Peters council OKs master plan for Rolling Hills Park

Peters council on Monday unanimously approved the master plan for Rolling Hills Park, a $28 million project on the site of the former Rolling Hills Country Club on East McMurray Road.

The master plan divides the proposed 90-acre park into three sections: the South Valley, the Ridge Top and the North Valley.

The South Valley along East McMurray Road would consist of an adventure play ground area, pavilions and restrooms, a dog park, a picnic and playground area, as well as a 10acre aquatics facility. The area also would have several parking lots.

The Ridge Top area in the middle of the property would have a 2-acre “great lawn,” which would consist of open field space, a park maintenance area, a two-story picnic lodge and an indoor tennis facility, as well as basketball, sand volleyball, outdoor tennis, pickle ball, bocce and platform tennis courts and parking areas.

The North Valley area near Arrowhead Trail is proposed to have a nature center, picnic area, winter pavilion, bike agility course a connector to Arrowhead Trail and a nature play area.

Plans also include an outdoor aquatics area on the south-facing slope of the park and would include a competitive pool, a beach-entry pool and water playground or spray park.

“I think it reflects what the community would like to see,” said township manager Paul Lauer.

The master plan is a general guide for developing the park, but the actual plans could change over time, according to council member Monica Merrell. “It’s conceptual,” she said. She added that residents should be aware that the park will not be developed in the near future and the work will take several years.

Mr. Lauer said it was important that council approve the master plan because “it puts us in the position to be able to look for funding,” and also allows the administration to go before the township’s zoning hearing board for a special exception to allow a park on the site.

The township worked with Mackin Engineering of Findlay to formulate the master plan. It can be found on the township’s website: www.peterstownship.com.

Council also approved a contract for the demolition of structures on the park site. Advanced Builders Inc. of Belle Vernon was awarded a $67,000 contract to demolish and remove the existing clubhouse, pool house and pool mechanical building at the site of the former country club.