This just in from Citizens for Pottstown’s Revitalization:
There’s no time like the present to take back our neighborhood! The message must be loud and clear that VIOLENCE, CRIME and DRUGS will not be tolerated in our community. Please join us at the PAL Bldg. (146 King St.) @ 7PM on Friday-2/18/2011 to discuss the following topics on the agenda:
1. Pottstown Crime Statistics
2. Organizing a Pottstown Court Watch
3. Collaborating with the Pottstown Guardian Angel Chapter
All are welcome and participation is not required, you get credit for just showing up! So, tell your friends and we hope to see you there..
This Monday, Dec. 20th, there will be a joint School Board & Borough Council Meeting at 7:30pm at the Pottstown Middle School in the 2nd floor LGI room.
The agenda will include an update to the community on the PAID partnership, a presentation about a Community Land Trust for Pottstown, and tax assessments. I will be part of the group that is doing the Community Land Trust presentation.
A community land trust (CLT) is a nonprofit model that offers flexibility for engaging in housing, neighborhood stabilization and economic development activities that are appropriate for a particular area. A few notable features of CLTs are:
setting & implementing goals with community input
having CLT homeowners & other community reps. on its board
undertaking an active acquisition program
selling buildings at affordable prices while the CLT retains ownership of the land beneath the buildings
being stewards of the land and neighborhoods
increasing homeownership
preventing foreclosures
While most CLTs have as their main goal the creation of permanently affordable, owner-occupied housing in places where housing prices are high or escalating, a CLT for Pottstown would undertake a broader range of activities such as community gardens and economic development initiatives to help bring back market-rate activity.
With input from the community, a CLT for Pottstown would undertake activities in a targeted way to slow the negative fiscal spiral and coax the market back. Many aspects of this approach have been recommended in study after study.
I’m certainly looking forward to carrying on this conversation & to hear questions and observations from the larger community about how this could work. Hope you can make it Monday night!
I feel like I’ve done this before – asked for your understanding while I meet an end-of-month grad school deadline. At this very moment, I’m procrastinating on the writing of a 10-page critical paper. I have the feeling that you would, too, if you were trying to find something interesting to say about Nathaniel Hawthorne’s use of veils in The Blithedale Romance and “The Minister’s Black Veil.” The thing is, I picked the topic, so I have no one to blame but myself. 😦
I am happy to report that I did write a new 20-page essay this month. That was a MAJOR accomplishment. Even though I will here reveal a few things that are in it, it is not yet available for a general readership – sorry! Let’s see… it features my backyard in the North End; walking down High Street with my dad (who seems to know everybody); getting booed the first year they let girls play Little League (nice folks!); and jumping off my dad’s shoulders at Laurelwood Pool, feeling like I could fly. It’s mostly about my relationship with my dad, but I’m not even letting him see it yet. 🙂
Below is a copy of a post sent to The Mercury in response to the article on last night’s community meeting at Invictus Ministries at 79 N. Hanover. Of course, it’s my opinion, but I’m also trying to be objective in my observations. There’s a lot of work to be done – essential work that greatly impacts the town’s entire future.
“Thank you so much to Bishop Everett Debnam for hosting and leading this effort. I hope this wasn’t a once-and-done meeting. It is only the first step – letting everyone blow off steam. In my opinion, the meeting did not move into a constructive, problem-solving mode. Realistically, that was probably not possible on the first go-round; you usually can’t skip steps when repairing or re-building relationships.
What came across: 1) There are long-standing problems with how the public perceives their police. 2) Law enforcement officials do need more citizen participation/witnesses, but almost seemed to be blaming the citizens & putting it all back on them. This is not the last we’re going to hear on these matters. Okay. Everyone needs to try to do better.
For me, key pieces of new information were: Local and Philly gangs have been feuding over drug-turf in town… since 2006! This year police cut foot patrols in the core neighborhoods. Shootings have escalated in the core throughout 2010. The police are re-instating the patrols in January 2011.
Okay. There’s no going back. It is what it is… unless I got that wrong.
This has to be a multi-stage process. The D.A. did say that as well. This is just the beginning. Relationships have to be built. Like most relationship problems, this one is rooted in communication. There need to be constructive, visible steps taken to improve communications & get results. My starter wishlist:
1) Put the tip line phone numbers on the home page of the PD’s website, not buried on other pages.
2) Put information about the “witness training” program, which was mentioned at the meeting, on the PD home page.
3) Release some meaningful crime statistics to the public now and follow-up on those statistics every quarter.
4) Borough: charge ahead on code enforcement!
5) Citizens: Introduce yourself to the officers on the beat in your neighborhood! Go to the Town Watch meetings EVERY 3rd Friday. Meeting this Friday, PAL building, 146 E. King Street, 7 pm.)
6) Schedule a follow-up meeting – maybe in 2 months at Invictus? Commit to building the relationship between citizens and law enforcement. It requires “face-time.” The monthly happy hours I’m hosting as part of economic revitalization efforts are built on the same premise. You can’t get things done as a team if you don’t know and trust your teammates. (All are invited to those, by the way. See website & rsvp.)
7) I personally would like to get donations and a motion sensor lighting program underway. A small step, but it’s something.
In the wake of the recent gunfire in Pottstown, the mayor and local and county law enforcement officials will hold a meeting next week to address residents’ concerns and report on what measures can/will be taken to prevent further outbreaks.
The meeting will be led by Police Chief Flanders, Mayor Bonnie Heath and District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman. It will be held at Invictus Ministries, 79 N. Hanover Street on Wednesday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Please come out in a show of strength to restore sanity and safety to the streets of Pottstown. I’ll see you there.
Note: We’re going to post a few articles each day for the next couple days in order to get through the Lower and Upper Pottsgrove parks by this weekend!
Lower Pottsgrove Township threw Positively!Pottstown a bit of a curve ball. So far, they’ve got the most information about their parks and recreation opportunities on their website. They give the name of the park, acres, location and facilities. The key information there is the location, especially since the Penn State study had found that many people didn’t know about parks right in their own neighborhoods.
The Lower Pottsgrove website also listed more parks and open space sites than the Penn State study, which presented us with a small dilemma. Should we include those additional parks? Because we love this project so much, our reaction? “Let’s do it!”
Here I’d like to bring to your attention three small, quirky pieces of land owned by the Township and available to the public. I don’t know the history of these parcels, but my guess is that they were deeded to the Township during the development of the surrounding land for any number of reasons. They might have been too small to be building lots, had some environmental value, or had some feature that made them un-buildable. Typically, these spaces benefit the neighbors in the vicinity because they get to enjoy a nice view or interact with nature nearby, but without a lot of crowds.
The first of these is called Liberty Hill Open Space on the Township’s website. It’s 0.3 acres at 2525 Allison Drive, off E. High Street, before Cutillo’s Restaurant (if you were coming from Pottstown.) I couldn’t find any of the Township Open Space signs, as I’ve seen at all their other properties. The area is immediately adjacent to a busy street and just looks pretty wild (if I’ve got the right location.)
Crimson Lane open space
The second small open space area is Crimson Lane, at the intersection with Sunnybrook Road. It’s 0.7 acres of grassy space that looks like a great spot for kickball, dodgeball or wiffleball, or just to spread out a blanket, catch some rays, read a book or listen to music.
Crimson Lane & Sunnybrook Rd.Sign next to Keim St. open space
The third unusual space is on Keim Street, near the intersection with Mulberry Street, across from the former St. Pius X lower parking lot. This 0.2 acre triangle has a charming split-rail fence and gazebo, but no seating and no safe place to park. If you’re looking for a place to read a book in the shade or have a small picnic or gathering, this might be the spot for you. Although it is fenced, this space is not suitable for younger, impetuous children due to the proximity to Keim Street and speeding cars.
Keim St. gazebo
Of these three spaces, I think the one with the most potential for the most number of users is Crimson Lane, which is in a quiet residential neighborhood. If you know the history of any of these spaces or if you have used them, feel free to let us know how they worked out for you!
LIBERTY HILL OPEN SPACE Location: 2525 Allison Drive, at intersection with E. High Street, Sanatoga, PA 19464 Size: 0.3 acres Suitability: Hard to say. Facilities: Green space. Activities and tips: You tell us! Hours: Dawn until dusk.
CRIMSON LANE OPEN SPACE Location: 910 Crimson Lane at Sunnybrook Road, Pottstown, PA 19464 Size: 0.7 acres Suitability: All ages, younger children with supervision. There is no fence. Facilities: Grassy, multi-purpose open space with some shade, picnic table, bench Activities and tips: Looks like a good spot for impromptu ball games or Frisbee. Hours: Dawn until dusk.
KEIM STREET OPEN SPACE
Location: Keim Street, near Mulberry Street, Pottstown, PA 19464 (right on border with Pottstown.) Size: 0.2 acres Suitability: Older children & adults. Facilities: Gazebo, multi-purpose open space, split rail fence Activities and tips: Bring your own chair or blanket. Cars whiz by awful close. Awkward parking for one car. Hours: Dawn until dusk.
Lower Pottsgrove Township has lots of information and photos on their website. Just click on the Parks & Recreation tabs on the left side of the home page.
Drive down Buchert Road in Lower Pottsgrove Township on a weekday morning and you might not even notice Gerald G. Richards Park, but come Saturday and Sunday mornings, the scene is very different. The Park, which spans over 30 acres, is home to the Pottsgrove Soccer Club and bustles with activity all weekend. Pop-up chairs line the fields; kids line up at the snack bar after their games; and you might have to circle the parking lot a few times before you find a spot.
The park itself is simple, with a nice walking path and stops for strength training. If you find yourself at soccer practice or a game at Gerald Richards, you could certainly get your walking or running time in by using the path that winds around the field. While the park isn’t full of interaction with nature, there are enough trees that you can find some shade when you need to take a break from sitting in the sun on the sidelines of one of the fields.
With six playing fields, several practice fields and even a baseball field tucked away in the back, the park accommodates young soccer players, ranging from the under-4 set just learning the game to the more competitive travel teams that include high school kids. Pottsgrove Soccer Club serves Upper, Lower and West Pottsgrove, as well as the borough of Pottstown, with over 600 kids playing this fall. Their mission is to “promote, foster and perpetuate non-profit, public, developmental soccer on the youth level and to provide competition for its teams to play the game in accordance with the high standards of good sportsmanship and fair play.”
One of the best features of the fields at Gerald Richards is their accessibility. With a paved walkway winding around all the fields, anyone can come and watch the games; something we haven’t found with other parks where our kids have played sports. The landscape is also relatively flat, which is unusual in this area and makes for greater accessibility if you’ve got family members with limited mobility or just want to keep your younger ones in the stroller to watch games.
Another spot you might drive right past is Schuylkill River Park. Marked only by a Township sign, this unpaved, natural landscape runs 12 acres along the Schuylkill River, the train tracks and close to the Limerick Generating Station. If you are feeling adventurous and are interested in a hike that will take you down along the riverbank, put on your hiking boots, grab some friends and check out this park.
You can find this undeveloped hiking area by turning onto Porter Road, which intersects High Street just east of Pottstown Hospital. As you drive along Porter Road you will pass the medical and office buildings and the road changes to Sanatoga Station Road as it rounds a corner. The park entrance is right at that turn, with just enough room to park a few cars. You will see a white concrete barrier that is probably there to keep out cars; hikers will have to climb over it.
Entrance, Schuylkill River Park
GERALD G. RICHARDS PARK Location: 2130 Buchert Road, Sanatoga, PA 19464, across from the Lower Pottsgrove Township Administration Building and close the the intersection with Pleasantview Rd. Size: Gerald Richards is a large park, covering just over 30 acres. Suitability: Soccer-oriented facility for any age. Facilities: Soccer fields, walking path Activities and Tips: Don’t discount this park because it’s soccer-oriented. Its convenient location makes it a great spot for a lunchtime walk or a quick game of soccer with the kids when the fields aren’t in use. Hours: Dawn until dusk
SCHUYLKILL RIVER PARK Location: 2116 Sanatoga Station Road, Sanatoga, PA 19464 Size: 12.3 acres Suitability: Adults who like to hike might enjoy exploring this natural area with friends. Facilities: Unpaved trails Activities and tips: Get a group together and explore the northern bank of the Schuylkill River as it winds its way through Lower Pottsgrove.
Lower Pottsgrove Township has lots of information and photos on their website, which is http://www.lowerpottsgrove.org. Just click on the Parks & Recreation tab on the left side of the home page.
Note: This week we’ll be visiting the parks and playgrounds of West Pottsgrove, Lower Pottsgrove and Upper Pottsgrove. Links to all of the articles in the series can be found here. Thanks for stopping by!
Vine Street play area
While West Pottsgrove Township has a population of 3,815 and encompasses just 2.4 square miles to the west and northwest of Pottstown, they pack quite a punch in their parks and recreation offerings. They’ve got two neighborhood mini-parks, one baseball complex, one natural recreation area, and they are on the verge of acquiring the Colonial Swim Club, giving their residents a variety of options for physical activity.
My first stop was the Vine Street playground, which is near the intersection with Quinter Street. It’s got a wonderfully large open space, just begging for some dodgeball or wiffleball players. There’s a picnic table, benches, play equipment, swings and some shady spots.
Howard Street merry-go-round
The equipment at Howard Street playground was similar, with a notable addition: one of those merry-go-round spinning contraptions that makes me dizzy just thinking about it. Both of these parks are in quiet, residential neighborhoods.
Oldtimers Field, behind the municipal building on Grosstown Road, is primarily a baseball field used by the Pottsgrove Little League Association, but the complex also includes a playground, pavilion, full-court basketball and some grassy space behind the outfield fence. The ballfield itself is in excellent condition with bleachers, covered dugouts, and an announcer’s booth on the third base line. The fence is at 200 feet in right, center and left fields, and they’ve got a nice scoreboard.
In talking with Ed Whetstone, the West Pottsgrove Township Manager, I learned that any Township resident can rent the pavilion at the complex. Just call Joanne Herb, the Township Secretary, who handles all rentals.
“We also recently acquired 6-7 acres along the third base side of the field, running to the airport property,” said Mr. Whetstone. “We may create a walking area there, but it hasn’t been decided yet.”
West Pottsgrove is in the process of forming their own Recreation Commission to advise their Board of Commissioners on local recreation matters. For their recreation programming, West Pottsgrove relies on the Pottsgrove Recreation Board, which organizes activities for residents of all ages in West, Upper and Lower Pottsgrove Townships. The Pottsgrove Recreation Board is funded by the three townships and the Pottsgrove School District.
Oldtimers Field
But because West Pottsgrove’s recreational holdings are expanding, it looks like the time has come for them to form a local commission. The Township is in the process of finalizing a deal to acquire Colonial Swim Club, which has been in the community since 1965, and fell on hard times the past few years. They did not open this summer as the sale has been negotiated. That facility is about two acres and has a large pool, a wading pool, a pool house and a shady picnic grove. The Township hopes to offer the facility for use by day care providers and to offer lessons to the community.
Otherwise, the recreational programming in West Pottsgrove is arranged by Jody Sweinhart, the Director of the Recreation Board, who has been on staff for 23 years, the last three as Director.
Manatawny & Sell Rd.
“We run programming at all the Pottsgrove schools and in the summer at the playgrounds,” she said. “We offer activities not just for students but also for adults.” A glance at their website shows volleyball, table tennis, women’s exercise, ski club, swimming, summer playground and community band. (Please note that ice skating will not be offered this year.)
For those who want to get back to nature, the West Pottsgrove Township Recreation Area is the place for you. Right now, this 2.9 acre property is ideal for an outdoor get-together with family and friends to enjoy grilling, eating and tossing a Frisbee along the beautiful Manatawny Creek. According to Mr. Whetstone, the Township Manager, they recently acquired 30 acres that will run down Manatawny Street to Pottstown’s border. They’re in the master site plan design phase now, and it looks like this park will eventually include trails, a pavilion, volleyball court, and a boardwalk through wetlands for walking and nature study.
With their acquisition of the Colonial Swim Club and the acreage adjacent to Oldtimers Field and along the Manatawny, West Pottsgrove will soon have a few more impressive holdings in their recreational portfolio.
West Pottsgrove Recreation Area
To learn more about West Pottsgrove’s Open Space Plan, click on their link at the Montgomery County Planning Commission website page for Municipal Open Space Plans.
VINE STREET PLAYGROUND Location: Vine Street, near intersection with Quinter Street, Stowe, PA 19464 Size: 0.9 acres Suitability: Active and passive recreation, mainly for 5-12 years old. Facilities: Playground, swings, small and large multi-purpose open space, benches/sitting areas, picnic table Activities + tips: Sunny field with some shady spots. Hours: Dawn until dusk.
HOWARD STREET PLAYGROUND Location: On Howard Street in Stowe, PA 19464, between School Lane and W. Walnut Street. Size: 0.3 acres Suitability: Active and passive recreation, mainly for 5-12 years old. Facilities: Playground, swings, benches/sitting areas, small multi-purpose space. Activities + tips: Adults: beware the merry-go-round! Hours: Dawn until dusk.
OLDTIMERS FIELD/TOWNSHIP BUILDING Location: 900 Grosstown Road, Stowe, PA 19464, behind the municipal building. Size: 3.25 acres Suitability: Active and passive recreation for all ages. Facilities: Well-equipped ballfield, playground, multi-purpose open space, pavilion, full-court basketball that can also accommodate more picnic tables for special events. Activities + tips: Younger children may enjoy catching a glimpse of planes taking off and landing at the airport on the other side of the trees beyond the outfield. Keep an eye on the recently-acquired acreage on the third base side of the field; it may become the site of some walking trails. Hours: Dawn until dusk. MANATAWNY PARK/WEST POTTSGROVE TOWNSHIP RECREATION AREA Location: Manatawny Street, near the intersection with Sell Road, Stowe, PA 19464 Size: 2.9 acres Suitability: Active and passive recreation for all ages, access to Manatawny Creek. Facilities: Natural areas, two picnic areas with total of 12 picnic tables and 4 grills, parking. Activities + tips: Right now this area is great for quiet reflection or a family gathering. Keep an eye on future development of 30 acres that will extend the park to the border with Pottstown. Hours: Dawn until dusk.
Vine St. SwingsGiddyup! (at Vine St. playground)Howard St. PlaygroundHoward St. playsetHoward St. SwingsOldtimers FieldOldtimers Field fenceOldtimers PavilionOldtimers PlaygroundOldtimers HoopWest Pottsgrove Twp. Rec. AreaWest Pottsgrove Twp. Rec. Area
We have just one more pocket park to visit, and that is Potts Drive Park in the western part of the Borough. After that, we will finish our whirlwind tour of Pottstown’s parks with Memorial Park.
To get to Potts Drive Park, you would go west on King Street, cross Route 100, turn right at Gable Avenue, left onto W. Chestnut Street and then go right onto Potts Drive. The park is at the very end of Potts Drive. As I drove up, at first glance it appeared that the park was fenced and locked up, but then I saw an opening, which is to the left of the main gate.
Entrance, Potts Drive Park
Apparently, there had been some trouble recently with “turfing,” the practice of driving a vehicle fast on grass and messing it all up. There is a small parking area at the entrance to Potts Drive Park, but it is no longer accessible in order to keep vehicles out of the park.
Once inside the park, it’s got a decent basketball court, grassy areas for picnics or running around, and nice play equipment. Although this is the last pocket park I’m writing about, it was the first one I visited with my camera, and it’s got a fast slide and a purple dino that is sure to make anyone’s day a little brighter.
Ready, set... go!
Heading east on King Street, back toward downtown, will bring you to Memorial Park, the crown jewel of the Pottstown park system. The Penn State researchers classify it as a regional and “well-rounded large park.”
You’ll recall that well-rounded means that a park provides a full-range of opportunities for:
• physical activity
• social connections
• contact with nature
• connecting with history, culture, sense of place
Memorial Park offers all those in abundance. On two recent visits to the park, on foot as well as on a bike from Bike Pottstown and Tri-County Bicycles, I ended up spending hours re-discovering a park that has changed so much since I last lived in Pottstown in the 1980s.
Memorial Park field
I also spent most of the day there for the July 4th festivities, when it was filled with activities, such as a classic car show, hot-air balloon lift-offs, rides and games of chance, all being enjoyed by thousands, whose numbers increased in anticipation of the evening’s fireworks. It’s hard to do justice to what this landscape provides for residents and visitors throughout the year. I will just try to highlight some of the many facilities and possibilities for a wide range of age and interest groups.
Fountain of Youth
Very young children will love the Fountain of Youth Spray Park and adjacent playground, which are near the Manatawny Street entrance. Stroller-bound children (and their parents) will enjoy all the paved paths throughout the park, while older children in the Pottstown Little League make use of the ball fields.
Moving deeper into the park, beyond the baseball fields, those old enough to remember Gruber Pool will now find the Trilogy Park BMX in its place. Trilogy supports local riders and competes in and hosts National Bicycle League-sanctioned competitions. For more information about their programs, visit their website.
Trilogy Park BMX
Dog lovers will want to wander behind Trilogy Park BMX and check out the Bark Park, built with support from Home Depot, Exelon, PECO, National Penn Bank and the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2008. Residents can contact the Parks and Recreation Department regarding membership. The facility is gated and users need a key to enter.
Going back toward the BMX course and then veering left and crossing over a bridge, the path will lead you to some open fields on your right and left. To your right, you will see a bandstand and beyond that the beautifully landscaped Veterans Walk of Honor. My photos did not come out, but I’ll take more and then add them to the photo gallery. In the meantime, there are some beautiful photos posted by the Joint Veterans Council at their website. Going back to the path (after coming over the footbridge), on your left, you can pay your respects at the World War II Memorial.
World War II Memorial
Nearby, families, sports teams, community groups and church groups may want to consider renting out the pavilion. It’s got electricity and offers plenty of picnic tables, wide open spaces around it, and the playground close by for special events. On one of my visits, I got to talking to a family that rents the pavilion every year for a child’s birthday party, and they were nice enough to invite me. I have to note that whenever I asked if I could take a picture, people were very friendly!
In addition to the July 4th Celebration, which is the area’s largest, Memorial Park plays host to another annual event that attracts thousands of visitors. Serious volleyball players converge on Pottstown on Memorial Day weekend for what is certainly one of the best volleyball tournaments on the east coast. The website for the 19th Annual Rumble bills itself as “The toughest grass tournament in the Nation!!!” Here is The Mercury’s coverage of the 2010 Rumble and some other great photos.
Finally, let’s not forget the Manatawny Creek itself,which defines the edge of the park along Manatawny Street near King Street, and then winds away, offering numerous chances to re-connect with nature. On a warm, sunny September day, I saw families venturing around the water’s edge, kids jumping in, and a group of young teens crowding around a fisherman, who let them all have a chance to catch something.
Small fry
Memorial Park and the surrounding western gateway area leading into Pottstown have enjoyed the support of the Montgomery County Planning Commission’s Open Space Grant Program. Projects in Pottstown have included the Memorial Park ballfield conversion, the Fountain of Youth Spray Park and the nearby Manatawny Gateway Project, commonly known as The Carousel. The Pottstown area is fortunate indeed to have the continued public and private investment in the planning and evolution of this invaluable resource.
POTTS DRIVE PARK Location: At the end of Potts Drive, Pottstown, PA 19464. Although it is behind WalMart, it can only be accessed via Potts Drive; there is no through street to Shoemaker Rd. Size: 0.5 acres Suitability: Playground will appeal to 5-12 year olds. Basketball court will appeal to older children, teens & adults. Facilities: Playground, multi-purpose open space, benches, shade trees, full-court basketball. Activities + tips: There is no access to the parking area. Entrance is accessible for pedestrians, wheelchairs & bicycles. Hours: Dawn until dusk.
MEMORIAL PARK, also known as MANATAWNY PARK Location: This 78-acre park can be accessed from Manatawny Street near W. Second Street, as well as on King Street between Manatawny Street and Shoemaker Road. Parking: From King Street, parking is available in 2 lots near the baseball fields and near the Trilogy Park/BMX course. Some parking is also available near the Manatawny Street entrance (near the spray park.) Size: 78 acres Suitability: All ages. Facilities: Three baseball fields, soccer field, many multi-purpose open space areas, benches, shade trees, full-court basketball, playground, spray park (in season), Trilogy Park/BMX course, Bark Park (for dogs), picnic areas, pavilion (with electric), bandstand, World War II Memorial, gazebo and Veterans Walk of Honor and, of course, Manatawny Creek. Activities + tips: This park offers active and passive recreation for all ages. Paved paths throughout the park will appeal to bikers, walkers, joggers and the stroller crowd. If fishing, please observe all PA gaming/fishing laws. Keep an eye out for large-scale community & recreational events held in Memorial Park. For something a little out-of-the ordinary, check out the Trilogy Park BMX where Gruber Pool used to be. Hours: Dawn until dusk, except for some special events.
Contact regarding any park rentals: Pottstown Parks & Recreation Department
Borough Hall, 100 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
610-970-6500
Click on the Department’s “Special Events” tab to learn more about upcoming events.
Trilogy Park BMXGrove outside Bark ParkCreeksideMemorial Park BandstandParty time at the pavilion!Manatawny Street entranceSpray ParkMemorial Park PlaygroundMemorial Park Swings
Terrace Lane ParkHeading into the North End, I was very curious to see my old stomping grounds, at least at Brookside Park and Terrace Lane. When I was growing up – um – several decades ago, the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department ran programs out of all the parks and elementary schools. My home base was Franklin School. That’s where I learned how to weave potholders and tie-dye t-shirts, and every day kids of all ages swarmed the playground. One of the most exciting events of every summer – and these were very rare – was when one of the school’s maintenance men worked on the roof and started throwing down all the balls that had been hit, kicked or thrown up there over the past year. Baseballs, rubber balls, kick balls, tennis balls, even Frisbees, came raining down like manna from heaven. For sports lovers, it was truly a miracle.
Excitement also came from kickball games against other nearby playgrounds, including Brookside and Terrace Lane. I remember walking to each of those parks for some spirited competition, although I don’t remember any of the outcomes.
Terrace Lane ParkRecently, Terrace Lane got a whole new look: new play equipment, swings, bike racks, benches, a pavilion and tables. The faux wrought iron fencing that runs along the curve of Terrace Lane gives this park an especially attractive street view.
Brookside, on the other hand, is kickin’ it old school. I’m guessing that, aside from the newer play equipment near Hale Street, all the other fixtures are from my era. Frankly, I think it’s kind of retro-cool. It’s got monkey bars, a pavilion and a swingset that are all painted light blue and/or yellow. Most of the lot is still wide open and available for kickball. (Home plate would be at the intersection of Hale & Virginia.)
Brookside ParkI grabbed my ball from my car to give the small half-court and hoop a try. Ah, yes. The blacktop slopes downward toward Brookside. You have to use your legs more, the further you step out, to overcome that slope. And the left side of the rim is slightly higher. On that side of the court, you have to give your shots just a little more arc to clear the rim. This all came to me in a matter of seconds. Is it possible it’s the same hoop I shot at all those years ago? The muscles remember these things.
Brookside HoopWell, if you want to show your kids what it was like “when I was your age,” walk or bike with them over to Brookside. If they start complaining, make them walk/bike over to Terrace Lane for the newer stuff. It’s not far at all. (Hale Street to a right on Prospect. Go left on Adams when you see Brookside Country Club, pass the North End pool, go left onto Terrace Lane, park will be on your left.)
Spruce Street Park was not on my radar growing up. It was a little beyond the radius I moved in around my home. I never ventured too far for hoops back then; Franklin was where I always practiced. I do remember coming home from college and hearing my younger brother and sister talking about the great basketball being played at Spruce Street, especially in the summer. I only played there a couple times, when I had come home for Christmas with my husband, and the weather was so warm that we all put on shorts and t-shirts and got in some games. The two full courts at Spruce Street still seem to be the place to find a good run, while the adjacent tot lot will appeal to the younger crowd.Spruce Street hoops
BROOKSIDE PARK Location: It’s tucked away in residential area with streets on 3 sides: Hale Street, Virginia Avenue and Brookside, Pottstown, PA 19464. Size: .5 acre Suitability: 5-12 years old. Facilities: Playground, swings, multi-purpose open space, small pavilion & tables, basketball court. Activities + tips: On the b-ball court, use those legs, lift that ball up on your shots! Hours: Dawn until dusk.
TERRACE LANE PARK Location: On the curve of Terrace Lane, near the intersection with N. Adams Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. Size: ~ 0.5 acre Suitability: 5-12 years old. Facilities: Playground, large multi-purpose open space, benches/sitting areas, Activities + tips: This park can also be accessed from the alley between N. Warren St. & Terrace Lane. Hours: Dawn until dusk.
SPRUCE STREET PARK Location: Spruce Street, near intersection with Wilson Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. When you see the car wash, turn towards downtown Pottstown; park will be on your right. Size: 1 acre Suitability: Active and passive recreation for all ages. Facilities: Playground, multi-purpose open space, 2 full-courts for basketball. Activities + tips: These courts are popular with ballers; courts tend to attract older teens & adults. Parents will want to accompany their younger children to the tot lot. Hours: Dawn until dusk.
Contact regarding any park rentals: Pottstown Parks & Recreation Department
Borough Hall, 100 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
610-970-6500
Click on the Department’s “Special Events” tab to learn more about upcoming events.
Terrace Lane Pavilion Terrace Lane Swings Terrace Lane bike rack Brookside play area View from the street Spruce Street play area Spruce Street play area
Positively Pottstown blog 