Building Community Together- Program Partners, Fundraisers and Spaces

For park and recreation professionals, COMMUNITY isn’t just a concept, it’s our purpose. It’s why we jump out of bed, power through packed schedules, and rest easy knowing we’ve made a difference. Bring us together at an Urban Exchange or PRPS Conference, and the energy is contagious. The impact is real. 

Defining & Building Community

Community is more than shared geography—it’s a shared sense of belonging, purpose, and passion. In Upper Macungie Township, with 26,000 residents and 35,000 employees—and a projected 68% population growth by 2050—we’re not just talking about community. We’re building it. 

In September 2024, we broke ground on the Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center—a 188,000-square-foot hub for connection, wellness, and recreation at Grange Park. With indoor turf, gymnasiums, fitness spaces, walking track, and community rooms, it’s designed to bring people together. As Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff Fleischaker put it: “We are building a massive monument to the people of Upper Macungie that nobody else has. We need to show that Upper Macungie Township is proud of what we have done and what we can be.” 

And this is only the beginning. Through a new Comprehensive Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, we’re shaping priorities for decades to come. Over 1,100 residents voiced their vision through surveys and conversations—proof that our community deeply values parks, programs, and green spaces. 

Program Partners: Collaboration Before Construction

We believe in “if you plan it with them, they will come.” Even before the Lifestyle Center opens, we've engaged program partners using architectural renderings and flythroughs to plan robust offerings. Our third-party providers bring expertise; we provide the space and support. The result? High-quality, accessible programs for everyone, from soccer to story time, craft fairs to family dances. 

With only two full-time staff, our department relies on strong relationships with local instructors, many of whom live or work in the township. These partnerships aren’t just efficient; they’re meaningful. They deepen the community roots of every class and event. 

Fundraising: Powered by the People

This work wouldn’t be possible without COMMUNITY support. In partnership with the Upper Macungie Township Community Fund (501c3), we’ve united donors, leaders, and sponsors behind a shared vision. Founding supporters like Lehigh Valley Health Network, Alvin H. Butz, Air Products, and Jaindl Farms understand that a thriving township benefits everyone.

Our Sponsorship Program blends visibility with impact. Sponsors gain exposure while enhancing events with food trucks, games, STEM activities, and more. It’s a true win-win—building both brand recognition and stronger community ties. Our message to sponsors: “Help us provide safe, family-friendly programs that foster COMMUNITY. Let’s make a lasting difference together.”

Spaces: Small Gestures, Lasting Impact

Sometimes, building community starts with something as simple as a rock, and those simple items have the most memorable impact.  At our groundbreaking, we invited attendees to paint rocks—a fun activity that turned into a tradition. Over 500 rocks have been painted at events since, each one a small, colorful piece of the COMMUNITY Lifestyle Center’s future rock garden. These rocks are more than decorations, they’re symbols of belonging.

Join Us. Be Part of Something Bigger.

Upper Macungie Township is growing—and so is our commitment to building an inclusive, vibrant community. Through thoughtful planning, collaborative programs, strategic partnerships, and creative spaces, we’re shaping a future where everyone has a place.

Let’s build COMMUNITY—together.

Resource Links

https://www.uppermac.org/depar...

https://uppermacfund.org/

https://www.uppermac.org/depar...

https://www.uppermac.org/departments/parks-recreation/proposed-community-center