Lower Township Community Day Highlights Local Services

VILLAS – Families flocked to the grounds of Clem Mulligan Park on May 31 for Lower Township’s annual Community Day celebrations.
Recreation Superintendent Mitchell Plenn, whose department oversees the event, said it was important for the event to be out in the neighborhood and the turnout was high.
“When you have adult neighbors that go out of their way to thank you, you know it was a job well done,” added Plenn.
Lower Township also offered members of the community the opportunity to destroy their confidential documents and avoid the pitfalls of identity theft during a paper shredding event held as part of Community Day. A mobile, on-site document shredding vehicle performed all of the paper shredding at the Township Municipal Complex.
Children tackled inflatable obstacle courses or played on the park’s playground. There was also live music by Banana Trio, games and food including 500 free hot dogs and 500 ice cream cones.
Various community groups such as the local fire departments, United Coast Guard Auxiliary, animal control and other were also on hand to talk to residents about the services they offer.
There also was a bike auction run by the township’s Treasury Department, which auctioned 51 confiscated bicycles to families eager to give the bikes a new home.
Part of the activities included a bike safety course run by the Lower Township Police Department. Officers Darrin Hickok and Bill Barcas helped children through a course that helps teach young bike riders the importance of wearing helmets and how to negotiate curves and stop at intersections. The officers also gave out free helmets and spoke with parents about their safety concerns while their children are out in the neighborhood riding a bike. More than 100 helmets were given out, along with Frisbees, water bottles and stickers.
Plenn thanked everyone who worked on making Community Day a success and the residents for attending and showing their support for the township.
“Event like this wouldn’t be possible without all the departments working together,” he said.