Landscape architects and planners have presented a master plan for the Spring Valley Farm property to Middletown Township officials.
The modification of the property, which will be in-part funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, was first brought to the attention of residents back in February when they had the opportunity to review the site and its unique typography and historical value as well as suggest preferences for the site’s use.
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The master plan, presented by Sean Garrigan and Ann Toole of Toole Recreation Planning, is the first step in not only determining the site’s future, but a key component for the township in pursuing follow-up funding for the implementation of the project.
According to Garrigan, one of the most important aspects in developing a plan for the Spring Valley Farm property, which lies in Middletown but on the border of Penndel Borough, and more specifically the Penndel Memorial Baseball Fields, was to keep the site more passive in nature, allowing community members to visit the site mainly to experience the environment and the historical connotations of the property, which date back to the 1600s.
The master plan would, according to Garrigan, require some negotiations with Penndel borough, as plans exist to remove the fence between the two properties and install parking for both facilities in a round about style fashion off Walnut Avenue. Garrigan noted that once the plan was implemented, the two parks would work together, providing recreational use on the Penndel side and a more passive use in Middletown. Removing the fence would also make the ball field closest to the border a “regulation” field as a section of it is cut off by the pre-existing fence.
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The master plan will also create a loop trail system which will circle the southern half of the property and weave out onto Rumpf Avenue. Toole called the site an “oasis of nature,” saying that its new uses will allow people in the community to “get to experience the great outdoors close to home”. Both landscape planners noted that while the resources will be there, it would be up to the township to organize environmental education programs on the site.
Small community events and private ‘rented’ events in the large lawn space on the property could also be a way of earning money for the park’s maintenance, according to Garrigan, who also recommended the installation of bathroom facilities on the property.
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While Toole noted that Middletown currently spends 4 percent of its budget each year on maintaining its park system, it stands to gain more money in grant programs by having a project that works with more than one municipality.
