‘A Common Occurrence’ to bring attention to a small patch of green in Newtown ‘that matters’

NEWTOWN BOROUGH – It doesn’t seem like much – a small patch of grass and a stone memorial affixed with a plaque. But to town preservationists, it’s a “hidden gem” that matters to the history of the town.

Tucked behind the Newtown Bike Shop at North State and Greene streets and situated on the banks of the Newtown Creek, it’s all that remains of the 40 acre Newtown Common, which was the centerpiece of William Penn’s original plan for Newtown.

On Sunday, Oct. 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., the Newtown Creek Coalition will call attention to the area by inviting the public to take part in “A Common Occurrence.”

“This is a free public event to increase awareness of the Newtown Common and its need for preservation,” said coalition member and former Newtown Borough Council President Julia Woldorf. “Adults will play ‘ Common hnowledge’ trivia and kids can play games to learn about the fish that live in Newtown Creek.” Refreshments will also be served.

Most of the Common was sold in the late 1T00s with the proceeds used to pay for pub- lic projects, including building the Centre Avenue Bridge in 1T96.

All that’s left today is the small patch of ground off Greene Street, which is threatened by the rush of storm water down Greene Street and erosion from the Newtown Creek.

“The Newtown Creek Coalition is interested in improving the condition of this area and we are inviting the public to talk about what could be done and to share ideas,” said Woldorf.

Some of the ideas already under consideration are bank restoration, better stormwater management and beautification of what Woldorf calls “this hidden gem.”

At 2:30 p.m., Woldorf said everyone’s invited to gather for a group photograph as part of the national This Place Matters campaign, which gathers and educates people about cultural resources and celebrates unique places. It is sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The photo of everyone holding a “This Place Matters” sign will be uploaded to the This Place Matters website, www.preservationnation.org/ take-action/this-place-matters, and join thousands of other photos already posted from around the country.

The Newtown Creek Coalition is a non-profit organization established in 2006. Its mission is to protect and preserve Newtown Creek and to encourage appropriate use of this natural and historic resource by the community.

In addition to annual creek clean-ups, the NCC provides technical assistance and in-kind services to municipalities and other organizations applying for grants to improve Newtown Creek. The NCC also increases public awareness of the Newtown Creek through sponsorship of community activities and educational programs. Membership is free

cor more information, visit www.newtowncreekcoalition.org and www.facebook.com/NewtownCreekCoalition.