The Mock family has dedicated over 70 acres of their land to Eldred Township for use as a park. Fifty acres are currently in the possession of the township with the remainder coming to the township upon the passing of Jackie Mock.

Under to the deed to the first parcel, the township is required to open the land to residents. The township is in the process of building a parking area and trails at the Fiddletown Road entrance to the property.

Wednesday evening a plan suggested by the Parks and Recreation committee to place a parking area off Wes-Flo Court at the northernmost end of the park caused a stir when resident Mary Nicoles, who resides on Wes-Flo Court, informed the supervisors that no one on the cul-de-sac was aware of the plan to put a parking area at the end of their street.

“We have had some questionable, possibly illegal, stuff going on there and have had to call the state police a number of times,” Nicoles said. “And you want to give them a parking lot to make it easier for them to do who knows what.”

Nicoles said that residents of the street have started a watch to keep an eye on what has been going on.

“I have lived here 15 years and it was never like this,” see said. “What kind of security are you planning on? Are you going to pay someone to sit there?”

Chairwomen Mary Anne Clausen felt that it was too soon to be discussing a parking lot at the end of the park.

It was decided that a letter will be sent to the residents of Wes-Flo Court inviting them to attend upcoming Parks and Recreation meetings so that their input could be considered before additional plans are brought before the board of supervisors.

There was also a discussion regarding the creation of walking trails on the property. There is currently a plan in place to rough out a trail down to the Princess Creek at the Fiddletown Road section of the park.

“We grew up around here and we remember what it’s like in that area of the creek,” Doug Borger said. “There is a whirlpool in that area, someone has died there and you have to be crazy to invite people down to that area.”

Vice Chairwoman JoAnn Bush said that the township would post signs telling people to not enter the creek.

“That was my 7-year-old cousin who drowned in that whirlpool,” Archie Craig said. “You should not be putting a trail there. It will just encourage people to go into the creek.”

Clausen said that the reason for the trails is so that people can walk them and enjoy how beautiful the area is.

Supervisor Gary Hoffman suggested that the township take the time to hire a professional to look over the area and make suggestions on how the township can make the area safe for hikers and protect the township from liability.