By Wenjing Ding
Published Jan 6, 2024, by Gannett | USA Today Network
Construction will soon begin on the improvements to Central Park in Doylestown Township.
Officials said once construction starts it is expected to take about 14 months to complete the project that has been years in the making. The township will celebrate with a groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 19 at 3 p.m.
Earlier this year, Doylestown supervisors approved the major improvement project, which outlines a vision for renovating and adding to the park property on Wells Road.
The township has earmarked about $12.9 million for the improvements, officials said.
“Our Township has been working on this for several years and the project is coming to the construction phase now,” said townhip manager Stephanie Mason.
The plan calls for construction of a community recreation center, the installation of new outdoor sports courts, and the addition of a comfort station, including bathrooms.
The new 18,000-square-foot community recreation center on Wells Road, near the township building, will include a 7,700-square-foot gymnasium, a 300-square-foot warming kitchen, a 2,850-square-foot all-purpose room, and a 900-square-foot indoor/outdoor patio area.
Outside, two new basketball courts, four tennis courts, six pickleball courts, and two bocce ball courts will be added. Other highlights of the improvement project include creating permanent and accessible restrooms near the amphitheater and kids castle playground, according to the township.
The township has secured $1.7 million in grants from the state, has raised $300,000 through its fundraising campaign, allocated $400,000 in transfers, and generated $720,000 from the sale of a cell tower, officials said. The capital campaign is continuing, including numerous naming opportunities.
Officials also anticipate a tax increase of 2.3 mills in 2024 to cover the debt service associated with the project, Mason said. She said the township will continue to look for grant opportunities that can further support the project, as well as offset costs to the taxpayers.
During the review and approval process, residents raised concerns over the tax increase. However, others praised the supervisors for the plan.
