Jackson Township aiming to develop parks system in midst of population boom
Summary: Learn how Jackson Township is working to keep its recreational options in tip-top shape amid population growth.
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As Jackson Township swells with new residential developments, officials are working to ensure recreational facilities are keeping pace.
Township manager Chris Rearick said leaders are working to expand parks, trails and other outdoor facilities in ways that serve both existing residents and those who are continuing to move in.
One of the most notable projects on the horizon is the construction of a community complex at Sippel Reservoir Park.
The township had received a near $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources that stirred up an idea to build a simple concession stand.
However, that evolved into something larger when the township realized it could create more space without significantly raising costs.
“We were able to work with a local architect and essentially value-engineer the project, get the cost down, but still add some additional space, ideally for the same price, and have an amenity for the community in the long term,” Rearick said.
The project is being funded without tapping into the township’s general fund, relying instead on grants, in-kind work and recreation fees from developers.
In 2017, the township partnered with Zelienople and Harmony as part of a joint Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan. That has allowed the municipalities to gain a better insight as to what residents desire in new outdoor amenities.
“One of the practical exercises of that plan was to look at national parks and recreation standards with respect to the population of all three communities and the facilities that we had,” Rearick said. “Facilities in each municipality were evaluated as part of the region, so we weren’t attempting to duplicate recreational amenities.”
For example, he noted the idea to construct new soccer fields at Sippel Reservoir Park was based on a lack of that amenity regionally.
The planning structure reflects a broader strategy as the township plans for consistent population growth in the coming years.
Jackson Township’s population checked in at 4,883 people in 2020, but that number had risen to an estimated 6,079 as of 2024, according to the most recent U.S. Census data.
Additionally, Rearick noted that residents of Harmony and Zelienople boroughs, which are adjacent to Jackson Township, will likely also use the township’s amenities.
Rearick said the township is prioritizing land acquisition and trail connections before development overtakes the opportunities.
As for trails, they have been one of the most consistent requests from residents and Jackson is working with neighboring municipalities and volunteer groups to connect local paths into a regional network.
“Part of what we heard from residents was a need for an overall trail system and a trail network,” Rearick said. “Sippel Reservoir Park is actually accessible from neighborhoods in Jackson Township as well as Harmony, and it provides a connection point for neighborhoods in Harmony over to businesses in that vicinity and Zelienople’s Main Street.”
Rearick said public-private partnerships are key to making these projects possible, citing examples like a new dog park being built with the help of a local business.
“If we can marry funds from our recreation impact fees with private funds and the in-house work of our public works department, we can certainly do a lot more than just funding each project through one source,” he said.
Looking ahead, the township is updating its recreation and open space plan for the first time since 2017.
“Our goal is to have a draft of the updated recreation plan by the end of the year, with an adoption process early in 2026,” Rearick said.
