Parcel Will Be Preserved As Delaware Canal Connection

YARDLEY, PA —The borough and neighboring Lower Makefield Township are getting state grants for parks and open space projects.

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and state Rep. Perry Warren have announced nearly $1 million has been awarded to the borough and the township for multiple community improvement projects.

The grants include:

• Lower Makefield Township: $900,000 for Memorial Park
• Yardley Boro: $62,830 for an Open Space Project

The funds for Yardley Borough will be used to purchase a 1.26-acre lot, owned by PECO, that is currently vacant. The lot will be redeveloped into preserved open space and a trailhead to the Delaware Canal Towpath.

“Yardley Borough is grateful for the advocacy of Sen. Santarsiero and Rep. Warren to secure funding for us to purchase a plot of land currently owned by PECO for open space," Yardley Borough Council President Caroline Thompson said.

Thompson said the lot on Fuld Road and Morgan Avenue is within a class-A flood zone, making it unsuitable for development.

However, because the land borders the canal towpath and the borough-owned Mary Yardley Bridge, it's perfect for the borough to purchase, she said.

"This represents a phenomenal opportunity for passive recreation, connectivity of the borough to the canal, parking, and event space. Canal-o-ween already utilizes this space each year. We are so excited to formally acquire this property and ensure its future as undeveloped open space," Thompson said.

Warren said that preserving open spaces, trails, and parks is integral.

“The 10th Senate District is filled with beautiful spaces that deserve to be utilized by residents and visitors to their full potential,” Santarsiero said.

The funds come from the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which supports a variety of community projects.