New Centre County park can move forward after approval of master plan. Here’s what to expect
Construction of the first phase of Songbird Sanctuary, a passive park in Ferguson Township, can now begin after supervisors approved the master plan during Tuesday’s meeting.
Phase 1 of the plan includes mobilization and development of a natural trail, a kiosk, boot brushes, benches, bird nest boxes, trash and recycle bins, dog deposit boxes and signage. Phase 1 is estimated to cost a total of $47,113. With the approval of the supervisors, staff will use the money that was allocated in the operating budget and incorporate the improvements into the capital improvement program budget for phase 2 and 3 as funding is available, the agenda states.
A natural trail system, an entry plaza, mile markers, signs, a water bowl and bird nest boxes are all included in the master plan’s site amenities.
The natural trail system will begin at an accessible parking space at the end of Owens Drive and will head west toward Blue Course Drive. Trees will remain along the entire path and the walking path will be elevated through a construction technique to avoid disturbing existing tree routes.
Supervisor Laura Dinnini said she was looking forward to visiting the park and was especially interested in the path.
The “water bowl” will be a large, shallow bowl of water for birds to perch and hydrate, the plan states. Assistant township manager Centrice Martin said during the meeting that it was a “highly regarded” amenity and was suggested by the multidisciplinary steering committee. It’s not completely pinned down yet, but she said it could be filled with natural water from rainfall.
Because Songbird Sanctuary is designed as a neighborhood or commuter park, Township Manager David Pribulka said there’s not a lot of parking availability. There is some street parking available on Owens Drive and pedestrians or cyclists can access the park from the shared use path along Blue Course Drive.
The master planning process’ “guiding principles” focused on passive recreation and the environmental benefits of the site. Songbird Sanctuary is intended to be minimally maintained, Pribulka said, because it was acquired as a park to preserve its “uniquely infiltrated characteristics.” Some maintenance will be required, like removing invasives, but that has yet to be determined.
The park includes 8.99 acres of land and is bordered by Owens Drive and Blue Course Drive. Ferguson Township began the master planning for Songbird Sanctuary in 2019. In 2004, as part of a drainage evaluation, the area was identified for “being a natural absorption area for upstream drainage which provides stormwater infiltration.”
After the land was added to the township’s map as a natural conservation area in 2006, township officials began work to maintain the landscape while brainstorming potential ways to enhance the area for community use. Since then, “incremental developments” have occurred, including invasive species removal, adding a pollinator habitat area and tree plantings.
This story was originally published February 6, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
