Please keep sharing! We're almost to 200 signatures!
Happy Mother's Day! I wrote a message below sharing our reason for petitioning. If you can share this message with your friends, family, etc. We are approaching 200 signatures and the word is getting out. Just copy and paste the blurb below, or feel free to write your own message.
There have been a lot of questions about why residents are filing this petition, so I wanted to share some history. First, we truly appreciate the volunteers who have worked hard over the years to create recreational opportunities for kids. But volunteer organizations still need transparency, accountability, and follow-through when projects have long-term impacts on surrounding neighborhoods and the environment.
Since QVRA first leased the Campmeeting Road property in 2007, there have been ongoing concerns about development of the site. Early studies described the land as “topographically challenged” and better left undeveloped. Conditional approval for the fields in 2009 included requirements to protect neighboring properties, some of which were never completed.
From 2010–2015, the project remained in DEP violation over erosion and stormwater runoff issues that impacted the Little Sewickley Creek Watershed. Residents dealt with mudslides, road erosion, and sediment runoff while QVRA struggled financially to complete the project. Over the years, thousands of trees and multiple rain gardens have been added in an attempt to stabilize ongoing runoff problems. Unfortunately, the majority of the planted trees have since died, and many of the rain gardens are now overrun with invasive plant species rather than functioning as intended.
At the same time, development plans have continually changed. For years, soccer fields and basic field improvements were presented as the priority. More recently, plans shifted toward expanded parking, paved trails, playgrounds, and now stadium lighting. Many of the previously announced projects were never completed before new phases were introduced.
The concerns residents are raising today about lights, noise, traffic, environmental impacts, wildlife habitats, watershed protection, and neighborhood character did not appear overnight. They are based on nearly two decades of documented issues, changing plans, and unresolved concerns tied to this property.
We are asking for thoughtful planning that balances recreation with environmental stewardship, safety, conservation, and respect for the surrounding community.