Plans For Expanded Park In Bristol Twp. Come Into Focus

Bristol Township plans to turn a small farm, sports fields and several homes into a new recreation complex.

The proposed $4 million expanded park would more than double the current sports fields that sit on a 6.3 acre plot of land adjacent to the Municipal Complex between Bath and Bristol-Oxford Valley roads, Deputy Bristol Township Manager Scott Swichar said.

The park expansion involves plans to purchase four properties, including the land where Schwartz Farm Produce Stand sat for years, and three residential lots. The additional 6.8 acres are expected to cost the township about $850,000, Swichar said.

According to preliminary plans, the current lighted football field would remain. A new practice field would be added along with an amphitheater/event space and little league/softball field, new landscaping, stormwater management and trails. Parking for the recreational space will be added.

The township also has its eye on upgrading the parking area across from their complex near Magnolia Lake and connecting a trail to Delhass Woods using the PECO property.

Council President Craig Bowen told LevittownNow.com that the township is considering building the splash park planned for Policeman’s Park in the Indian Creek neighborhood in Levittown at the new recreation complex. He said the decision has not been finalized, but the proximity to police and other township services would be a plus for the park.

Swichar said large capital projects like the new park could be paid for with funds the township has borrowed from the Delaware Valley Finance Authority, $231,000 from county open space funds and additional grants. The township has already applied for more than $800,000 in county funds to buy the four properties.

Bristol Township has been working over the past few years to upgrade parks throughout the municipality. Recently, the township was awarded grant funding to turn the former Miller’s Trailer Park in Croydon into a new recreation park.