate sport court would contain two 100-foot by 50-foot fields.

The plans include two access roads to the park off West Lancaster Road. One corner of the park could be the site of a new municipal building, where township administration and police would be based.

A concession stand, a shorter walking loop, and several restrooms and water fountains round out the plans.

Buerkle said the land is suitable for septic fields, and a public water line across West Lancaster Road would be accessed for the park.

He said it would take five to 10 years to complete the entire park, depending on funding and other factors.

Suggestions by the residents at the meeting included plaques at the four natural springs on the property, from which the name Four Springs Park would come, and the opportunity for residents to dedicate trees and benches in memory of deceased friends and family.

Township supervisor Joe Plesniak was pleased with the preliminary park plans.

‘I think everyone will get excited once we break ground and they see something happening there,” he said.

Joretta Kennedy, formerly Joretta Haine, grew up on the property when her parents farmed it. Kennedy appreciates all the plan’s features.

She said her later parents would be thrilled with the park. “They were very simple people, and I feel this epitomizes their lifestyle,” she said.

Buerkle said he will next meet with the park steering committee to get comments on the plans. He then will meet with the three township supervisors to prepare the final presentation for the park master plan.

Buerkle said it is impossible at this point to give a cost for the park.