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. The pavilion and walking trail are ADA accessible. 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. The pavilion is ADA accessible.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
Park Rules and Regulations can be found under the Code of the Township of Washington, Chapter 76 – Parks, Recreation Areas and Open Spaces.
Park Hours
Unless prior written approval has been granted by the Township Board for a specified activity, the hours for the Township Park System are dawn to dusk; where lights are provided, until 10:00 p.m.
Motor Vehicles
- Motorized vehicles, whether electric or combustible-engine, shall be permitted only on designated roadways and within designated parking areas within the Township Park System; provided, however, designated parking areas shall be used and occupied solely by users of such Park System, and only during the hours that such Park System is open
- 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 System except in an area and in an approved receptacle specifically designated for such purpose or as otherwise approved in advance by the Township Fire Marshal.
Prohibited Activities
The following activities are prohibited within any Township Park System:
- Littering
- The bringing of personal and/or household trash and/or refuse onto any Township Park System and/or the discarding of the same, whether within or outside of a trash receptacle, except for trash generated while utilizing such Township Park System facilities.
- The possession, use, or discharging of a firearms.
- Posting of signs, soliciting, or peddling.
- Intentionally, recklessly, or negligently causing destruction to or removal of any Park System equipment, facility, signage, or property.
- No person shall injure, deface, climb, mutilate, pull-up, remove or destroy any vegetation in the Township Park System.
- 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, recreation area or open space for recreation purposes.
- Operating snowmobiles or any other motorized vehicles, except automobiles or trucks in designated areas.
- Overnight parking.
- Except in the case of an emergency, and then only to the extent necessary to remove such motorized vehicle from such Township Park System, no person shall repair a motorized vehicle within any Township park, recreation area or open space.
- Riding of bicycles, class I eBike cycles or other pedalcycles within the Township Park System, except on designated trails, roadways and parking areas.
- Possessing, controlling, distributing or use or consumption of any alcoholic or malt beverage or illegal controlled substance, with the exception use or possession of alcohol by an individual of legal drinking age at an event for which a variance permit allowing alcohol is procured and in effect.
- No person shall engage in any kind of gambling game at which money or other valuable things may be played for, staked or betted upon without the prior written consent of the Township Board.
- Striking or hitting golf balls.
- With the exception of a guide dog accompanying a legally blind person or a dog used to assist any other physically handicapped person, domesticated animals, including but not limited to dogs and cats, are only permitted in the Township Park System on designated park trails, parking lots and spectator areas adjacent to sport fields. Domesticated animals, including but not limited to dogs and cats, are not permitted in the Township Park System near/at playgrounds and pavilions. All domesticated animals must be always under the control of their owner and be on a leash with a length no greater than six feet. All owners are required to pick up after their domesticated animals and remove all waste from the Township Park System. Horses are not permitted in any areas of the Township Park System.
- No person shall smoke any tobacco product including, but not limited to, vaping devices, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or the like in the Township Park System.
- No person shall operate, or permit the operation of, any motorized vehicle in any Township park, recreation area, or open space, except for properly registered automobiles or trucks in designated areas when operated by a licensed driver.
- No person shall participate in, or permit the activity of, hunting, target practice, or animal trapping in the Township Park System.
- Launching, landing or operation of aerial drones within the Township Park System.
- Use of any type of firework or other explosive device within the Township Park System.
- No person shall participate in, or permit the activity of, creating new trails within the Township Park System
- Playing of loud music of any kind, which would be annoying and disruptive to neighbors and other persons using the Township Park System.
- Unsanitary or other improper use of restroom facilities located in the Township Park System.
- Entering or leaving the Township Park System except by entrances or exits provided for such purpose. Private property adjacent to the Township Park System shall not be entered upon by users of the Township Park System.
- No person shall pursue, catch, attempt to catch, strike, molest, wound, or kill any bird, wild animal or any nest, lair, den, burrow, or the like, of any animal and/ or bird.
- Use of roller skates, skateboards or any other vehicle on wheels on court surfaces except at such times and upon such places as may be designated or maintained for that purpose.
Picnic Pavilion Rentals
Consider having your family reunion or birthday party at our large 30′ x 70′ picnic pavilions, at the Barto Community Park and the Washington Township Park! The pavilion at Barto Community Park has running water, electricity and two charcoal grills. The pavilion at Washington Township Park has electricity only. Each pavilion has 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 playgrounds 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:
Memorial Bench & Tree Program
Washington Township Parks & Recreation has established a Memorial Bench & Tree Program.
Township residents are invited to mark a personal milestone with a reminder by placing a donation for a Memorial Bench or Tree, to be placed in a local park. Help us beautify and green our community parks & nature preserve with a Memorial Bench or Tree in honor of a friend, family member, loved one, or beloved pet! Donors may choose their bench or tree from the approved lists and will be notified when the bench is installed, or the tree is planted. All donations will be noted in the Township’s Memorial Bench & Tree Roster, located on the township’s website. Please click the link below to download the program’s application and information.
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 & Reports
Washington Township, the Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee and Berks County offer multiple newsletters throughout the year. The Parks & Recreation Board also publishes an annual report, providing residents a summary of accomplishments achieved in each year. Please click the below link to view the available newsletters & reports.
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.
Parks & Recreation Board
Membership of Parks & Recreation Board and duties/responsibilities
The Parks & Recreation Board is an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission in matters regarding development of all park & recreation areas within the Township. The Parks & Recreation Board 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 board 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 Parks & Recreation Board is a five-member board appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Members of this Board serve staggered three (3) year terms. The board meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm in the township conference room. The Parks & Recreation Board email address is: parks (at) washtwpberks.org.
Members
- Mark Bedle: Chairperson & Secretary
- Tara Christman: Vice-Chairperson
- David Laxx
- Dwayne Henne
- Fangyuan Ge
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.
Parks & Recreation Grant Announcements
Below is a list of Parks & Recreation grants
Niantic Road Pedestrian Improvement Project – This project will improve pedestrian safety at the Washington Township Park. Grants received to fund this project include the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation grant, Yeck Family Foundation grant and the Berks County Financial Authority – Multimodal Transportation grant. Grant funding received totals $146,782.
Barto Community Park Master Plan Project – This project will include the development of a park master plan, which will guide the township during their redevelopment of the park. Grants received to fund this project include the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation grant, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Community Recreation and Conservation Planning grant. Grant funding received totals $46,000.
Washington Township Park Master Plan Project – This project will include the development of a park master plan, which will guide the township during their redevelopment of the park. Grants received to fund this project include the Berks County Financial Authority – Imagine Berks grant. Grant funding received totals $19,210.
Barto Community Park Multiple Improvements Project – This project includes the replacement of two bleachers at the baseball field, upgraded garbage cans and new pet waste stations. Grants received to fund this project include the Yeck Family Foundation grant. Grant funding received totals $10,000.
Barto Community Park Meadowbrook Trail Connector Project – This project includes the redevelopment of the small trail connection from Meadowbrook development to the Barto Community Park, and the addition fencing, a bench and small park kiosk. Grants received to fund this project include the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation grant. Grant funding received totals $4,234.
Township-wide Radio Upgrade Project – This project will replace the township-wide radio system with a new modern UHF radio system. Grants received to fund this project include the Berks County Financial Authority – Local Share Account (Cat 4) grant. Grant funding received totals $30,681.40.
