Eldred Township supervisors discussed using an open space grant to develop a picnic area along Fiddletown Road across from a potential entrance to the 48-acre Walter W. Mock Park.

The property was purchased in 2006, but due to disagreements about its use and access, it has never been developed and remains inaccessible to residents.

The picnic area would include parking spots for four vehicles, and the township would purchase some concrete picnic tables, stone and materials to create the picnic area. The total cost would be a little under $17,000.

Supervisor Gary Hoffman said he supports the picnic area over development of Mock Park, because the township has several financial needs that have to be addressed first. These include improvements to the municipal building to make it safer for employees with items like bulletproof glass.

The township also needs an electric generator to keep the municipal building working in the event of an emergency. Hoffman thinks the small picnic area is good enough for now, and believes that when the township has more money, then it can look into completing plans for Mock Park.

This idea suits some residents just fine.

Maureen Nichols, a resident on Wes Flo Court, said, “We understand there may have been a survey at some point, but no one on the road approves of this parking lot.”

Mary Anne Clausen, chairwoman of the supervisors, said it concerns her a great deal when people say they have not been notified about the plans. “There has been a big effort to get the word out. The master plan has been in the office for view since 2010 for anyone purchasing property.”

Over the years, the township has spent $700,000 on this property between the purchase price, engineering plans and attorneys’ costs. Don Moore, a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, which is currently disbanded, said a land development plan was conditionally approved nine years ago. He has not been able to find a signed copy of that approval.

Moore advocates for access to the park from Wes Flo Court, because the elevation from that point to the highest point in the park is 20 feet. He said the elevation from Fiddletown Road to the highest point is much steeper at 200 feet.

“I thought this was something good for the community,” he said. “A special use exemption will not have an adverse effect on the community.”

Original plans for the park had ballfields and a playground. The newer plans call for just hiking trails through the park.

“This is the least intrusive use,” he said. “It was bought specifically for passive recreation.”

Moore also said the parking lot would be on the Mock Park property and setback from the property line by 15 feet.

Cindy Smith, a former member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, said, “It’s been 10 years. It’s time that the residents have access to it.”

Resident Jim Leiding said he was confused as to why the access from Fiddletown Road wasn’t being looked at more closely.

“There is an access to the park that would disturb only one person and that is the donor.” This access point is the one Moore had said was too steep.

“I would love to see this property developed. It’s a beautiful piece of property,” said Joyce Blaskow.

She advocated for the access point off Church Road, which some say is also too steep.

“People are willing to walk along the roads. Why not develop this so there’s a safe place for people to walk?”

No further decision was made about the development.