COATESVILLE, PA — On Monday morning, July 28, City Manager James Logan welcomed one hundred neighbors, stakeholders, government officials and guests to kick off the groundbreaking celebration for Phases I and II of a five-phase project to fully renovate Ash Park.
Since being founded nearly 100 years ago, Ash Park has served as the community’s most visited park by residents and visitors. It covers 9.3 acres and is a community hub in the heart of the City.
In 2019, the City collaborated with Natural Lands to prepare the Ash Park Master Plan, and the project received multi-million-dollar funding support from the PA Department of Conservation of Natural Resources (DCNR), Community Project Funding from U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan and U.S. Senator Bob Casey, and Keystone Communities funding from State Senator Carolyn Comitta. The project was also funded in part by the Chester County Preservation Partnership program, Natural Lands and MCDC (Movement Community Development Corporation) with the help of Senator Casey and State Representative Dan Williams. Much of this funding would not have been possible without the collaboration and economic development expertise of Coleen Terry, Founder and President of ECON Partners, according to Logan.
The multi-million-dollar project went out to bid for design in July 2023. After careful review and completion of the bid process, Johnson Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT) was selected to bring the new design of Ash Park to fruition.
Assistant City Manager Roberta Cosentino outlined the plans for the first two phases that are now underway. “A project of this magnitude happens with the collaboration of hundreds of people,” said Cosentino. “Today, as we celebrate the groundbreaking of Ash Park, we extend our gratitude to all who have helped the City secure funding and who have provided support and guidance throughout. Once the park is completed it will, without a doubt, be one of Chester County’s premiere community and family parks.”
With the design phase completed, significant development will occur over a four- to six-month period and include:
- Expanded play and recreation areas
- Renovated basketball courts including a new third court
- A vibrant splash pad to replace the pool, which has been non-operational for more than a decade
- A new common area for gatherings
- Landscaping and stormwater infrastructure improvements
- New pavilion with seating area and restrooms
Future Phases III – V will address upgrades to the soccer field and playground and the construction of a new picnic-area pavilion.
“This park is an important part of the heart of Coatesville, and the City of Coatesville is a remarkably important part of the heart of Chester County,” said U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan. “It’s because of all your input and hard work that we are here today, and it’s my privilege to have played a supportive role through the Community Project Funding that helped make this project possible.” Houlahan acknowledged the strong support provided by Senator Casey, who was instrumental in bringing the project to the community.
State Senator Carolyn Comitta offered appreciation to the myriad collaborators who brought this project to fruition along with volunteers, City staff, City Council members, public works, fire and police departments, Chester County Commissioners and more. “It’s another example of Coatesville rising,” she said.
“Today marks a significant day in Coatesville,” said State Representative Dan Williams. “Ash Park is a special place to build community. It’s a place where people come to play, to pray, to reflect and to build relationships.”
Chairman of the Chester County Board of Commissioners Josh Maxwell praised the collaborative nature of the renovation project, noting it is another example of how the City is thriving.
“Parks are so important to our communities,” said Vice Chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, Marian Moskowitz. “This park is a gathering place and a promise to our children, our seniors and every Coatesville family to connect, enjoy and make memories. This is an investment that will pay great dividends going forward.”
City Council President Linda Lavender Norris expressed gratitude for the opportunity to renovate the park, “enabling new experiences and a lifetime of memories for our City’s youth and everyone who will enjoy the park for years to come.”
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