'Controlled Burn' Planned For Five Ponds Golf Clubhouse

WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, PA — "Burn Building Burn."

You know the classic phrase, but the township is twisting it somewhat as it embarks on upgrades at the township-owned Five Ponds Golf Course.

With plans calling for a new clubhouse for the golf course off Street Road, a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday night to go over a "controlled burn" of the old building.

Joel Mickelberg, president of the Villas Of Five Ponds, said a meeting is planned for 5 p.m. at the clubhouse where township officials and representatives will hold an informational session to discuss the burn, which is scheduled for late July.

Mickelberg said that controlled burning of the clubhouse could impact about 36 of the 280 homes in the complex, releasing toxins into the air that could be harmful to residents with respiratory problems.

"I get both sides," Mickelberg told Patch on Monday. "But even with the best intentions, you never know if something could happen."

Mickelberg said he discussed the burn with State Rep. Brian Munroe and Kenneth Hayes, chairman of the Warminster Township Board of Supervisors.

Hayes told Patch that the supervisors, township manager, and the emergency management coordinator would never jeopardize the safety of firefighters or anyone who lives nearby.

Hayes said that the township has spent four months researching and getting permits for the burn.

He said the burn would also provide for a training exercise for the township's fire companies and regional firefighters.

Hayes said the township is enlisting a company that conducts burns like this 20 to 30 times a year.

"No one is going to just throw gasoline on the building and light a match," he said. "This is very controlled with very little smoke. No one will even notice it."

Township officials announced plans for the new golf course clubhouse in February 2025.

Supervisors approved the hiring of Kimmel Bogrette Architects of Blue Bell with a $39,500 contract for master concept planning.

Hayes had hoped for a new facility that could sit 150 people for a golf event and 200 people for a wedding.

He said construction on the new clubhouse would begin in August.

The golf course has received recognition recently as being one of the best in the Philadelphia region.

The course was recently highlighted during the 2026 PGA Championship held at Aronamink as one of the Top Five Courses to play in the Philadelphia region.