Borough Departments
Recreation
West Reading offers year-round recreation, events, and volunteer opportunities centered around its 21-acre park and vibrant community programs.
Mission Statement
The mission of the West Reading Recreation Commission is to create, as well as provide a diverse number of programs, services, and events for borough residents. These activities enrich the physical and social development of our children while maintaining a safe environment and helping to meet the recreational needs of the community.
The borough is home to a 21-acre park which features facilities including a cutting edge pickleball court, 9-hole disc golf course, baseball/softball fields, stone pavilion, gravel track, volleyball court, walking trails, basketball courts along with a community swimming pool. The Recreation Commission which meets regularly to plan events and projects is always looking for volunteers, so if you have the time come out and join us!
Throughout the year, the Recreation Department hosts a variety of activities including the Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Tree Lighting, and Haunted Hayride just to name a few. Every summer borough children are invited to take part in the Playground Program that provides activities for children ages 5-12.
For more information on events, or if you’d just like to lend a helping hand, please contact the Recreation Director at Borough Hall at (610) 374-8273, ext. 243 during regular business hours, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Staff Contacts
| Name | Title | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Esterly | Recreation Director & Key Contact | (610) 374-8273 Ext. 243 |
Committee Members
| Name | Title | Term Expires |
|---|---|---|
| Denise Drobnick | Chairperson | December 31, 2025 |
| Colleen English | Secretary | December 31, 2025 |
| Kristin Hawley | Member | December 31, 2025 |
| Jennifer Sabol | Member | December 31, 2026 |
| Heather Jagielski | Member | December 31, 2025 |
| Bethany Bower | Member | December 31, 2026 |
| John Harvey | Member | December 31, 2026 |
| Taryn Duncan | Member | December 31, 2026 |
| Ryan Oberly | Member | December 31, 2026 |
Who do I call about school tax questions?
Where can I review a copy of the Borough's Budget?
Copies of the budget can be viewed here or at the Borough Hall Office, 500 Chestnut Street, West Reading, PA 19611.
What are the major sources of revenue for the budget?
Real Estate Taxes, Earned Income Tax, Business Privilege Tax, Real Estate Transer Tax and Cable Franchise Fees are among the higher sources of revenue.
When are trash and recyclables collected?
Real Estate Taxes, Earned Income Tax, Business Privilege Tax, Real Estate Transer Tax and Cable Franchise Fees are among the higher sources of revenue.
I want to plant a tree on my property, are there any restrictions?
Trees and shrubs are not permitted to be located within the road right-of-way of any public street. The setback distance from the edge of the road varies between 8 and 15 feet depending on what road your property fronts. Trees and shrubs are not permitted within sight triangles of road intersections. Trees and large shrubs are also not permitted within sanitary sewer, storm sewer and some other utility easements. It is important to keep trees trimmed along public streets. Borough Ordinance requires trees to have a minimum clearance of 8 feet above sidewalks and 16 feet above the paved portion of the street. It is also not a good idea to plant trees near the sewer lateral to your home because the roots could work their way down into the lateral and cause a sewer backup.
Prior to digging a PA One Call must be placed to allow the underground utilities to be marked.
I'm going to replace the windows on my house, do I need a permit for that?
If you are simply taking out the old windows and replacing them with windows of the same exact size and location, than no, a permit is not required. If you plan on taking out a 3 foot wide window and replacing that with a 6 foot wide double window, then yes a permit would be required because you are making structural changes. The new wider opening has to be properly framed out with the correct size header in order to support the loads of the larger opening. Please complete a Building Permit application describing in detail the work to be done, including window and header dimensions.
Do I need a permit for a paver patio?
Yes, a Zoning Permit is required to be submitted prior to the start of your project. In order to calculate the amount of impervious coverage for your property a drawing of a bird’s eye view is needed with measurements of everything that exists (i.e. house, sidewalk, driveway, patio, deck, grass/flower beds, etc.). Also, side and rear yard setbacks must be maintained, which vary by Zoning District.
Do I need a permit for a shed?
Yes, a Zoning Application is required to be submitted prior to the start of your project. In order to calculate the amount of impervious coverage for your property a drawing of a bird’s eye view is needed with measurements of everything that exists (i.e. house, sidewalk, driveway, patio, deck, grass/flower beds, etc.). Also, side and rear yard setbacks must be maintained, which vary by Zoning District.
Can I report a sidewalk that has not been cleared of snow?
Yes, but please keep in mind that businesses have 24 hours to clear their sidewalk and, residents have 36 hours to clear their sidewalk after the storm ends. Click here for further information.
How do I report a broken/uneven/cracked sidewalk?
Homeowners are responsible to fix and repair the sidewalk on their property. To file a complaint with the Code Department please submit a Property Maintenance Complaint form.
My kids want a pool, what do I need to know before I buy one?
Pools with the ability to hold more than 24 inches of water require Building and Zoning approval. Please visit § 455-118 Swimming pools for further information regarding placement, fencing requirements, filtering requirements, etc.
My neighbor's grass is 2' tall, what can be done?
We ask that you fill out a written Property Maintenance Complaint Form listing the property in question. The Borough enforces grass and weeds on a property that shall not exceed 10 inches in height. Upon receipt of the complaint form and verification of the violation, the Borough will issue a Notice of Violation requesting the violation to be corrected within 3 days of receiving the notice. After the 3rd day if the grass/weeds have not been cut, the Borough will contract for the work to be completed. The cost for these services will be billed to the owner of the propety. Failure to pay for these services would result in a lien being placed against the real-estate.
I need to replace my curb and/or sidewalk, what do I need to do?
A Building Application is required, describe in detail the work to be performed including sidewalk and curb dimensions. For specifications please see Attachment 1 – Sidewalk curb and driveway drawings.
I want to finish my basement, what do I need to do?
A Building Application and basement layout plan is required. Please be advised that basements now require a form of emergency egress that communicates directly to the outdoors. If the basement is not equipped with a walkout door, a bilco door, or a window well, an egress will have to be installed.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Yes, a Zoning Application is required to be submitted prior to starting your project. Please visit the section of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to Buffer Strips for futher information.
What if a tree caused damage to the sidewalk?
Because of the value placed on larger trees, damage to sidewalks and curbs should be repaired in lieu of removing established trees. Sidewalk grinding or ramping can remove a trip hazard. For severe lifting, the sidewalk must be removed and relaid, preferably curving around large roots. Root pruning before repouring can minimize changes of a reoccurrence. Most concrete contractors are not root pruning experts and can make a tree unsafe. Contact the Code Enforcement Department to make arrangements for the Public Works Department to safely trim roots, at no charge to the home owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact to report pool or playground maintenance?
Please call the Department immediately at 610-374-8273 extension 243.
Who do I call to reserve the Bicentennial House or Pavilion?
Call 610-374-8273 extension 243 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where can I find more information about recreation programs?
Upcoming Recreation Events
Throughout the year, the Recreation Department hosts a variety of activities including the Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Tree Lighting, and Haunted Hayride just to name a few. Every summer borough children are invited to take part in the Playground Program that provides activities for children ages 5-12.
