Celebrating Public Works Heroes During Parks and Recreation Month (July, 2025)
In honor of Parks and Recreation Month, we are shining a spotlight on the dedicated heroes of the Public Works Department who tirelessly support our Parks and Recreation initiatives. Their commitment ensures that our community parks and recreational facilities remain safe, enjoyable, and well-maintained for everyone.
The Public Works team is divided into two key departments: Parks/Grounds and Buildings. The Parks/Grounds department is led by Foreman Joshua Kelly, alongside laborers Robert Evans and Bryan Westlake, who also serves as an arborist. The Buildings department is headed by Foreman David Bicer, with team members Ryan Silks and Brett McConaghy contributing as laborers.
This hardworking team manages an impressive array of responsibilities:
- Mowing & Maintenance: They field mow 83 acres twice a year, while zero-turn mowers maintain 33 acres weekly. Additionally, contracted services handle mowing for 63 acres each week.
- Trail Management: Currently maintaining 5.5 miles of trails with plans for expansion in the coming years.
- Tree Care: Routine inspections and maintenance are conducted on all park and open space trees to ensure safety from storm damage or hazards.
Foreman Josh Kelly, highlights the essential role that Public Works plays in maintaining not just parks but also the Upper Providence Township Community Center. Various operational aspects that keep UPT parks and facilities safe for the community such as tree care practices enhanced by certified arborist Bryan Westlake, playground inspections to ensure safety standards are met, and the challenges faced when balancing contracted services with in-house responsibilities.
"Public Works often goes unnoticed despite their vital contributions," said Joshua Kelly. "From playground inspections to trash collection and event preparations—our work is crucial for creating safe recreational spaces." Public Works collaborates with Parks and Recreation in vital ways to enhance community spaces.
Residents are encouraged to visit and enjoy UPT parks, trails and facilities and can help the UPT public works department by being good stewards of the parks and trails. Please remember to keep our parks clean by not littering, picking up after your pets, and keeping the facilities clean.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve facilities like the Rec Center—including new gym paint and maintenance checks—Joshua emphasized their commitment to ensuring that all public spaces remain welcoming for community use.