Massive Trail System Could Link Core Creek Park To Bristol Marsh

Bucks County officials are evaluating the possibility of a $13.6 million plan that would add a massive connected trail system throughout the Levittown area.

The overall plan would include 15 miles walking trails that would stretch from Levittown to the Delaware River in Bristol Borough and 8 miles of connector paths. A recent study put out by the Bucks County Planning Commission noted the Mill-Queen Anne-Black Ditch Creeks Trail could be constructed in nine segments.

The 149-page document released by the planning commission outlines the opportunities and the constraints of the potential project that would run in an area called the Otter Creek watershed.

The plan calls for new trail system to connect to already installed walking trails at local parks. For example, you could walk from Core Creek Park in Middletown all the way to the Delaware River in Bristol Borough.

If the entire project is completed, the trail would run through parts of Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Falls , Middletown and Tullytown.

Here’s how the study lays out the trail plan:

The Mill-Queen Anne-Black Ditch Creeks Trail will generally have a smooth surface designed to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, and strollers. Where possible, the trail will be accessible for maintenance, police, and fire and emergency vehicles. The paved surface of the multi-use trail will generally be a minimum of 10 feet wide and cons tructed to meet ADA gui delines for accessibility. Due to natural resource or other limitations, certain sections of the trail will be on-road.

Here are some of the benefits the report says the trail could provide:

“The idea for a linear park in this area goes back to 1955 when the Bucks County Parks Board recommended the creation of a linear park system along various stream valleys in the County,” the report reads.

The public will have a chance to weigh in on the proposed trail Tuesday night at a meeting in Middletown. The meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Middletown Municipal Building on Municipal Way.

“The conducted field survey work will be discussed, as will information based on interviews with key stakeholders, all of which went into the planning of the proposed route,” county officials said.

Community involvement is welcome and encouraged. Please contact the Bucks County Planning Commission at 215-345-3400 or bcpc@co.bucks.pa.us with any questions.

Click here to see a full copy of the study