‘Steward’ Of Bucks County Parks Retiring

Bill Mitchell knows Bucks County’s parks like the back of his hand. From the lower end to the upper reaches of the county, Mitchell likely has knowledge of it.

Mitchell, Bucks County’s director of parks and recreation, will be retiring next month after nearly 32 years.

“I think anyone who has used our parks has known Bill Mitchell. He has institutional knowledge of our parks,” Commissioners Chairperson Diane Ellis-Marseglia said.

Bucks County General Services Director Kevin Spencer said that under Mitchell’s leadership the parks and recreation department has overseen a number of trails, horse park, dog park, nine-hole golf course, historic mill, two swimming polls, cabin and camp ground rentals, barns, an island in the middle of the Delaware River, and the historic Moravian Pottery and Tile Works.

Mitchell was involved with expansion of park programs and lands.

“There’s still things I’m finding out about our parks system that Bill has been instrumental in,” Spencer said.

“He’s been a steward for the county park system,” he added.

Ellis-Marseglia said Mitchell has provided her with so much information about the parks system and helped with the feral cat program at Core Creek Park in Middletown Township.

In Mitchell’s honor, the county park administration building will bear his name.

“I still enjoy what I’m doing and I love Bucks County,” he said. “I’m one of those still doing what they graduated from college and intended to do.”

Mitchell, who was worked in the parks and recreation field for 55 years, said deciding to retire was among the toughest decisions he has ever made.

“The whole world is changing. The delivery systems are changing and it’s nice to be able to be leaving knowing that there is a sound foundation in the county to continue a level of service that can compete with anybody in the nation.”

Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies

---

---