2007 News

October 29, 2007

Commissioners Accept 5.11-Acre County Parkland Donation in Middletown Twp.
Cohn Family Trust Adds Contiguous Property to 36 Acres Previously Preserved

During a news conference this morning in Middletown Twp., Bucks County Commissioners Charles H. Martin, chairman, James F. Cawley, Esq., and Sandra A. Miller joined Stephanie Cohn-Schaeffer, members of the Cohn Family Trust and Executive Parks Director Bill Mitchell to accept donation of a 5.11-acre parcel that will become part of the Bucks County Parks System. The land is situated adjacent to a 36-acre parcel that was sold the county during 2002.

“We want to express our gratitude to the Cohn Family Trust for this very generous donation,” Chairman Martin said. “It is a valuable addition to our park system, and one that fits nicely with property that is already part of our ever-growing inventory of preserved open space.”

“As a resident of Middletown Twp., I am especially pleased about this donation,” Commissioner Cawley said. “This is a priority piece of ground, as well. We thank the Cohn Family Trust for its vision and generosity.” Cawley also pointed out the significance of the 5.1-acre parcel, which is an important component of groundwater recharge and flood protection adjacent to the U.S. Route 1 – which was borne out during a 1996 flood.

“The Cohn family has had a business presence for 35 years in Bucks County,” Stephanie Cohn-Schaeffer noted. “During those years, our businesses, ASI and ASI Show, have grown to more than 500 employees in the county. Several years ago, 36 acres were sold to the county. Since the present five acres did not fit into the family’s immediate plans, during July and August of this year, we investigated what alternative uses the parcel might have.”

“In the spirit of giving back to the community that has given so much to our family, we agreed at a family meeting Oct. 1 and 2 to show our appreciation by having the Bucks County Technology Park donate this property to the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation.”

The Bucks County Parks System contains more than 4,600 acres, with locations in all portions of the county. Middletown Twp. is also home to Core Creek Park.

Commissioner Miller praised the Cohn Family Trust for the nature of the gift, adding that the land could have been used for many purposes, including an additional parking lot. “We truly appreciate the donation,” Miller said.

The Middletown Twp. donation comes on the heels of the commissioners’ Oct. 26 announcement that the county will purchase a 27.4-acre “welcome” park to the proposed National Veterans Cemetery in Upper Makefield Twp.

“This is a significant donation to the people of Bucks County,” Commissioner Martin added.

For more information about the Bucks County Park System, please go to the Parks and Rec index.

Hear audio from the event