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Greetings from MOUNT JOY TOWNSHIP

www.mtjoytwp.org

The growing community of Mount Joy Township is situated around the vibrant boroughs of Elizabethtown and Mount Joy, containing large agricultural areas and the wooded hills to the north. Our 28 square mile Township has the unique distinction of being the only municipality in Lancaster County that is served by two separate school districts: Donegal School District and Elizabethtown Area School District. Mount Joy Township was “born” in 1759 when it received its papers from the adjacent and much larger Donegal Township. The area was originally inhabited by the Conoy Indians and settled primarily by Scots-Irish and German immigrants. Many small settlements and thriving villages were established in the midst of acres of lush farmland, most of which is actively farmed today.

Much like the modern Route 283, the Lancaster, Elizabethtown, Middletown Turnpike was an important road for commerce in those early days that continues to be a key corridor now known as Harrisburg Avenue. Easy access to the highway and Amtrak rail service via two local stations makes our region convenient for commuting, travel, and commerce. Plus we are fortunate to have the Conewago Recreation Trail start at Route 230 and extend all the way into Lebanon County – it may not be the best mode for commuting, but it is one of the more enjoyable walks or bike rides in the area!

We have three public parks with plenty of active and passive recreation opportunities throughout the township. The 10-acre Wolgemuth Park (8795 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown) is located next to our Fairview Municipal Complex and features walking paths, baseball and softball fields, and a pavilion with a playground nearby. Cove Outlook Park (405 Old Market Street, Mount Joy) can be found across from the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center’s Mount Joy Campus. Cove Outlook is a 25-acre park consisting of walking paths, a soccer field, four pavilions, and two playground areas. And our newest park, Old Trolley Line Park (475 Beverly Road, Elizabethtown) offers walking trails, a safe and convenient trailhead to the adjacent Conewago Recreation Trail, playgrounds, and three athletic fields. Welcome!

Welcome to WEST DONEGAL TOWNSHIP

www.wdtwp.com

West Donegal Township is located in northwest Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors the 2016 US Census estimate indicates that the Township has 8,595 residents. Situated west and south of Elizabethtown, the Township comprises an area of 15.6 square miles in area. The township maintains 48.3 miles of township roads with PA State roads adding an additional 13 miles for a total of 61.3 miles. The Township is part of the Elizabethtown Area School District with the Rheems Elementary School located within the Township.

Situated between Harrisburg and Lancaster, West Donegal Township provides residents employment and recreation opportunities with additional amenities in the larger cities. A variety of housing types and areas are available for prospective residents. They range from agricultural farmsteads, to single family, duplex and townhomes as well as apartments and condominiums.

Located within the Township is the Village of Rheems and the 1,400acre campus of Masonic Village. With a population of over 2,000 residents, Masonic Village provides retirement living and health care facilities as well as recreation opportunities for the broader community. The Conewago Industrial Park in the northwest corner of the township is home to a variety of businesses including American Air Filter, Pioneer, Crowe Transportation, Walker Sales, Western Power Sports, LCL Bulk Transport, Tarantin Industries, DAS, Angleboard, Amazon, Grove Collaborative, and Nordstrom East Coast Fulfillment Center, to name a few. Also located within the Township is Stone Gables Estate which is the home of the recently reconstructed Star Barn in the Star Barn Village and the Ironstone Ranch which provides event venue spaces for weddings and corporate events.

Settled in 1719 and incorporated in 1838, West Donegal Township is named after County Donegal in Ireland. The original Township of Donegal was organized by the court of Chester County in 1722, and was one of the two townships which originally comprised Lancaster County at the time of its inception in 1729. The settlers of Donegal Township were primarily farmers of Scots-Irish descent who were drawn to the area by the rich soils and plentiful streams. Early settlers, Arthur Patterson and others, organized a Presbyterian Church at Donegal in 1726, and erected the old church edifice at that time. Mennonite and Brethren in Christ denominations were also represented in the early life of the Township. On the 24th of June, 1838, the original Township was divided in two, becoming what remains today as East Donegal and West Donegal Townships.