Solebury Getting Closer To Naming New Park

The property along Route 202. File photo.

As the former New Hope Flea Market property moves closer to becoming the newest Solebury Township park, officials are still working on a name.

The Solebury Township Board of Supervisors discussed the topic earlier this month as they look at formalizing the 12-acre property on Lower York Road (Route 202) between the former New Hope Star Diner and HG Wood Fired Pizza and Family Restaurant.

Solebury Park, Solebury Commons, Solebury Green, Solebury Central Park, and Solebury Center Park were all discussed by the supervisors as possible names.

In the end, the supervisors decided to forward two options – Solebury Central Park and Solebury Center Park – to the township’s Parks and Recreation Committee for input before a final decision.

“We’re not making a final decision today. We’re sort of punting today. We’re saying this is our thoughts and we can punt it over to Parks and Rec,” supervisors Chairperson Mark Baum Baicker said.

There was some discussion on the names and Supervisor John Francis said he thought a more descriptive term than “park” could be used. However, he liked the center and central focus in the proposed names.

“I think the term park is too loose for me. I’d like to have a term that really gives it a focus,” he said.

Supervisor Kevin Morrissey said he wasn’t in favor of the Solebury Green name because it reminded him of a shopping center, citing the Buckingham Green Shopping Center.

“There are quiet a few shopping centers called that and I’m expecting somebody to come in looking for a Home Depot,” he said.

Nancy Stock-Allen, the chairperson of the 202 Property Advisory Committee, said the property is central for Solebury Township. She suggested adding the term “natural and heritage preserve” or several similar options to better define the property.

Based on feedback from residents, the township is looking at making the property where people can enjoy nature and gathering with one another.

Using open space funds, Solebury Township purchased the property for $2.35 million in 2020 after residents worried it would be developed.