Board Invites Discussion about Washington Crossing Park

March 22, 2010

The future of the 500-acre Washington Crossing Historic Park has been an ongoing concern for the Board of Supervisors and township residents since the visitor’s center was closed to the public last year. To keep the dialogue open, the Board of Supervisors invited key participants to present updates at their February 17 and March 3 public meetings.

At the February 17 meeting, Rep. Scott Petri, along with Barbara Franco, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), and Steve Miller, Bureau Director of Historic Sites and Museums, PHMC, noted the $4.1 million renovation project for the visitor center should begin this summer so it can reopen in 2011.

At the March 3 meeting, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (BHWP) and Friends of Washington Crossing Park, discussed their efforts to support the park.

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve Plans to Take Ownership of Approximately 90 Acres

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Bernie O’Neill (District 29, New Hope/Solebury) would allow Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (BHWP) to take ownership of the 90-acre wildflower preserve land that they currently manage in Solebury Township. BHWP also discussed a plan to take ownership, repair, and manage Bowman’s Hill Tower – an option not in the O’Neill legislation but still not discarded.

Friends of Washington Crossing Park Working on Business Plan to Provide Park Management

Friends of Washington Crossing Park presented their position to avoid splitting the 500-acre park. This new organization is exploring funding options for the entire park and drafting a business plan to manage the park under a lease instead of ownership.

500-Acre Park Will Remain Preserved

Residents want long-term assurance that the land would remain preserved under any option. As discussions continue, township officials will ensure legal protections will be in place to nullify any ownership or lease options if any organization were to attempt to develop or use the land in a way other than intended in the agreement.

Questions & Comments – Contact Your Representatives

The Board of Supervisors plans to continue to hold town hall-style meetings regarding Washington Crossing Park to keep residents informed and part of the dialogue. The supervisors also encourage residents to contact:

Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
State Museum Building
300 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 717-787-3362
Fax: 717-783-9924
http://www.phmc.state.pa.us

State Senator Charles T. McIlhinney Jr.
22 S. Main St.
Suite 220
Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: 215-489-5000
http://www.senatormcilhinney.com

State Representative Bernie O'Neill
755 York Road
Suite 105
Warminster, PA 18974
Phone: 215-441-2624
Fax: 215-441-2627
http://www.reponeill.com

State Representative Scott A. Petri
95 Almshouse Road, Suite 303
The Weather Vane
Richboro, PA 18954
Phone: 215-364-3414
Fax: 215-364-8626
http://www.reppetri.com

State Representative Steven J. Santarsiero
277 North Sycamore Street
Newtown, PA 18940
Phone: 215-968-3975
Fax: 215-968-4674
http://www.pahouse.com/santarsiero