JACKSON TWP — The township supervisors are looking at plans to acquire property for a trail network that includes reconstructing the Harmony Trail.

They talked about the issue at their meeting Monday morning.

The township is working with TCDR Associates to have land donated to the township and to reopen the mile-long trail.

Harmony Trail was closed last summer by developer Don Rodgers for safety reasons during construction of his property by Creekside Manor. Part of the trail was later reopened.

The trail, part of the historic Washington’s Trail, runs by Connoquenessing Creek and has entrances at Wise and Mercer Roads. The public could use the trail in the past because of an agreement Rodgers has with Harmony.

The township is in talks with Harmony to completely reopen the trail.

Township manager Chris Rearick said the township is looking for funds to develop the rest of property owned by TCDR Associates for recreational purposes.

Mayor Cathy Rape asked the supervisors why the developer isn’t paying for reconstruction.

“Why would Jackson Township have put its monies into that?” she said.

Rearick said some money would be leveraged from the developer and some money may come from Butler County.

“There has been discussion with the developer about simply donating the land to the township so we can secure ownership,” Rearick said. “I don’t know if we have a legal basis to tell him (Rodgers) to do it.”

The township is developing a recreation plan that includes reconstructing the trail and creating a trail network from Connoquenessing Creek to Wise Road covering about 23 to 26 acres.

Some improvements may include a boardwalk, enhancement of the wetland areas, additional trails, pavilions, a fishing area and parking.

“His (Rodgers) property is a King essentially,” Rearick said of the Harmony Trail. “If the township gets control of it, then that makes it much clearer.”

“It’s a good thing for all the municipalities,” Rape said about plans to reopen the trail. “So may people walk and run the trail. It’s a big thing people like to do.

“I hope they (supervisors) can do what they’re talking about.”