ALLEN TWP., Pa. – Northampton County announced Wednesday that it has bought 41 acres in Allen Township that will become the county's latest park.
- Northampton County's newest park is called The Bodnarczuk Preserve
- It consists of 41 acres in Allen Township with a stream, woodlands and steep slopes
- The county paid $225,000 for the land, well below its market value
The county paid $225,000 for the land, much less than the $900,000 at which it was appraised, according to a statement from the county.
Its previous owners, the Mauser family, sold the property below value to realize a long-term goal of preserving its forest, farmland and streams, the statement said.
The new park will be called The Bodnarczuk Preserve, after the Mausers’ Ukrainian grandparents, who once farmed the land and ran a nearby grocery store.
Funding for the purchase came from the Northampton County Livable Landscapes Program, which funds preservation and greenway projects.
It will be the county’s third new park since 2019, and 22nd overall, increasing the total amount of land in the parks system to 2,262 acres.
“The Bodnarczuk Preserve will be maintained with a priority toward environmental preservation,” county Parks and Recreation Superintendent Bryan Cope said.
“Beginning in 2023, the county will continue to work with the Mauser family, state agencies, Allen Township, land conservancies, watershed associates and local schools to provide access, environmental education and research, restoration practices and access for all individuals to enjoy the property,” Cope said.
“We are thankful for the generations of family who were great stewards of this land,” County Executive Lamont McClure said, “and commend the Mauser brothers and their families for their commitment to conservation to retain the scenic greenway, geologic formations, and native riparian corridor in the Hokendauqua Creek Watershed.”
