Bucks Looking For Feedback On County Park System

DOYLESTOWN, PA — As part of its development of a Comprehensive Recreation, Parks, and Open Space Plan, the Bucks County Parks and Recreation Department is seeking feedback from residents on the county-owned parks and recreation sites.

The county is encouraging residents to answer a survey to ensure that its parks and recreation sites "meet the standards and expectations of residents and visitors."

The survey will inform the four-phase Comprehensive Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan, and will help the department understand how people use the park system, what works well, and what can be improved.

“The plan will provide forward-thinking and actionable recommendations to improve the county park system,” Bucks County Parks and Recreation Executive Director Angie Nagle explained during the July commissioners’ meeting.

The county park system spans more than 9,000 acres and includes parks, recreational facilities, historic sites, and nature centers.

The goal of the comprehensive plan is to rethink the county’s parks, open space and natural resources as one cohesive system with the same principles:

• Sustainability and Environment
• Accessibility, Connectivity, Equity and Inclusion
• Adaptability to Current and Future Needs
• Long-Term Maintenance and Stewardship.

Phase one of the project involves learning from residents and non-residents who enjoy Bucks County’s Park System. In addition to the survey, parks and recreation staff will be collecting feedback at several upcoming community events including the Middletown Grange Fair, Arthropalooza at the Churchville Nature Center, and a volunteer day at Silver Lake Nature Center.

Nagel says she will provide updates as the comprehensive plan moves into each stage. The next phases of the plan include ideating and testing, refining and prioritizing, and then launching into action towards the end of 2025.

The survey is open through December. More information about the Comprehensive Plan can be found here.