The purpose of a public park is to ...

A. Create recreational opportunities for citizens.

B. Provide practice and participation facilities for local athletic teams.

C. Host and maintain historically significant structures.

When the park in question is Stauffer Park, the answer is D. All of the above.

With its long history, flexibility and convenience, Stauffer Park plays an important role in the health and well-being of residents of Manheim Township. In other words, it makes the locale a better place to live.

"We live in an age of technology," said Manheim Township recreation director Matt Stopa. "Having any opportunity to get outside is a positive. We want to make parks available for community use. You can walk here. You can bike here."

Located at 1241 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Stauffer Park is Manheim Township's signature park, according to the township's website. The 18-acre park is home to four tennis courts, three basketball courts, a volleyball court, a soccer field, a lighted softball field, lighted walking/biking paths, playgrounds, formal gardens and trees.

Stauffer Park also hosts Stauffer Mansion, which the Manheim Township Parks and Recreation Department utilizes as its main office; a restored carriage house; a caretaker's house; and even a designated pet cemetery. A variety of regular events are held at Stauffer Park each year.

"That area is a pretty high-density area," said Nick Gard, who sits on the Stauffer Park board of trustees. "It's a nice park, it's an oasis where people can enjoy outdoor activities. The public really has a great location there. It's a quiet space for people to enjoy."

"It borders the city, and you're getting a variety of people using it," said Stopa. "Some just want to know the history and walk around. I think we're going to get a lot more usage out of the park in the future."

Stauffer Park is one of 13 parks maintained by Manheim Township, but it is the only one governed by a board of trustees.

"What's interesting about this park is its history," said Stopa. "It definitely complements the other parks in our system. Overall, we try to hold our parks to a high standard. We're always looking at how to improve them."

"It's hard to replicate what's there," said Gard, referring to the historical significance of the buildings on the grounds. "We want to keep all the buildings there in good working condition. We continue to look forward to what's next, but these old buildings are tough to keep in good repair."

Upon her death in July of 1975, Elizabeth Ludgate's will directed that her then $2 million estate be donated to the residents of Manheim Township for use as a public park and that it be named in honor of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. Grant Stauffer. Formed in 1969, the Manheim Township Parks and Recreation Department moved its main offices into Stauffer Mansion in 1976.

"Who knows what Elizabeth was thinking in the '70s?" said Gard. "Maybe she had this foresight. She was big on outdoor activity, and she wanted it to be used as a park. I think its purpose is consistent with that. We've got to honor that."

For additional information on Stauffer Park, go to http://www.manheimtownship.org/1241/Stauffer-Park.