Latest Concept For Mermaid Park Presented
A team of consultants from Simone Collins Landscape Architecture updated the Board of Supervisors and community on the latest draft of a concept plan for Mermaid Park at the Board meeting on Tuesday, July 20.
In addition to focusing on possible amenities and features at the park, the latest draft plan analyzes potential traffic impacts on surrounding roadways and offers order of magnitude cost estimates.
The plan calls for the removal of the current pool, which is in very poor condition, located in the middle of the floodplain, and is not compliant with current regulations and codes. If the pool and dam were removed, the stream on the property could be restored to a natural state which will mitigate downstream flooding, create habitat to support diverse species, and help reduce stream erosion.
Additionally, the latest draft plan shows ample space for Whitpain’s summer camp program, an inclusive playground, space for a potential public pool, and various options for the triangular shaped parcel located between Arch Street Road and the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike.
“I am pleased to see the progress that is being made on the draft plan and I am also encouraged by the fact that many of the ideas and concepts brought forth by residents are included in the latest draft,” said Board Chair Michele Minnick. “Certain concepts presented in the plan, like a public pool and an indoor recreation center will require in-depth studies to determine their scope and viability.”
The current draft plan can be found here (link to come). It is important to note that order of magnitude costs listed in the presentation are rough estimates at this point and costs will be further refined moving forward.
RFI Deadline
The deadline for responses to the Township's Request for Information (RFI) on public-private partnerships for the Mermaid Lake property has been extended to July 31.
The RFI will help gauge potential interest in possible public-private partnerships for the property but it is not binding and is not a formal request for proposal.
