Natrona association gains nonprofit status

Improving neighborhoods and parks were focal points as citizens groups took center stage at Monday's commissioners meeting.

The Natrona Comes Together Association (NCTA), a citizens group that has been working to revitalize that section of the township, announced it had been formally recognized as a nonprofit organization by the state.

"We received our notification today, and we are starting to work on getting grant money for things like playground, soccer equipment and other things that will help pull our little community together," said Phil Godfrey, president of NCTA.

Among those other things are a crime watch program, walking tours of the neighborhood by members looking for ordinance violations and a website (www.natronacomestogether.org).

"We are having our first crime watch meeting Tuesday night here at the municipal building to help everyone deal with reducing crime throughout the neighborhood," Godfrey said.

The walking tours, Godfrey said, would involve group members filing written reports to the township of problems.

"A group like yours can be a real asset, but it's important nobody gets carried away by trying to do the police's job," said George Conroy, president of the township's commissioners.

Conroy noted that crime is not just a Natrona problem.

"Last night somebody broke into my garage and went through my car looking for money," Conroy noted. "They also hit three other houses along my street."

"We have 12 police officers, and they are busier than they have ever been," Conroy said.

A second group, Friends of Harrison Hills Park, spoke about working to improve and develop the township's county-run park.

"A lot of the other, closer in parks, like North Park, get more attention, while local parks like Harrison Hills tend to get neglected," said Tom Nehrer, one of the group's spokesmen. "We are looking to work to identify and prioritize things that need done and, by working with the township, help to make it a better park for everyone."

Among the first things the fledgeling group had accomplished was getting some overgrown trees on the Watts Memorial Overlook cut back and a 15-foot-square observation deck built.

The group also got the county to agree to use an abandoned farmhouse in the park as an environmental learning center for school and civic groups.

"One of the things we are looking to getting done is an entertainment venue with a small stage and concert shell," said Patrick Kopnicky, another spokesman.

That could involve moving the township's compost operation because that location would be the best site.

"I don't think we would have any problem moving that is somebody else pays for it," Conroy said.

Conroy noted the county had determined the present site of the compost operation, and any change would have to be done in conjunction with county and state Department of Environmental Protection officials.

Township officials said they were impressed by the groups' efforts.

"I have to give you credit for trying to get things done," Conroy said to the park group. "We've tried badgering the county for years, and I appreciate all the work you are putting in."

"It is just so easy to go home, lay on the couch and watch TV," said Commissioner William Poston. "It is great to see people getting involved to help improve things for everyone."