Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS CONSIDERED AT ASH PARK
COATESVILLE >> Big plans are in the works for Ash Park.
Two proposals for Ash Park, located between 3rd and 4th avenues and between Kersey and Walnut streets, were recently revealed in a city video. Possible additions include basketball courts, a pedestrian trail and an amphitheater.
The community has been involved in the planning process for two years and is now asked to take a survey online to pick an option.
Concept “A” would transform the park into a “Social Hub” and Concept “B” would create a “Recreational Hub.”
Both plans would address flooding, with landscape interventions,
including swales and creation of a meadow area.
Concept A calls for construction of a new pavilion, new landscaping, event space, spots for public art, expansion of the existing playground and new lighting, water fountains and trash receptacles.
A cooling station might be added to the Social Hub, an improved horseshoe pit is in the works, three basketball courts, with bleacher seating are envisioned, a multi-purpose trail might loop around the park, open lawn space to include a multipurpose field will be considered, and an overlook of the park and an ADA ramp to the upper level are considered.
Plan B, or the Recreational Hub, might include several elements included in Concept A.
Additions might include a new splash pad, public restrooms, a boardwalk through a community meadow, a play area for older kids, with Ninja and a bouldering wall, a community amphitheater built on a natural slope and a sledding hill.
City Manager James Logan is excited.
“Ash Park has been a part of the city and community for nearly a century and efforts to redesign the park is the first step toward restoring a place where residents can come and enjoy their family gatherings, youth sports, horseshoe throwing, and kids playing in a safe environment,” Logan said. “The Master Plan and new concept designs will take into account feedback from neighboring residents.
“We are excited that residents are a part of the design process and look forward to incorporating features they have supported to address their needs. We are pleased to partner with Natural Lands Trust, BHF, and the community.”
Logan said that several
“We are excited that residents are a part of the design process and look forward to incorporating features they have supported to address their needs.” — City Manager James Logan
sources will fund the project.
“Through grants and donor support, we are working with Natural Lands Trust and various local and state organizations to raise monies to fund the project,” he said. “We received a grant from DCNR that allowed us to complete a feasibility study for the park.
“Next we will review the project design concepts, share resident’s comments, and soon begin the budgeting process.”
The improvements will occur in phases.
“Due to grant making cycles, this project will be completed in multi-phases,” Logan said. “At this time, we don’t have a definitive shovel-in-ground date, but stay tuned!”
Donald Folks, City Councilman from the Second Ward, talked about the project in the city video.
“If this city survives, the residents survive,” he said. “This is a beautiful park.
“We need more. That’s what this is about.”
Karen Clancy is Senior Director for Landscape Design at Natural Lands.
“People love to gather in the picnic area,” she said. “Let’s add a couple more pavilions and picnic tables.
State Rep. Dan Williams, D-74th of Sadsbury, said the park would bring people together. He envisions children laughing and seniors playing checkers and chess in a robust setting, while in a sacred space for the community to reflect.
“It would represent what community will look like,” he said about plans for Ash Park.
Residents will have a chance to tell the city which plan they prefer. There will be an informational sign at the entrance, a display at City Hall and more information on the website at https://www.coatesville. org/uncategorized/ashpark-master-plan/.
The design survey for Ash Park can be taken at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JJ8XB38.