Hidden next to the Pine Valley Covered Bridge on Keeley Avenue in New Britain Borough is a little-known jewel, Covered Bridge Park.
The park isn’t a municipal park, nor is it a county or state park, it is privately owned and operated by the New Britain Civic Association, a nonpolitical nonprofit which has been in existence since 1953.
The park, a 14-acre gem, was purchased in 1957 by the civic association and, since then, has served New Britain Borough and the surrounding communities with recreational and wildlife amenities.
There is a pavilion, that can be rented for events, a picnic area, play equipment for children, a new play area for children with special needs, a wooded area, a huge open field and a pond for fishing.
The association also sponsors yearly events: Covered Bridge Day in June, the Covered Bridge Summer Camp program for kids, the (oh so fun) Duck Derby in September, and the annual Tree Lighting in December.
In addition, the park is a favorite with area Scout troops, Cub Scouts and Brownies for special events and camp outs.
Most people, when asked about the park, believe that it is part of a government entity. They don’t realize that the park is maintained and supported by donations from the public, the hard work of a handful of volunteers and monies that are made from the summer camp program and the Duck Derby.
We encourage people from the area to discover this jewel, enjoy it, join the civic association, volunteer to help maintain it and assist at events. We also welcome any donations, large or small, to help keep this gem for years to come. Go to www.newbritaincivic.com and discover this jewel for yourself.
David Holewinski is president of the New Britain Civic Association.
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