Long before my time as a member of Cranberry Township’s board of supervisors, my predecessors created the blueprint for the township’s success.

Before Cranberry’s growth period began in earnest more than 30 years ago, the board chose to be proactive in how the township responded. They chose a path of planning, adapting and transparency to ensure the community grew in a measured, sustainable way.

Following those guiding principles, as well as the community’s goals and desires as outlined in the Cranberry Plan, leadership has focused on improving and maintaining infrastructure, as well as expanding services, programs and recreation offerings as the township developed.

Mike Manipole

It’s an honor for the current board to carry on that successful mission, but we certainly could not have done it alone. And it also most certainly has taken hard work. But as we’ve seen time and again, Cranberry is ready and willing to take on that hard work together. Cranberry’s desire to include the community and form strong partnerships is the secret behind the community becoming a place people want to be.

Those signs are visible around the township. Along Freedom Road, Route 228 and Rochester Road, expansion and improvement projects have been team efforts. Working with PennDOT, the Turnpike Commission and Butler County, these improvements are ongoing and actively address increased traffic.

In the coming years, a major project that will improve Rochester Road beneath the Turnpike will break ground, with multiple entities playing a major part in getting it off the ground.

Elsewhere, the Cranberry Township Community Chest has served as the catalyst for more than a dozen projects that directly impact and improve the community. These Projects of the Year have included upgrades and amenities in the township’s parks and the creation of new opportunities in the township library.

The 2023 Project aims to create a grand gathering space for the community at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. The Armstrong Great Lawn is symbolic of the partnerships and involvement that create the community it will serve.

That community is always willing to step up when called upon, be it through support of CTCC and other charitable organizations, or by serving their friends and neighbors via community service. Still others volunteer to serve on township committees, boards and associations.

These efforts are supported by a heavy focus on unparalleled customer service from the township’s dedicated staff. Every department works hard to serve the community and help residents, businesses and nonprofits succeed. From maintaining and improving infrastructure to providing programs and services for all ages, each employee comes to work each day with the goal of serving this great community.

Add those components up, and it’s easy to see how important planning and partnerships are to creating a stellar community. And as the board looks at the next decade and beyond, we will continue to rely on the tried-and-true methods of planning, adapting and relying on our community to ensure continued success for Cranberry Township.

Mike Manipole is chairman of the Cranberry Township Board of Supervisors.