The Grounds Committee came into existence by act of Council in September 2020.

Grounds is responsible for the campus of St Mark less the church building, but
including the grass in the enclosed playgrounds and the fire pit.
The purpose of Grounds is to maintain the campus of St Mark, improve and
beautify as requested, always mindful of how the campus is used.

HIGHLIGHTS/PROJECTS COMPLETED AND PLANNED

Completed: The knoll, north of the entrance to the parking lot, was cleared (small church sign relocated from the west flower bed) and area landscaped.
 * New beds constructed along the base of the church building. Flowers and shrubs will be added over time.
 * Two fences built to block the views of the dumpster from Freedom Street (requirement of York County) and the Narthex area,  including placing flowers and shrubs along the fences.
 * Hollies and evergreens were planted between the church’s parallel outside walkway and glassed inside hallway, to the right of the front entrance.
 * A new gardener’s shed placed at the East end of the Utility Area, Southeast corner of the parking lot.
 * Kim Schweizer assumed placement and care of plants inside the church.

Ongoing Maintenance: The primary effort and focus of this committee is maintaining the grounds and interior plants, with all the challenges presented at each change of season. There are far too many efforts to list. Spring and Summers strain resources. Major efforts include mowing lawns, edging sidewalks, removing leaves, planting bulbs, and removing dead limbs from lawns after major weather events.

Future Plans: Beds containing evergreen shrubs (Hollies) and daffodils will be built next to the church building on the West (Chapel) and North sides.  Continued improvement to the Southeast side (add azaleas, red buds, and dogwoods) and Prayer Path (add more flowers along path edges). Flowering plants were never intended to be along the path due to expense.

Members involved: Al Schweizer, Virgil King, Dick Rohla, Kim Schweizer, and others.

Future Needs and Plans: More workforce on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (generally 3 hours long) weather permitting. To join this happy gang, please contact Al Schweizer.  Will train.

Contact: Al Schweizer, schweizera@aol.com