Construction Underway At Patriots Park In Newtown Borough

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Patriots Park is starting to take shape at the corner of Court and Mercer streets.

When it’s completed by the fall, residents and visitors will have a place to relax beneath the sprawling white oak tree and amid the peacefulness of an authentic Colonial garden setting, possibly contemplating the historic skirmish that took place here more than 250 years ago.

Designed by NAM Planning & Design, LLC, the park with walking paths and period landscaping
will reflect the style of gardens back in Colonial times, which would have included plants native to the original 13 Colonies as well as those brought over from England.

A rendering of the landscaped park by Nancy Minich

A brick walkway begins to take shape at Patriots Park. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

A white oak tree dominates the park site along Mercer Street. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

Typically small spaces, Colonial gardens had clearly defined paths and garden bed edges, said Newtown Borough Councilor Julia Woldorf who has spearheaded the project, which is being paid for through grants and donations. “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 the 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 the landscaping will include plants that were used in the manufacturing of fabric, including flax, a plant cultivated for its fibre, and other plantings used for creating dye.

“All those things will be part of the design of the park with historical elements woven into the landscaping," she said.

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.

Gasper Landscape Design & Construction is building the park. Their work is expected to be completed in mid-July, with installation of new fencing, paths, and benches; planting of trees and shrubs; and preparation of planting beds.

In the fall, the community will be invited to help plant perennial beds.

“The park won’t look under construction by the fall. It will look like a park,” said Woldorf.“We hope it will become the venue for small gatherings and events. It’s going to be a very peaceful spot that will enhance the neighborhood.”

The borough purchased the property in 2019, saving it from being redeveloped by the owners of the Bird In Hand. Woldorf applied for a grant to develop the park in 2020. That grant will expire at the end of this year.

Funding assistance for Patriots Park is being provided by a Small Communities Grant from the
Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; a PECO Green Regions grant; and private donations still being accepted through the Newtown Historic Association.

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.

Looking into the park from Court Street. (photo by Jeff Werner)