Big changes coming to Ann Street Park

A survey has been completed that will be the blueprint for renovating Ann Street Park. The Milford Parks & recreation Committee met Sept. 24 with landscape architect and designer Bryan Smith and Clara Bichon, of Barry Isett & Associates, who have delivered a comprehensive plan to elevate the park. With a grant of $400,000 from the DCNR, and another $100,000 match from the borough, the renovations have been broken down into six phases, starting with what some believe is the most family-friendly portion, the playground. Phase one includes an all-inclusive play set geared toward children 5 to 12, with a wheelchair slide, earthen mounds with tunnels, and stepping logs. A 42-inch fence will encircle the play area, to create a safe place for kids to run around.

The second phase will focus on a younger children’s play area for those 2 to 5 years old. A new gazebo with family seating, swings, and a grade-level marry-go-round will allow both children and guardians with disabilities to join in on the fun. The entire play area will be covered in a multi-layer, cushion composite with a proposed color scheme of blue and green. In keeping with the town’s natural beauty, the design will reflect portions of the Delaware River. According to the designers, the composite will eventually save the borough money on maintenance as it will not need to be refilled with mulch.

The current playground has a maximum allowance of 60 children. Once phases one and two are complete, a maximum of about 116 children will be able to enjoy the play area. Phase one is expected to be approved within the next few weeks, with the construction set for April and completion slated for June 2025.

On top of a sensory garden, the play area is set to be 30% larger than the current space. New curving sidewalks have also been included, encircling Ann Street Park on three sides, as well as handicapped parking and inclusive accessibility. A center promenade will cut through the park where children will play with chalk, instead of on Raspberry Alley, where cars frequent. A renovated baseball field and resurfaced basketball court will be on one side of the path and the playground and open field on the other. Only two trees will be removed over the course of renovations, with about 22 new trees proposed for natural shading to keep the park cool from the summer sun. A new bathroom was also on the list, and while it will not have a septic, it will be a standing structure, not unlike the bathrooms at Raymondskill Falls.

The entire plan is projected to cost between $2 and $2.5 million over the course of several years, although the timespan may depend on local efforts. Fundraising ideas have already begun to pour in, including sponsored bricks that will be used in the center promenade and donations from local businesses.

The public has again expressed concern about speeding, particularly around the park on Catharine Street. The request to install speed bumps has been a growing demand for those who live in town and with a new park on the horizon that will undoubtedly attract more people, it may need to be addressed sooner than later.