ADAMS TWP — Officials on Thursday night unveiled plans to accommodate the outdoor, recreation and leisure needs of all township residents for the future.

The results of three separate but related studies guided by a diverse steering committee of supervisors, planning commission members, taxpayers and athletic organization leaders were made available for public perusal at the township building.

Consultant John Buerkle Jr. of Pashek Associates explained the goals of the comprehensive recreation, parks and open-space plan were to balance athletic and nonathletic recreational opportunities and provide programs for residents of all ages and interests. Another goal was to provide recreational amenities without filling up the current park's green space.

New additions proposed for the existing 100-acre park include two baseball fields, two basketball courts, a playground, three picnic pavilions with horseshoe courts, a Frisbee golf course and two restroom/concession buildings.

Several new features are proposed for the 30 acres supervisors recently purchased just north of the existing park. Three rectangular fields, a baseball diamond, a skate park, amphitheater, two playgrounds, a concession/restroom building and two picnic pavilions are planned for the space.

Both properties include additional parking and extensions to the multiuse trail that traverses the park.

A large community center connected to the municipal building via a walkway that would house two basketball courts, classrooms and office space and restrooms is also proposed, but planners admit funding may delay the building for now.

Buerkle also recommended the township purchase additional land adjacent to the park or at another location to accommodate the recreation needs of future residents.

A greenway and trails study was also completed by the committee and Pashek consultants. That plan proposes a couple of options that would connect the community park with school facilities along Route 228.

Another plan in the trails study sees the township placing a trail along the Buffalo and Pittsburgh railway that would begin around James Austin and Co. on Mars-Valencia Road, pass through Mars near the train depot, and end at EDCO Park in Evans City.

Buerkle said extensive talks between township and railroad officials would likely be necessary because of land acquisition and liability issues, as the existing track is in use. The trail would run in the footprint of a parallel track that was removed several years ago.

In the community park master site plan update study, the needs of the community were reassessed and public input was taken on recreational needs in the township. Surveys were sent out and public input meetings were held, and results of that input showed residents want more athletic fields, trails, a community center, pool, fitness facilities and an amphitheater. Those amenities are largely included in the comprehensive plan.

Buerkle said costs and a timeline for the park plans as well as the Buffalo and Pittsburgh trail would be included in the document he prepares for presentation to supervisors in May.

Steering committee member Chuck Rouda said the proposed athletic fields and other amenities were carefully located to allow for open space and the extension of the popular trail.

"I hope the public embraces it," Rouda said of the plans.

Kim Geyer, facilitator for the newly formed Mars Area Parks and Recreation Committee and president of the Mars School Board, called the plans "visionary," saying they meet many and diverse needs.

"Years down the road, this is going to be a tremendous asset to the community as a whole," said Geyer.

Donald Aiken, chairman of the Adams Township board of supervisors, said it is imperative for a growing community like Adams to look forward to the future.

"It looks like a good plan," said Aiken.

All plans will be available for viewing at the township building on Valencia Road.