Solebury Township hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at Aquetong Spring Park on Friday, Sept. 24, to mark the official opening of its new 48-acre park.
With most of the major construction now completed, the park is now open for public use. Solebury’s vision includes use as a recreational, interpretive and educational resource in a passive setting that emphasizes its environmentally sensitive location and surroundings.
Natural trails wind their way throughout the park in a variety of directions, in addition to the paved trail connector that parallels Route 202. Directional signs are located along the pathways along with benches and overlook areas. A trail and site map can be downloaded from the Solebury Township website.
The spring water cascades over a waterfall as it has for centuries, then meanders through the twists and turns of the stream that makes it way to the Delaware River.
The Aquetong Spring property was purchased by Solebury Township in 2009 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The site contains one of the largest cold-water limestone springs in the state, a substantial waterfall, several historic structures and buildings, and a large area of woodlands, natural growth, animal habitats and abundant wildlife.
In addition to being a valuable natural resource, the spring has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The water flow from the spring was a primary source for the hydro-power that facilitated the many downstream flour, saw and paper mills which ushered in the industrial development of the area.
Remains of some of these old buildings, mills, and a kiln with twin ovens can be found downstream from the spring.
The waterfall at the source of the spring.
A map shows the main walkway of the park.
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