Township Parks & Open Spaces
We are proud of the fact that we have beautiful recreational areas for our residents to enjoy. Currently, the Township has two community parks, one nature preserve and three open spaces. All Township parks, the preserve & open spaces are open daily from dawn to dusk. All users of the Township’s parks & open spaces must follow the Park Rules & Regulations. The Pennsylvania State Police routinely patrol Township properties. Please report any suspicious activity to the Township Office at (610) 845-7760 or the Pennsylvania State Police, Reading Office, at (610) 378-4011.
Below is are the names and locations of Washington Township Parks, Preserve and Open Space areas:
Barto Community Park
The Barto Community Park is located at 122 Barto Road. The park contains a baseball field, basketball court, a pavilion available for rentals, a tot-lot playground, passive open space, and a paved walking trail. The Christian Hellriegel Memorial Field is also located at the Barto Community Park. Click here to view a Park Map.
washington township park
The Washington Township Park is located at 104 Victoria Drive. The park also spans across Niantic Road, so please be careful crossing the road. The park has a pavilion available for rentals, a playground, passive open space, and soccer fields. The J.K. Memorial Field is also located at the Washington Township Park. Click here to view a Park Map.
Naigle nature preserve & woodlands
ATTENTION – The boundary of this open space is not currently marked. Please do not trespass on adjacent residential or commercial properties. Access to this open space is only available off of Gehringer Road between Route 100 and Docwill Drive and at 82 Audrey Drive. There is a small parking lot along Gehringer Road (North Side) and very limited street parking on Audrey Drive. There is currently no access to this open space off of Hoffmansville Road. This plot of open space is available for passive recreation. Click here to view a Preserve Map.
Forgedale Road Open Space
This open space is located at 749 Forgedale Road. This plot of open space provides a scenic spot along the West Branch Perkiomen Creek. There is currently no parking available at this open space.
cubbler court open space
This open space is located at 28 Cubbler Court. This plot of open space is available for passive recreation. There is very limited street parking on Cubbler Court.
westfield drive open space
This open space is located at the intersection of Lenape Road and Westfield Drive. This plot of open space is available for passive recreation. There is currently no parking available at this open space.
Winter in the Parks
Summer in the Parks
Washington Township Park Wetland Study
Park & Preserve Location Map (Download Map Here)
Park Rules & Regulations
- Automobiles and trucks are permitted within designated roadways and parking areas by PARK USERS ONLY during park hours.
- There shall be no parking on the grass areas surrounding the pavilions, athletic fields, playgrounds or courts.
No fire shall be permitted at any township park, except in an area designated and approved by the Township Fire Marshall.
Prohibited Activities
The following activities are prohibited within any township park area:
- Littering
- The possession, use, or discharging of a firearms.
- Posting of signs, soliciting, or peddling.
- Intentionally, recklessly, or negligently causing destruction to or removal of park equipment, facilities, or property.
- Immoral, indecent, or disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, use of profane language, or engaging in any lewd, immoral, or commonly objectionable conduct that annoys any other person using a township park for recreation purposes.
- Operating snowmobiles or any other motorized vehicles, except automobiles or trucks in designated areas.
- Except in cases of an emergency, no persons shall use any park area for repair of a motor vehicle.
- Riding bicycles or other pedalcycles anywhere, except on roadways and parking areas.
- Possessing or controlling any alcoholic or malt beverage.
- Knowing or intentional possession of a controlled substance.
- No person shall engage in any kind of gambling game at which money or other valuable things may or shall be played for, staked, or betted upon, unless otherwise specified by the Recreation Advisory Committee.
- No person is permitted to strike golf balls within any park area, unless otherwise permitted by the Recreation Advisory Committee.
- With the exception of a guide dog accompanying any blind person, or of a dog used to assist any other physically handicapped person, dogs, leashed or unleashed, or other animals are not permitted in township parks.
Picnic Pavilion Rentals
Consider having your family reunion or birthday party at our large picnic pavilion, 30′ x 70′ at the Barto Community Park and the Washington Township Park! Each pavilion has running water and electricity, nine (9) 6′ picnic tables and two (2) 8′ handicapped tables. There are port-o-potty nearby and walking paths to go to both the pavilion and port-o-potty. Both parks have new tot lots for the little ones to enjoy! Barto Community Park has a baseball & football fields and a basketball courts. Washington Township Park has soccer fields.
Rental Fees are as follows:
- Washington Township Residents: $100.00 ($50.00 for Rental and $50.00 for Security Deposit)Please note: If no damage done to the pavilion area, the Security Deposit will be returned, thus the actual fee for a resident is $50.00).
- Non Residents: $150.00 ($100.00 for Rental and $50.00 for Security Deposit)Please note: If no damage done to the pavilion area, the Security Deposit will be returned, thus the actual fee for a non-resident is $100.00).
It is best to phone the Township Office FIRST if you are interested in a particular date to rent the pavilion to be sure that the pavilion is free for your special event. That way you can reserve the date, fill out the Application along with your check to reserve the pavilion and return to the Township Office.
A rental application is available at the following link:
Sandra S. Moser Community Room Rentals
The Sandra S Moser Community Room can be used for activities such as parties, showers, meetings, dinners and other approved gatherings and can accommodate 60 to 70 people comfortably. The room is equipped with a kitchen sink, refrigerator, microwave oven, standard stove, air conditioning and lots of counter space.
Room Rental Guidelines
- Applications for room use request shall be made through the Township Office in person or by telephone (610-845-7760).
- Reservations for this room will be made on a first come, first serve basis.
- The room may be used for activities such as parties, showers, meetings, dinners and other approved gatherings. The Community Room can accommodate 60 to 70 persons comfortably. It is equipped with a kitchen sink, refrigerator, microwave oven, standard stove, air conditioning and lots of counter space.
- If possible, reservations should be made 30 days in advance of the rental.
Liability
Individuals and groups using the Community Room facilities are held responsible for their conduct and for any damage incurred to the room; building, furnishings or equipment while it is in their care and control.
Washington Township in no way assumes financial responsibility for damage or loss of personal property or injuries of any kind.
All organizations using the facility shall enclose a copy of their Certificate of Liability Insurance with this application.
Care of Facility
- Area being used is to be restored to proper room arrangement and cleanliness.
- Spills and trash should be cleaned and wiped up.
- Cleaning equipment is available for groups and individuals using the room.
- Equipment should be returned to the proper storage locations in proper condition.
- Persons reserving the facility shall supply paper products and utensils.
- Trash and garbage bags and their removal are the responsibility of the group or individual using the room.
- Kitchen area should be left in the condition in which it was found.
- NO items of any kind may be attached to the floor, ceiling, walls or room fixtures, doors, windows or support poles, using nails, screws, tape, staples, tacks, adhesives or any other means.
- The deposit for the room will be returned within 30 days when the room is found acceptable and key is returned on the next business day.
Conduct while using the room
- No alcoholic beverages or controlled substances are permitted on the premises.
- No smoking is permitted anywhere in the building.
- Any persons under the age of 21 must be chaperoned at all times.
- Everyone is expected to maintain proper conduct while present at any part of the property. This includes outside as well. No profane or obscene language or activities allowed.
- No more than 60-70 persons are allowed in this room at all times. If over, please check with Township Manager.
- No diapers or sanitary napkins under any circumstances are to be flushed in the toilets.
- No tables or chairs are to be taken out of the room at any time.
At termination of the period of use
- All lights should be turned off.
- Stove and any other appliances must be turned off.
- Be sure to remove all your items from the refrigerator.
- Doors and windows are to be closed.
- Remove all trash from premises.
- Any special instructions are to be followed.
Rental fees are as follows
- Residents: $150.00 ($60.00 for rental and $90.00 security deposit)
- Non Residents: $175.00 ($75.00 for rental and $100.00 security deposit)
- Township Committee Members: $100.00 ($40.00 for rental and $60.00 security deposit). Note: This is a one-time use per year per family at this rate for all Committee Members.
- Meetings: $75.00 ($25.00 for rental and $50.00 for security deposit). Does NOT include use of facilities except for coffee and light refreshments.
THE ABOVE RATES ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR FOUR (4) HOURS. AFTER THAT, $15.00 PER HOUR WILL BE CHARGED. IF POSSIBLE, RESERVATIONS SHOULD BE MADE 30 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF THE RENTAL. Please consult the following link for an application to rent the Community Room:
World War II Memorial
Washington Township World War II Memorial and the Memorial to Veterans of All Wars
Located near the intersection of Barto Road and Route 100, the memorials pay tribute to the Township residents who have served our country in the armed forces.
Newsletters
Washington Township, the Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee and Berks County offer multiple newsletters throughout the year. Please click the below link to view the available newsletters.
Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee Events
Click here to download a copy of the PARRC Calendar.
Resources & Links
Please use the links below to find more information regarding State, county, local and private park & recreation opportunities.
- Montgomery County Parks
- Berks County Parks & Recreation
- Lehigh County Parks & Recreation
- Chester County Parks & Preservation
- Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
- We Conserve PA
- Boyertown Recreation
- Bally Borough Parks & Recreation
- Bally Area Recreational Development Society
- Bechtelsville Borough Parks & Recreation
- Bechtelsville Community Park
- Pennsylvania Fish & Boat
- Wildlands Conservancy
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy
- William Penn State Forest
Please use the links below to find more information about the various State & county regional parks and preserves located in our area.
Please use the links below to find more information about the various local community parks and preserves.
Recreation Advisory Committee
Membership of Recreation Advisory Committee and duties/responsibilities
The Recreation Committee is an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission in matters regarding development of all recreational areas within the Township. The Recreational Advisory Committee reviews all applications for subdivision and land development and gives their recommendations to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors regarding open space issues and recreational areas.
The goal of this committee is to preserve as much open space as possible, in order to provide appealing parks and recreational areas for the residents of the community. The Recreational Advisory Committee is a six-member committee appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Members of this committee serve staggered three (3) year terms. There are currently two vacancies on this committee. The Recreation Advisory Committee email address is: parks (at) washtwpberks.org.
Members
- Mark Bedle: Chairperson & Secretary
- David Laxx: Vice-Chairperson
- Tara Christman
- Dwayne Henne
- VACANT
- VACANT
Susan J. Brown, Treasurer (Non-Member)
Comprehensive Recreation, Parks, & Open Spaces Plan
In the early Spring of 2024, the Recreation Advisory Committee finalized the Comprehensive Recreation, Parks, & Open Spaces Plan. A copy of Plan is available for review or download by using the below link or in person at the Township Office. Moving forward, the Township is currently pursuing funding opportunities to facilitate the development of a Park Master Plan for the Barto Community Park. We anticipate that the Master Plan will include the modernization of the current park facilities and the addition of more recreational opportunities, including shade trees, gathering areas, pickle ball courts and walking & biking trails. The Recreation Advisory Committee and the Board of Supervisors would like to thank the residents for their participation in the Summer 2023 online recreational survey. Your input was instrumental in the development of the Comprehensive Plan and will help guide the Township during the preparation of the Barto Community Park’s Master Plan and beyond. In other news, the Township has established a new nature preserve. The Naigle Nature Preserve & Woodlands is comprised of multiple open spaces and until a master plan can be developed for the preserve, is available to residents for passive recreation
This Plan is dedicated to moving Washington Township into its future role for parks and recreation. Washington Township’s commitment to implementing this Plan will ensure that its parks and recreation system is essential to quality of life and plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of residents and visitors.
Great parks and recreation systems don’t just happen. They require a guiding vision and a sustained set of strategies for bringing that vision to reality. This Comprehensive Recreation, Park, and Open Space Plan outlines Washington Township’s vision for the future of its parks, natural areas, trails, and recreation programming, and shares strategies for how to achieve this vision.
The Washington Township mission statement, vision statement, and core goals for parks and recreation have been prepared to guide development, operation, and programming of the Township parks and recreation system over the next 10 years. The mission statement defines the Township’s purpose for its parks and recreation system, while the vision statement presents the Township’s desire for its future. The core goals are guiding principles that directly support the mission and vision and define and prioritize the work required to implement this Plan.
Mission Statement – We focus on preserving our natural resources and providing parks, trails, and recreation activities for residents to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, make memories, and improve health.
Vision Statement – Our safe and accessible parks and recreation system inspires all residents to be active outdoors and involved in the community.
Core Goals – The Plan sets out five core goals to support the Township’s mission and vision for parks and recreation.
Core Goal 1 – Renewal, Investment, and Stewardship – We will address the maintenance and improvement needs of parks, trails, and recreation facilities to protect the environment and keep amenities in top shape for safe and enjoyable use.
Core Goal 2 – Recreation for All – We will ensure the right of all people to play, learn, and explore outdoors by removing barriers to participation and fostering an inclusive culture.
Core Goal 3 – Health and Wellness – We will promote outdoor physical and social activity by providing safe and welcoming recreation places, spaces, and programs.
Core Goal 4 – Relationship and Capacity Building – We will collaborate with neighboring municipalities, partners, and residents to provide exceptional parks and recreation opportunities for our community.
Core Goal 5 – Awareness – We will do everything possible to make our parks, natural areas, and trails beter used tomorrow than they are today.
During the Summer 2024 the Board of Supervisors and the Recreation Advisory Committee adopted the above Washington Township Parks & Recreation Logo.
