Parks & Recreation
Lower Swatara Township is a contributing member of MARA which offers a variety of year-round recreational and leisure activities for all ages. In addition, Township residents can become active in the Lower Swatara Township Athletic Association, which offers youth baseball and softball, and the Olmsted Regional Soccer Association, which offers youth soccer.
The Township has a recreation advisory board comprised of interested residents that advises the Board of Commissioners on the construction and improvement of parks and recreation facilities in the Township.
The Township owns six public parks where residents can enjoy sports, picnicking, and outdoor activities. In addition to the Township-owned parks, residents can also enjoy the facilities at the Middletown Area High School and Kunkel Elementary School, which are located in the Township. This chart illustrates the features of each park.
Staff Contacts
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Christopher DeHart | Representative to MARA |
| Ronald J. Paul | Alternate Representative to MARA |
Township Recreation Board
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Virginia L. Noll | Member, Term Expires 12/31/2025 |
| James Kazakavage | Member, Term Expires 12/31/2024 |
| Tim Yeich | Member, Term Expires 12/31/2024 |
| Carl Dupes | Member, Term Expires 12/31/2025 |
| Christopher Lubic | Member, Term Expires 12/31/2028 |
Organizations
Active Township Groups Serving the Community
Lower Swatara Township Athletic Association
The Lower Swatara Township Athletic Association (LSTAA) is a nonprofit organization offering youth baseball and softball programs to over 250 children in the township — providing opportunities for sports, teamwork, and community connection.
Middletown Area Recreation Alliance
For residents seeking broader recreational programming beyond sports, the Middletown Area Recreation Alliance (MARA) coordinates regional recreation efforts across Lower Swatara and neighboring communities, offering people of all ages access to facilities, events, and leisure-time programming.
Voluntary Boards and Civic Participation
Recreation Advisory Board
A volunteer-led Recreation Advisory Board (appointed by the township’s Board of Commissioners) works to advise on the development and upkeep of parks and recreation facilities, ensuring residents’ needs are heard and addressed.
Through community groups like LSTAA and cooperation with school-district facilities, Lower Swatara taps into a strong volunteer and civic spirit, giving residents multiple ways to get involved, support youth programs, and build connections across the township.
