Middle Smithfield Township has five great parks:
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Echo Lake Park is located at 5206 Milford Road (Rt. 209) 3 miles north of Marshalls Creek, across from the Middle Smithfield Presbyterian Church. The park’s amenities include a pavilion, a soccer/flag football field, a 0.6 mile walking trail, and a new playground installed in March 2016. Future planned improvements to t
he park include new grills and additional picnic tables. A Veterans Memorial was built near the flagpole by Joe Schuon of BS Troop 87 for his Eagle Scout project in the fall of 2015 and is a great addition to the park. The Judy Putek Memorial Park is located at 182 Municipal Drive, just around the corner from the Township Building. The 12.837 acre park, previously farmland, is now preserved as open space for passive recreation with walking paths and wildlife watching. The park includes wetlands and a small stream that are part of the Pond Creek water system. This park is dedicated to the memory of Judy Putek, a long time environmentalist and advocate of open space. She was a very active member of the Middle Smithfield Township community. Putek loved the outdoors and was instrumental in acquiring several parcels through the countywide open space program and the Cradle of Liberty conservation program. Through the hard work of Judy Putek, Debbie Kulick, and Sherry Predmore, the Township purchased the 12.837 acres of land with the help of grants from the Monroe County Open Space Initiative and PA Conservation and Natural Resources. Grand money totaled $67,500, while the Township matched $22,500. The purchase of $90,000 was approved by the Board of Supervisors on October 14, 2003 through the Open Space Program and was finalized on May 21, 2004. Judy Putek passed away unexpectedly in 2007. A dedication service was held on July 24, 2008 to honor Mrs. Putek and name the park after her. Resica Park is located at 1 Gravel Ridge Road behind Resica Elementary School. Middle Smithfield Township maintains an annual lease of a portion of the park where residents can use the pavilion, baseball field, and playground equipment. Middle Smithfield Township’s Community Gardens Park is located at 989 Coolbaugh Road (please use 3063 Coolbaugh Road for more accurate GPS directions!)
Residents may rent up to 3 garden plots for their own use and may plant whatever they wish. The park is an organic garden and renters must attend a master gardener class and follow organic gardening procedures. The Township provides soil and manure for the garden boxes, which are generously built by a team of dedicated volunteers. Planned improvements include a shade pavilion, compost pile, walking trails, picnic tables, and grills. To reserve a garden plot, please contact Chris at [email protected] or call 570-223-8920 x119. There is a $50 refundable deposit due per box and renters must attend master gardener training, at no cost. The availability of garden plots is on a first-come first-served basis. Also visit the Community Gardens Park website at www.mstcommunitygardenspark.com . The Dog Park is Middle Smithfield Township’s newest park! It is located at 108 Leroy’s Lane along Milford Road (Rt. 209) just before the entrance to the National Park. (Use 6819 Milford Road for more accurate GPS directions!)
The Dog Park features two open spaces with tall fences to provide running room for dogs both big and small. The Dog Park has quickly become one of the area’s most popular parks. In addition to the fenced areas, the Dog Park includes a walking path around the outside of the fences, running water, seating areas, and ample “barking.”
On September 4, 2012, Ordinance No. 190 was enacted and ordained by the Board of Supervisors at a regular meeting of the Middle Smithfield Township Board of Supervisors. Ordinance No. 190 created a Township Parks and Recreation Committee. Mission:
Retain enough open space for citizen use. Maintain the beauty and character of the areas. Provide safe havens for the Pocono’s signature wildlife. Provide safe havens for native flora in natural habitat. Provide clean park environments. Provide well-equipped parks. Maintain full functioning park equipment and facilities. Assist community groups in recreation activities/events. Maintain fiscally sound park operations and management. Provide safe, open space environments for residents
The Middle Smithfield Township Parks and Recreation Committee meets at 6:30p on the first Monday of every month. Residents are encouraged to attend. Please call the township office at 570-223-8920 with any questions concerning MST parks. The Current Committee:
Michelle Dellavalle
Jaime Frailey, Chair
Laura Massaro
Dan Timpson, Vice-Chair
