LANCASTER TWP — Township supervisors unanimously approved the first of several fencing upgrades at Four Springs Park during their monthly meeting on Monday, April 21.

The first phase of what is likely a four-phase project was broken down into Phase 1A and 1B.

Supervisors gave the green light for Phase 1A. It calls for the purchase of up to $22,000 worth of fences, trees and shrubs to act as a barrier for four residential properties on the eastern side of the park.

Chairman Greg Kessler noted that the fencing will cost around $11,000, and the trees and shrubs will cost around that number as well.

Several residents had raised concerns over dogs coming onto their property, which created a need for the township to act.

“There’s four property owners that are close to the park,” said township manager Mary Hess during the meeting. “People with dogs and animals come up on that side of the park, and that’s been a concern. We’re addressing people’s concerns.”

Now that funding has been approved, Hess said she can begin speaking with contractors about the work, which is likely to begin this summer.

While township officials plan to approve the fencing project in stages, it’s unclear when they’ll be approved and how much each phase will cost. There could also be a new gate installed at the park that would better direct the flow of traffic in the area.

It’s all part of a larger ambition to outline the boundaries of Four Springs Park to potentially construct a new municipal building there, said Hess. The current municipal building sits about a mile away on Kings Alley.

Supervisors also approved plans for the Four Springs Sprint 5K on July 26 at the park. There are developing plans to host a township community day on that date to coincide with the race. More details on the event are expected to be presented to supervisors at next month’s meeting.