2007 News

January 12, 2007

Commissioners Encourage You To Tell A Friend!
Open Space Adds To Bucks' Diversity For Residents And
Travelers Alike

Anyone who has traveled throughout Bucks County’s countryside, through its downtowns, and into its cultural areas knows there is much to take in during a visit. Tourists from near and far come to Bucks County for its diverse offerings – to spend a day on the river, the next at a winery and at a county park, another touring historic Washington Crossing, topped off with a visit to the county seat, Doylestown, featuring the Tile Works and other museums.

Chairman of the Bucks County Board of Commissioners Charles H. Martin noted, “As visitors travel throughout the county, vistas are inhaled, family farms are patronized, and the pace seems to slow for vacationers because of the balance we have been able to attain here in Bucks County. The county is very proud of its accomplishments in preserving in perpetuity open space and agricultural areas.”

It is the mix of a rich history, exciting culture and tens of thousands of acres of open space that draws travelers, and cultivates proud citizens who are lucky to call Bucks County home. Ten years ago, Bucks Countians overwhelmingly approved our open space initiative, and have been staunchly supportive of our efforts ever since. As a result, we celebrated our 100 th farm preserved several months ago, a historic milestone for the county.

Here are some ideas for trips within the county that can be enjoyed whether you’ve lived here for 30 years, or you’ve traveled 300 miles. They all relate to our open space program:

Durham Mine Bat Cave – Recently highlighted in the Intelligencer and Courier as one of 17 wonders, this abandoned iron ore mine has become an important bat hibernacula. Six species of bats reside in the cave.

Ringing Rocks Park – Another local treasure highlighted on January 8 by the Intelligencer and Courier. A jumble of enigmatic stones which, when struck with a hammer, produce melodious tones.

Moravian Pottery and Tile Works – Yet another local wonder featured by the Intelligencer and Courier, on January 9. A National Historic Landmark maintained as a working history museum by Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Van Sandt Airport – 170 acres in upper Bucks where vintage and unique airplanes draw both local and international visitors who rent and ride the World War II era aircraft.

Family-owned farms – approximately 70 of the 100 farms preserved under our agricultural preservation program are family-owned farms that sell produce, nursery items, dairy products, hay and livestock both to the industry and directly to the public, including many tourists who stop at the farm stands to enjoy locally-grown items.

In keeping with our commitment to preserving precious open space, at the December 20 commissioners’ meeting, the commissioners announced their intention to purchase property in Upper Makefield Township adjacent to the planned National Veterans’ Cemetery, to be used as a Veterans’ Park. The park would serve as a gateway to the cemetery, a fitting tribute to those who served our country.

Bucks County ’s beauty is a huge attraction for travelers. Go see for yourself – and bring a friend!