Newtown Is Seeking Volunteers For Public Planting At Patriots Park

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — In preparation for the opening of Patriots Park later this month, Newtown Borough is looking for volunteers to help with the planting of perennials at the park.

A public planting will take place this Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Court and Mercer streets. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 22.

“Come help us plant the perennial gardens. Bring a trowel, watering can, and gloves. And bring the kids,” said Newtown Borough Councilor Julia Woldorf. “Refreshments will be served.”

RSVP to jwoldorf@boroughofnewtown.com.

The grand opening of the park takes place the following weekend on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. Music will be provided by members of the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County and light refreshments will be served.

When the park opens, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the plantings, the shade of the sprawling white oak tree, and the small open lawn.

Patriots Park, Newtown Borough's newest neighborhood park. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

Designed by NAM Planning & Design, LLC, and built by Gasper Landscape Design & Construction, the park with walking paths and period landscape reflects the style of gardens back in Colonial times, which would have included plants native to America as well as those brought over from England.

Colonial gardens had clearly defined paths and garden bed edges, said Woldorf who has helped spearhead the project, which is being paid for through grants. “Paths were simple and direct and often made of gravel or brick. There would be trellises and arbors supporting native vines,” she said.

“The plantings also reflect the history of that property, which was the site of a Revolutionary War skirmish,” said Woldorf.

During that skirmish, Loyalists raided the property where tailors were mending and making uniforms for Patriots encamped at Valley Forge. During the 1778 skirmish, five Patriots were killed, four were wounded, 11 were taken prisoner, and 2,000 yards of cloth were destroyed or taken.

To reflect that history, Woldorf said some of the plantings selected for inclusion at the park were used in the manufacturing of fabrics. “Some of the plants were used for dying and flax that was used for linen. All those things are part of the design of the park with historical elements woven into the landscaping.”

In addition, Woldorf said the park is designed to protect and preserve a large spreading white oak tree on the property. “We assume it’s a couple hundred years old,” she said. A second tree - a Hackberry - on the north side of the carriage house has been designated as a historic tree.

Gasper Landscape Design & Construction completed construction of the new park in mid-July, with the installation of new fencing, paths, and benches; planting of trees and shrubs; and preparation of planting beds.

“We hope it will become the venue for small concerts where people can sit and listen. It’s going to be a very peaceful spot that will really enhance the neighborhood," said Woldorf.

The borough, with the assistance of the Newtown Historical Association and private donations, purchased the property in 2019, saving it from being redeveloped by the former owners of the Bird In Hand.

Funding for Patriots Park was provided by grants from the Pennsylvania Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; the
Bucks County Municipal Open Space Program; the PECO Green Region Open Space Program;
and local donors.

This is the second park spearheaded by Woldorf. She was also able to secure grant funding to landscape the Newtown Commons Park at the foot of West Greene Street. That project won the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence.