As expected, Lower Paxton Twp. supervisors gave their OK Tuesday evening for citizens groups to develop a dog park at Kohl Park and a skate park at George Park. The approvals set the stage for fund raising to begin for both projects. The new recreation facilities will not be funded with tax dollars collected by the township. State tax money could be used to construct both projects – skate park organizers and the township are seeking a $250,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and backers of the dog park say Rep. Ron Marsico has agreed to help obtain a $10,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development. Both groups are seeking contributions from LP residents and businesses. To make a donation toward the skate park, jump over to the Web site for Central Penn Freedom Group. To help with the dog park, contact Brian Luetchford, LP Parks and Recreation Department director, at (717) 657-5635 or via e-mail for instructions on how to make a contribution. BB has weighed in on funding for the dog park via a comment under this post and a letter to Rep. Marsico. ____ In other LP news, the Friendship Center will hold an open house event this Sunday, Sept. 7, 1 to 3 pm so residents can take a tour and try everything out at no charge. Those who become a member Sunday will get a FREE one-month membership. Also, this week through Saturday, Sept. 6, memberships are available with a 10-percent discount. For more details, call the Friendship Center at (717) 657-5635.

As promised, I penned and e-mailed a note to state Rep. Ron Marsico asking him to reconsider his pledge to secure state funding for a proposed one-acre dog park in Lower Paxton Twp.:

Dear state Representative Marsico:

I recently read an article in The Patriot-News (Dog park plan gets a 'go ahead'; published Aug. 13, 2008) that mentioned you are seeking state funding for a dog park in Lower Paxton Township. I think a dog park is a great use of township parkland. However, I strongly believe that the use of state funding would be an inappropriate use of taxpayers' dollars. The state has numerous pressing needs – aging infrastructure, underfunded public schools, underfunded police and fire departments – to use state taxes for a one-acre dog park that would benefit a small number of Pennsylvanians. Furthermore, if the state can’t afford to fund lifeguards to patrol swimming areas in state parks, how could state funding for a small dog park be justified? Please reconsider your pledge to seek a state grant for a dog park in Lower Paxton Township, and consider aiding this project by leading or assisting with a private fund-raising campaign. Sincerely, Bill Bostic Resident, 105th Legislative District Publisher/editor, Linglestown Gazette

Updated at 10:15 am ... Dog lovers are celebrating today in Lower Paxton Twp. Click the headline above to find out why, and check the comments for BB's take. ____ Other backyard news ... * Police plead for owners to lock cars. * CD school board forms finance committee; Malesic and McShane cry the blues over not getting picked to sit on panel. * A reliable source says LP supervisors were given the lowdown Tuesday night on a $63,000 high-tech package that would somehow automatically keep tabs on the condition of township roads. Developing story ... * Mount Hill Tavern is now open at 2120 Colonial Road, which is near the intersection of Linglestown and Colonial roads. Sounds intriguing. (Source: Q-Tip)

A proposed dog park and sponsor signage for a proposed skate park are among the items up for discussion during Tuesday, Aug. 12, workshop meeting of the Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors at the Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street, 6 pm. CLICK HERE to view the agenda. Workshops are non-televised meetings that are used by the supervisors and township staff members to discuss issues in depth. ____ Other township meetings this week: * Planning Commission, Wed., 7 pm, Municipal Center * Public Safety Committee, Thu., 7 pm, Municipal Center