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Supervisors back MONTCO 2040 application for Whistlestop Park upgrades in Hatfield Township
Montgomery Township is applying for a $350,000 county grant to improve a park that is not even within its own borders.
In a unanimous 3-0 vote Thursday night, as Supervisor Vice Chair Beth Staab and Supervisor Audry Ware-Jones were absent, township supervisors authorized an application to the MONTCO 2040 grant program to fund major upgrades at Whistlestop Park, a 14-acre recreational facility the township owns at 88-90 County Line Road — geographically located in the eastern corner of Hatfield Township, abutting Montgomery Township.
“It is our parcel,” Township Manager Carolyn McCreary explained when asked by Supervisor Eric Pelletier why Montgomery Township is investing in a park situated across the municipal line.
She said the property was deeded to the township following a "spiteful" dispute involving a business and Hatfield Township. The unusual arrangement now gives Montgomery Township ownership of a park physically outside its boundaries — and creates an opportunity.
Because the park sits in Hatfield Township, the grant application qualifies as a multi-municipal project and includes a letter of support from Hatfield Township. McCreary noted that the arrangement may actually improve the township’s standing with the county.
“I think we are in a better situation with the county because they are very familiar with the park,” she said, adding that the township also emphasizes that the park serves nearby New Britain Township and moderate housing along Walnut Street near the railroad.
A $1.9 million overhaul
The proposed Whistlestop Park Improvement Project carries an estimated $1.9 million price tag. The township has already secured funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Community and Economic Development, and has applied to the state’s Local Share Program funded through gaming and horse racing revenue.
The county grant would help offset costs for a sweeping list of upgrades:
McCreary said fencing around the playground mirrors improvements made at Fellowship Park and is intended to create a safer environment, particularly for children who are on the autism spectrum and may be prone to wandering.
“When completed, this project will enable children and others of all abilities to play and recreate in a safe and inclusive place,” she said.
A well-used regional park
Pelletier noted he has coached practices at Whistlestop Park and described it as well used. While the baseball field has seen limited use, McCreary said the softball field remains active and would be upgraded. She added that demand for outdoor pickleball courts continues to outpace supply.
“There are never enough outdoor pickleball courts,” she said, adding that the township will pursue as many grants as possible to reduce the local share of the cost.
Whistlestop Park features two baseball fields, a full-sized basketball court, a soccer field, a street hockey court with nets, a playground, gazebo, picnic tables and benches, along with 82 parking spaces, including five accessible spots. The park sits near the Colmar SEPTA Regional Rail station, which, according to SEPTA, gave the park its name.
The MONTCO 2040 application required a board resolution before submission by this past Monday's deadline.
For Montgomery Township, the project reflects both a geographic quirk and a regional approach to recreation — investing in a park beyond its borders that serves residents on all sides of the township line.
