Sippel Reservoir Park

JACKSON TWP — A new community center will soon be constructed at Sippel Reservoir Park.

Jackson Township’s board of supervisors voted unanimously Monday, June 15, to approve more than $1.9 million in contract bids related to the construction of a planned community center at Sippel Reservoir Park.

Contracts approved include $1.45 million to Lee Michael Industries for general construction, $166,000 to Air Systems Mechanical for HVAC construction, $154,200 to Newman Plumbing for plumbing and $132,000 to McCurley Houston Electric for electrical work.

Originally envisioned to be a standard concession stand, using a $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the project expanded into something more ambitious to address a growing population and insufficient recreational amenities in the area.

The planned community center will include a concession stand, kitchen and public restrooms, along with several other multipurpose rooms and gathering spaces for public use, said Chris Rearick, township manager.

Sippel Reservoir Park was the optimal location for the project due to easy access from several neighboring municipalities, according to Rearick.

At the subsequent municipal authority meeting, the township board also voted unanimously to award Heckman Diversified Construction Services with a $248,193 contract for the Franklin Road water line extension project.

This project involves the installation of water mains to enhance the water infrastructure in the township.

Board member Jay Grinnell was absent at the meeting.