BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — Whether you’re looking for a new spot to let the kids get some energy out or you’re trying to get in your daily steps and outside time, Bethlehem Township may have just what you're looking for.
State and county grants helped bring both a significant revamp of the playground at the Township Community Center off Farmersville Road, as well as a mile of new trail and other amenities for the Housenick Park Trails system on Christian Spring Road.
“It’s very important that the county not only pay attention to the Slate Belt and cities, but also our townships because our townships are the lifeblood of our county.”Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure
Township staff, county officials and state representation — including state Rep. Joe Emrick, R-Northampton County — met Monday at both sites for an informal dedication of the projects.
Folks come from all across the Lehigh Valley to take part in the fun, officials said.
“It’s very important that the county not only pay attention to the Slate Belt and cities, but also our townships because our townships are the lifeblood of our county,” Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure said.
A more inclusive playspace
Bringing what McClure called a “gem” of a playground renovation to fruition cost the township $515,000. A $75,000 Livable Landscapes grant from the county also supported the project.
The colorful, thoughtfully designed playground, which opened for play this summer, looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss book — and there’s a reason for that.
The equipment’s bright coloration of green, orange, blue, yellow, purple and more was chosen to help those living with visual impairments better make use of the playground, according to officials.
The area is wheelchair-accessible, too, with a couple different access points to the playground nearby, a spongy but solid playing surface across the lot, an ADA-friendly carousel and more.
If you’re looking to join the kids in the fun, there also are “mommy-and-me” swings at your disposal.
The playground complements four tennis courts, two basketball courts, baseball and softball fields, picnic pavilions and more at the township's Municipal Park close by, as well as the various amenities located inside and around the community center.
Township Manager Doug Bruce said the playground is the largest and busiest of its kind in Bethlehem Township.
Trail updates at Housenick Park
The third phase of the Housenick Parks trails system — which adds a mile of paved trail to the current network, along with an overlook, gazebo, landscaping and more — was finished this year.
Of the township’s six parks, two trail systems and two greenways, the Housenick Park area is the only one classified as passive recreation, meaning it serves well for unorganized, noncompetitive exercise and other activities, such as walking, birdwatching and more.
“This is passive recreation in perpetuity, and that is what the people wanted. So we’ve put that in resolution to make that happen.”Bethlehem Township Commissioner Michael Hudak
“This is passive recreation in perpetuity, and that is what the people wanted,” Township Commissioner Michael Hudak said. “So we’ve put that in resolution to make that happen.”
The trails system was designed more than a decade ago. The total $1.6 million project was supported through grants from the state in the form of $600,000 in Open Space and Livable Landscapes money, and another $600,000 in state money courtesy of the Community Conservation Partnerships Program.
Township Parks and Recreation Committee Vice Chairman Steven Greco said other amenities are possibly in the works for the township.
The committee has pondered locations for a potential bocce ball court and is looking to maybe add a pickleball court at 14th Street Park, while land near St. Luke’s Anderson Campus could be prime for a dog park, Greco said.
