Doylestown Township rec center construction set for June start

Planning for Doylestown Township’s new recreation center is well underway with hope for groundbreaking in June, said officials.
“We’re moving along and we’re very excited,” township parks and recreation director Karen Sweeney said.
The ambitious $10 million project’s launch is expected to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the community’s expansive Central Park, said Stephanie Mason, the township’s manager.
With approximately 17,000 square feet, the center will be built along Wells Road where the township building is and will replace current tennis and basketball courts.
The highly anticipated recreational space will include one large room, which can be divided into three smaller spaces, as needed, for various classes and programs, athletic activities, meetings and birthday celebrations. Across the hall, there’ll also be a kitchen for cooking classes and party preparations.
An 84-foot by 50-foot gym will play a major role in the center. Whether you enjoy basketball, pickle ball or volleyball, the gym can accommodate your favorite sport.

“This will provide indoor space specifically for the community,” Mason said. And, she added, “this not taking away any green space,” as the center is being built on existing impervious surface.
When the weather is nice, visitors can enjoy the patio space, which also features a fireplace, for a variety of activities and events.
The center will also provide a “shelter-in-place” area in the event of a natural disaster or other need, the township manager said earlier.
Also included in the rec center project, are three new tennis courts, two basketball courts and six pickle ball courts, which will be developed on an existing athletic field, said Mason.
Both Mason and Sweeney credited the success of the township’s recreational projects, including the very popular Kids Castle playground, a native garden with informational kiosks and trail system, with “a lot of community and volunteer effort.”
A $1.5 million grant, secured by state Sen. Steve Santarsiero, is helping fund the rec center project and officials hope a newly launched capital campaign will raise $3 million. A bond is also expected to help pay for the center, as are naming rights.

---

Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.