On their website New Hanover Township describes itself fittingly as “semi-rural.” With so much residential development in the area over the last 5-10 years it is easy to forget that a huge portion of the township is still undeveloped or farmland. A quick turn off Layfield Road (Route 663 as it changes from N. Charlotte St. once it leaves Pottstown) will remind you of New Hanover’s rural and farming roots. It is here that the three township parks dedicated to natural, open space cover a total of over 50 acres, preserved for public use. They each offer something a little different, but all contribute to both providing people with access to nature and to preserving the quality of life in New Hanover Township.

If you make a right off of 663 onto Little Road (not to be confused with Big Road or route 73) and follow the signs around a few bends, you will find yourself at a little gem of a park known as Pleasant Run Park. The setting is idyllic, with a farm nicely framed between the trees in the distance and a pond that occupies the center of the park. There is a nice, uncovered picnic table and a few benches for just sitting and soaking in the natural scenery. The open area would be a great place to bring the kids and a soccer ball or baseball.

Not too far away, just north of Pleasant Run Park sits another open space park, Deep Creek Park. The township has decided to leave this park in its natural state and only mows it a few times a year. Deep Creek Park would be a great place for an adventurous hiker who likes to really get out and explore nature. There is a picnic table near the entrance so you can grab a bite to eat before or after your walk. The park was recently mowed, so the fall should be a great time to visit.

Situated nearly at the corner of Layfield Road and Swamp Pike is the final open space park in the Township – Layfield Park. After going down a gravel drive, there is room to park at the entrance, which is on Dotterer Road as it comes north from Swamp Pike. Layfield Park has trails lining its 28 acres, so don’t be deterred by the actual trailhead. Look for an opening in the brush, go a few yards up a steep embankment, and when you come down on the other side, the park opens up onto its internal trails.

A trip to New Hanover Township really wouldn’t be complete without a stop at its newest acquisition, Hickory Park. The township bought the property in September of 2009 and has been making improvements ever since, with even more in the works. As the former site of the Hickory Park Campground, this park sits right at the intersection of 663 and 73 as it twists and turns at the Hickory Restaurant. The park boasts several pavilions with electrical hook-up, which can be a great benefit for parties and groups. There is also an entirely new playground to keep the kids busy and entertained. Hickory Park also has a pool with a handicapped accessible wheelchair lift. Seasonal and day passes will be available for the 2011 summer season from the township office.

PLEASANT RUN PARK
Location: 600 Schultz Road, Perkiomenville, PA 18074
Size: 11.5 acres
Suitability: Commune with nature at this simple yet beautiful outdoor space. All ages can enjoy the scenery and open space at Pleasant Run.
Facilities: Picnic table, pond, large open space
Activities and Tips: While Pleasant Run doesn’t have play equipment for the kids, they could enjoy skipping rocks into the pond or exploring the wooded area nearby.
Hours: Dawn until dusk

DEEP CREEK PARK
Location: Deep Creek Rd./Pleasant Run Road, just north of Pleasant Run Park. From the intersection of Route 663 and Deep Creek Road, facing north, turn right onto Deep Creek, then left onto Pleasant Run Road. The park will be on your right, just around the bend.
Size: 12 acres
Suitability: This park is in its natural state and is a great place to hike or just explore.
Facilities: Picnic table near entrance
Activities and Tips: This park is being kept in its natural state, so be ready for adventure when you head for Deep Creek.
Hours: Dawn until dusk

LAYFIELD PARK
Location: Dotterer Road, east of Layfield Road and south of Swamp Pike
Size: 28 acres
Suitability: This natural park has unpaved trails that run over relatively flat ground
Facilities: unpaved trails
Activities and Tips: Another natural park, Layfield Park is a great place to get back to nature, if you bring your hiking boots
Hours: Dawn till dusk

HICKORY PARK
Location: 2140 Big Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525, near the intersection of 663
Size: 21 acres
Suitability: This newly acquired park has enough to keep the whole family busy for hours and makes a great place for parties.
Facilities: Covered pavilions with electricity, playground, swimming pool (in season), basketball court, volleyball court, grills and more
Activities and Tips: This park, acquired by the township in late 2009, has a great array of facilities with more in the works. Visit over the winter and check it out and then come back in the summer when the pool is open. Day and season passes will be available from the township offices.
Hours: Dawn until dusk

Contact:

New Hanover Township
2943 North Charlotte Street
Gilbertsville, PA 19525-9718
Phone: (610) 323-1008
Fax: (610) 323-5173
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm
Website:  www.newhanover-pa.org

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Take a left onto Dotterer Road (west) to get to the Middle Creek and Optimist Club Athletic Fields. Just behind the Boyertown Area YMCA building, turn right down the gravel road, and you will first encounter the Middle Creek Athletic Fields. The soccer field there is used by the Boyertown Soccer Club, and the baseball field by Pine Forge’s Athletic Association. These fields are conveniently located and well maintained with ample room for parking and spectators.

Just a bit further down the road and adjacent to the new housing developments, which are also a common sight in this popular township, are the Optimist Club Fields and the recently re-named Anthony “Tony” Gambone Athletic Complex in the Windlestrae development. Big plans are in the works with a fundraising campaign by the Optimist Club Wrestling and Youth Associations to expand offerings at this site.

MIDDLE CREEK ATHLETIC FIELDS
Location: Dotterer Road, just behind the Boyertown YMCA. Use the Y’s address for a GPS or mapping program: 3065 N Charlotte St, Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Size: 10 acres
Suitability: Soccer fields and baseball field are open to the public
Facilities: Full size soccer and baseball/softball field
Hours: Dawn till dusk

OPTIMIST CLUB FIELDS
Location: Dotterer Road, just behind the Boyertown YMCA. Use the Y’s address for a GPS or mapping program: 3065 N Charlotte St, Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Size: 10 acres
Suitability: All fields are open to the public
Facilities: Full size soccer, football and baseball/softball field, picnic tables and sports seating
Hours: Dawn till dusk

Contact:
New Hanover Township
2943 North Charlotte Street
Gilbertsville, PA 19525-9718
Phone: (610) 323-1008
Fax: (610) 323-5173
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm
Website: http://www.newhanover-pa.org/

OTHER AREA ATHLETIC & WELLNESS ORGANIZATIONS
Boyertown Soccer Club
Optimist Club International
Pine Forge Athletic Association
Boyertown Area YMCA

Follow the parks series at Mission: Healthy Living, Positively!Pottstown, Twitter (PositivelyPtown), Facebook, and The Mercury.

While Swamp Creek Park was new to me, New Hanover Community Park is like an old friend. The brown park sign at the corner of Kleman Road and North Charlotte Street directs you to New Hanover Community Park, which is nestled into a residential neighborhood in Gilbertsville, New Hanover Township. Make a right onto Gail Drive, follow it to the end and you will find the entrance to this 20-acre property that boasts a paved trail, a playground and more – something for everyone in the family.

When my kids were in preschool, this was the favorite gathering place for lunch and playtime after pick-up for moms and kids alike. With a completely fenced-in playground, it’s a perfect place to let the kids have a little bit of freedom while you hang out with friends and enjoy a packed lunch at the covered pavilion. The proximity of the picnic area to the playground is just right for moms with multiple kids; you can keep the baby in the stroller while the older kids play and run on the playground. I have spent probably more than my share of time at this park with my kids, often staying the whole afternoon until my oldest was due home from elementary school.

Again, in the category of things that make adults feel nauseous, the tire swing is a huge hit with my kids, even as they get older. My normally reluctant 8th grader couldn’t resist the temptation of spinning around at high speeds with her younger siblings, even if the result was a bit of a headache and some residual dizziness.

We walked off the motion sickness by following the ½ mile track that circles the park. The fall colors were beautiful and the gently sloped path was full of people on the Sunday afternoon that we visited. The secluded location of New Hanover Community Park doesn’t mean it’s deserted; in fact, in all the times we’ve been there, I don’t think it’s ever been empty. It fits comfortably into the surrounding neighborhood and adjacent wooded area and really gives the feeling of being immersed in nature – even as your kids can climb dinosaurs, a huge car structure, or maybe take a turn on the swings.

One of the features I had never seen before is the disc golf course that sits just below the walking path of the park. My memories of Frisbee golf from college involve regular Frisbees with trash cans for targets, but the concept has since evolved into a real sport. If you want to try it for yourself, the appropriate discs are available locally at sporting goods stores.

The park also boasts a deck hockey rink that can be fun for more than just hockey players. Bring a scooter or some roller blades and enjoy the smooth surface of the rink (and the enclosed structure will appeal to moms and kids alike).

NEW HANOVER COMMUNITY PARK
Location: 2766 Gail Drive, Gilbertsville, PA 19525
Size: 20.4 acres
Suitability: There is something for every age. The playground is suitable for toddlers and up.
Facilities: picnic tables, covered pavilion, playground, hockey rink, ½ mile walking trail, basketball court, baseball field, disc golf course.
Activities and Tips: Pack a lunch and bring the kids to the park for the afternoon.
Hours: Dawn till dusk

Contact:
New Hanover Township
2943 North Charlotte Street
Gilbertsville, PA 19525-9718
Phone: (610) 323-1008
Fax: (610) 323-5173
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm
Website: http://www.newhanover-pa.org/

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On a gorgeous autumn day, when the rain had finally stopped falling, I pulled into the small parking area at Mocharniuk Meadows on Hanover Street, anxious to spend some quiet time outdoors. This Upper Pottsgrove park is a real treasure. In general, it’s an elongated loop that has you heading downhill from the parking area. As you make your way around, you’ll get your heart rate up on the way back to your car; do a few laps and you’ll have gotten in a respectable workout. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers. I caught sight of a few and promised myself to come back in the spring.

One of the neat things about Mocharniuk Meadows is that there are a couple places to veer off the loop. Being naturally curious, of course I had to investigate. When I was about three-quarters of the way around the meadow, I took a path to the left and approached a cute footbridge that said, “Welcome to Hollenbach Park.” I crossed over and came upon a plateau of soccer fields with a backdrop of houses peeking up from down below.

As I said, I was in the mood for walking, so I headed up the incline to get a photo of the Hollenbach Park sign. Please note that Upper Pottsgrove’s park signage is tops. There’s no way you’re going to miss their major parks!

Then, as I made my way through the parking area, curiosity struck again, and I wondered what was in the wooded area off to my right. Lo and behold, I came upon a trailhead and a sign for the Ron Frick Nature Trail (designed & constructed by Cory Lang & Friends). While the property essentially backs onto the housing development, it seems someone has used part of this area for dumping. (Maybe a clean-up project for some Scouts?)

Otherwise, this was another one of those discoveries that made me feel like a kid again. This trail winds down and through some woods and then slopes back up, giving a couple different options for turning right and heading back toward the parking lot.

It’s not going to satisfy someone looking for a long hike, but it would be perfect for young children – especially if they’re bored with their older sibling’s soccer match. It also quenched my craving for a decent walk since I’d covered a reasonable amount of ground by combining it with Mocharniuk Meadows and the stretch across Hollenbach field (before the clouds began threatening again.)

On my way back across the footbridge, I noticed that the sign on that side says, “Welcome to Mocharniuk Meadows.” Very cute! (I later found out that Nick Faulkner built this bridge for his Eagle Scout project just this past summer – nice job, Nick!)

I put a call into the Township to ask about the debris in that one section of the woods and just remembered that it’s Columbus Day. I’ll get back to you on that and revise this post accordingly.* This wraps it up for the parks of Upper Pottsgrove, and now it’s time to turn the blog over to Rosemary Keane, who will be reporting on Boyertown, Douglass, New Hanover and Amity in the weeks to come. In the meantime, I hope you have the chance to get outside!

* Oct. 12, 2010. I just spoke to Linda at the Township. The trail was put in a few years ago by Cory Lang as part of his Eagle Scout project. The Township will be looking into the situation and getting the area cleaned up.

MOCHARNIUK MEADOWS
Location: Use 1428 N. Hanover Street, Pottstown, PA 19464 to find it with a GPS or mapping program.
Size: 6.0 acres
Facilities: Meadow, walking trails, creek, footbridge to adjacent Hollenbach Park
Suitability: All ages of humans and dogs (on a leash.) They’ve got doggie bags at the entrance, in case you forget yours.
Activities and Tips: Check out wildflowers in spring and fall.
Hours: Dawn until dusk

HOLLENBACH PARK
Location: Use 1370 N. Hanover Street, Pottstown, PA 19464 to find it with a GPS or mapping program.
Size: 25.2 acres
Facilities: Soccer fields, parking, port-o-potty, trail
Suitability: Soccer players/teams, walkers & hikers, very young children with supervision
Activities and Tips: Hollenbach is not just for soccer. Explore the Ron Frick Nature Trail to the right of the parking lot, as you are facing the fields.
Hours: Dawn until dusk

Upper Pottsgrove Township
1409 Farmington Ave.
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-323-8675

See the Upper Pottsgrove Township open space and recreation page to learn about their programs and facilities.

Follow the parks series at Mission: Healthy Living, Positively!Pottstown, Twitter (PositivelyPtown), Facebook, and The Mercury.

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Upper Pottsgrove provides two distinct recreational opportunities in the northern area of the Township.

Cherry Tree Park is a fairly typical pocket park, which is tucked deep in the Cherry Tree Farms development off Gilbertsville Road. Rest assured, though, that it is public property that is open to anyone. It is unique in that it is 1.4 acres, which is a bit larger than most mini-parks. The play equipment is set back from the road, deep on the lot and screened by some landscaping, so it’s not readily noticeable. At first, it just looks like an empty building lot. But then a paved path and sign become evident and you know you’re at a place where the kids can climb, run around and commune with nature. The wild space in the rear corner of the park and the more-than-usual land around the play equipment make this park feel a little more out-of-the way, even though it’s in the midst of a suburban development.

As you leave Cherry Tree Farms and continue north on Gilbertsville Road, you will see Kulp Field on your left, just before the intersection with Moyer Road. According to the Township website, Kulp Field is home to their Little League and Major League baseball teams. Parking for baseball games is shared with Hillside Aquatic Club.

Because no acreage was given in the Penn State study for Kulp Field, I went looking for the Township’s Open Space Plan to see what that had to say. If you want to see the plan, click on the Upper Pottsgrove Township link on the County’s Municipal Open Space Plans page. On page 30, it says that this area – called Hillside Park in the plan – totals 7.5 acres.

It was very interesting to note that part of this property abuts Sprogels Run, which we had visited in various areas of Lower Pottsgrove. One of the main goals of the Upper Pottsgrove Plan is to create a greenway and trails that would run along Sprogels Run and link to the portions of it that run near Pottsgrove High School, Brookside Golf Club, Alfred B. Miles Park and Schuylkill River Park. Not only do municipalities try to create linkages and greenways within their own borders. With the help of their planners, they also try to create regional greenways and trails that retain the natural connections and terrain that already exist in the landscape so that citizens can more fully experience their impact.

One final note: also in this area of the Township is some privately-owned open space to which visitors are welcomed. Beaufort’s Run was featured in a Positively!Pottstown blog post on July 8, 2010 by Rosemary Keane. I urge you to check that out and plan a trip to this 10-acre property on Detweiler Road. You can also read about the owners’ inspiration and intentions for the site in the Township’s spring 2010 newsletter. It is through the efforts and commitment of owner Barb Shontz, her daughter Sue Shontz Hughes, and local volunteers that this space is also available to those looking to heal and re-connect with nature.

CHERRY TREE PARK
Location: ~108 Micklitz Drive, Pottstown, PA 19464, near the intersection with Birdsong Way, in the Cherry Tree Farms development
Size: 1.4 acres
Facilities: Play equipment, two benches, green space and some wild space in rear corner of park. Suitability: The 5-12 year old set will enjoy the play equipment.
Activities and Tips: Parents & children in the development certainly should know all about this large play space!
Hours: Dawn until dusk

KULP FIELD & HOFFMAN FIELD
Location: Gilbertsville Road & West Moyer Road, Pottstown, PA 19464
Size: ~ 7.5 acres
Facilities: Two baseball fields, batting cage, bleachers
Activities and Tips: Parking is shared with Hillside Aquatic Club. Use 134 West Moyer Road, Pottstown, PA 19464 on the GPS or mapping program to get directions to the parking lot.
Hours: Dawn until dusk

Upper Pottsgrove Township
1409 Farmington Ave.
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-323-8675

See the Upper Pottsgrove Township open space plan to learn about their programs and facilities.

Follow the parks series at Mission: Healthy Living, Positively!Pottstown, Twitter (PositivelyPtown), Facebook, and The Mercury.

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Heather Place Park is one of the first parks I remember visiting when we moved to the area nearly 10 years ago. With a toddler, a new baby and not a friend in Pottstown, I attended a MOMS Club of Pottstown picnic at the park thanks to seeing a flyer at a local grocery store. At that time, the area around Heather Place, State Street and Levengood Road was pretty empty, a far cry from the Upland Square Shopping Center that is now just a stone’s throw from the park. If only that Starbucks had been open when I still had preschoolers, all my dreams of sipping coffee while my kids played on the playground could have come true at Heather Place Park.

With my youngest son in tow, we (re)visited Heather Place Park last weekend, during Upper Pottsgrove’s Community Day celebration to find the park full of activity, people and plenty of activity for my first grader. The playground equipment looks brand new and includes what my son proclaimed to be “the best spinny ride ever.”  I spent a good portion of the visit spinning that particular piece of equipment and then watching as my son dropped to the ground still dizzy. The play equipment is labeled for ages 5-12, but there are swings and a row of cars and planes to keep toddlers happy as well.

We also had a chance to check out all the vendors and get a snack to help support Upper Pottsgrove Township Fire Company #1. The fire company was on hand with demonstrations and even let the kids get onto the fire trucks and check them out. Local musician, Michael Kropp kept the kids entertained with songs from his popular Makin’ Music classes.

The park is compact, covering only a couple of acres, but there is plenty to do even if you visit on an ordinary day. With a basketball court, a great playground (especially that dizziness-inducing part) and a covered pavilion, the park offers something for every age group.  Even though it’s situated right along Route 100, it’s easy to forget that the highway is there because the park feels tucked into the neighborhood. It is easy to get to Heather Place Park-simply head west on State Street from the light at Route 100 and then make a quick right onto Heather Place. The park is just beyond the Upper Pottgrove Police Station.

With shopping and restaurants so close to the park, it would be a great spot to visit after dragging the kids through the grocery store or Target. Even better, get some take-out and enjoy a meal at the pavilion and let the kids run around the playground. The play equipment is situated close to the picnic area so moms and dads of young kids can relax (and maybe eat a meal) while the kids play.  The pavilion is also available for individual or group rentals and would be a great place for birthday parties or group gatherings-like that MOMS Club picnic I attended all those years ago.

HEATHER PLACE PARK
Location: 1420 Heather Place, Pottstown, PA 19464. adjacent to the Upper Pottsgrove Police Station
Size: 2.5 acres
Facilities: Covered picnic pavilion, basketball court, playground
Suitability: All ages can enjoy this park
Activities and Tips: Get your coffee and your friends and take the kids over to this great playground for a fun morning. Or, pack your lunch or even dinner and enjoy a meal with the family while the weather is still warm.
Hours: Dawn until dusk

Contact for rentals:
Upper Pottsgrove Township
1409 Farmington Ave.
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-323-8675

Follow the parks series at Mission: Healthy Living, Positively!Pottstown, Twitter (PositivelyPtown), Facebook, and The Mercury.

Upper Pottsgrove Township has all the information you need about Heather Place and other township parks on their website’s open space and recreation page

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Due to its unique natural setting, Sanatoga Park has traditionally been a popular gathering place for recreation and outdoor activities. It’s only appropriate, then, to start off this review by letting readers know about Lower Pottsgrove’s upcoming Fall Festival on Sunday, October 24^th. Hayrides, a children’s show, games and a costume contest will take place in the upper level of the park next to the tot lot, starting at 1 p.m.

So, how do you get there? Plug the addresses below into your GPS or mapping program, or simply turn at Cutillo’s Restaurant, or onto S. Park Drive directly across from Sanatoga Corporation Appliance Specialists. You will soon get to the park. If you’ve come in past Cutillo’s, you will first see the lake on your right and then the hill with the bandshell, parking, basketball hoop and pavilion on your left. A driveway leads up the hill to a flat area that includes playing fields and a playground.

The playing fields are pretty impressive. Rodney Hawthorne, Township Manager explained that both have sprinkler systems. Re-design plans are in the works to make  the baseball field a suitable venue for larger tournaments in the area. For example, if Ursinus College or Boyertown were having a tournament and needed another field/venue, the Sanatoga Park field would meet regulations and could be an economic development generator for the Township. At this point, though, the $1.5 million needed to do the improvements is not available.

I vaguely recalled that Sanatoga Park was a big draw for outdoor fun a long time ago, so I pulled out one of my history books. In consulting my trusty “A History of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, 1752-1952,” I found this:

“In the late 19^th centrury, when transportation was limited and Pottstown was still a relatively small town, two parks were established for what was then a picnic trip ‘to the country.’ The growth of both Sanatoga and Ringing Rocks Parks was stimulated by electric street railways which established special service to both places. Going to either place in the open ‘summer’ cars was quite a frolic…

At Sanatoga the lure was that of a lake for boating, roller coasters, merry-go-roudns, and similar attractions. As noted above, Sanatoga Park also became noted for its automobile race track. In fact, stock car races are the only real attraction there now, for several years ago the amusements were discontinued.”

I imagine that the area now used for athletic events was once the racetrack, and would certainly appreciate any readers chiming in with any further history on that.

Sanatoga Park remains a hub of community activity for events such as the Fall Festival described above, an annual fishing derby in June, and a summer concert series, sponsored by Lower Pottsgrove Township and Exelon. On most Sunday evenings, starting at 6 pm, in late June through August, the sounds of polka, jazz, folk and rock can be enjoyed from the lawn in front of the bandshell. To see the program lineup from this past summer, check out the Township webpage here, where you can also keep an eye out for announcements about future events. And if you or your organization would like to sponsor an event, contact the Township at 610-323-0436.

And that wraps it up for Lower Pottsgrove… Many thanks to Mr. Hawthorne for taking the time to fill me in every time I called. 🙂 On to Upper Pottsgrove tomorrow!

SANATOGA PARK

Location: 223 S. Sanatoga Road or 200 S. Sanatoga Park Drive, Sanatoga, PA 19464. If you’re coming from Pottstown, turn right at Cutillo’s Restaurant.

Size: 54 acres

Suitability: All ages for numerous music, community and athletic events

Facilities: Lake, boat ramp, fishing, amphitheater/bandshell, restrooms, pavilion, basketball hoop, soccer & baseball fields, paved track around baseball field, wooded areas, playground, parking.

Activities + tips:  Keep up with events at Sanatoga Park by checking the Township website.

Hours: Dawn until dusk, extended for community events.

Lower Pottsgrove Township has lots of information and photos on their website, which is http://www.lowerpottsgrove.org. Just click on the Parks & Recreation tabs on the left side of the home page.

Contact:
Lower Pottsgrove Township
2199 Buchert Road
Pottstown, PA 19464
Ph: (610) 323-0436
Fax: (610) 323-3824
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. M-F

Follow the parks series at Mission: Healthy Living, Positively!Pottstown, Twitter (PositivelyPtown), Facebook, and The Mercury.

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