Franklin Township officials are starting early to try to prevent traffic issues this summer at Beltzville State Park.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley requested a meeting Feb. 10 at Beltzville State Park to discuss the traffic problems entering the park with the board, police Chief Jason Doll, and state park rangers.

On Tuesday, resident Stephen DeLello asked the board of supervisors about the outcome from that meeting.

Chairman Fred Kemmerer Jr., said it was more of an informative meeting about park procedures.

“I wouldn’t mind setting up a meeting before the holidays as to how we as a township should move forward with that,” Kemmerer said.

DeLello asked the board what it would take to put up signs because he’s concerned with the traffic, as he lives near Beltzville.

It was noted signs have been put up, but DeLello said there’s “nothing there that’s enforced.”

“I’ll volunteer my time Saturday and Sunday mornings,” DeLello said. “I would have no problem writing tickets.”

DeLello added, “We all know summer’s coming up quick.”

Supervisors agreed to hold a meeting likely sometime next month to discuss the traffic at the park.

Contacted after the meeting, Heffley said township supervisors, township police, DCNR rangers at the park, and state police attended the meeting.

“The goal of the meeting was to get everybody together and really just talking about how things are going at the park,” Heffley said. “We know we are going to have crowds again this year, and (wanted to discuss) how can we manage (things) to be as less impactful for the residents there.”

Heffley stressed the biggest concern is what they can do for the traffic at Pohopoco Drive going into the park in the morning, as the traffic gets backed up while visitors wait at the gate to the park.

He said they discussed ways for how the people can safely wait there to get into the park, as well how to get people into the park.

“It was a really good discussion knowing we’re going to have crowds, and how to work together to manage it,” Heffley said.

Previously, the board held a workshop meeting in August to discuss the traffic situation at the park, where, traffic backs up on Pohopoco Road hours before it opens at 8 a.m.

Among those at that workshop were residents, representatives from Towamensing Township and the Franklin Township Fire Company, fire police and police department.

Kemmerer said he was also concerned about the clogged traffic’s effect on emergency services.

Officials had two ideas they think could alleviate some of the traffic problems: The first would be to open the park earlier on weekends - it opens at 8 a.m. now. The second is instead of cars parking on Pohopoco Road before opening, cars park on the road in the park leading to parking lot B. That road is about 2,400 feet from Pohopoco to the parking lot.

There are no parking signs posted on Pohopoco Road, but they are usually ignored in Franklin and Towamensing townships.

After hearing concerns and discussing solutions, the group decided to arrange a meeting with local officials, Heffley and representatives from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.