fresh start for Ash Park.

Ash Park redevelopment rendering of courts area, City of Coatesville, courtesy of JMT

Nature is found in wide-open spaces but also in yards, common spaces, and public parks. In some of the region’s more densely populated communities, improving these nature footholds has widespread community impact.

Natural Lands has worked with the City of Coatesville for over a decade as a partner in the City’s effort to revitalize its parks. This past summer, the community reached a new milestone when construction got underway to bring a fresh start to Ash Park. At 9.3 acres, the park is the City’s largest and has a long history as a community hub.

The park’s master plan, which Natural Lands helped develop beginning in 2019, relied on extensive resident input and will serve as a blueprint for the park’s phased revitalization.

“The project will provide a cooling splashpad as an affordable replacement for a long-defunct swimming pool, expand the number of basketball courts, and include engaging nature elements,” said Nick Upmeyer, landscape architect with Natural Lands. “There are pavilions for gathering with friends and family—one includes a misting station for hot summer temperatures. Native shrubs and perennials in the planting design for four rain gardens in the park will help address stormwater issues.”

“Since its founding nearly 100 years ago, Ash Park has served as the community’s most visited park for residents and visitors to congregate,” said Linda Lavender Norris, Coatesville City Council president. “It’s taken wonderful collaboration efforts to bring this impactful project to life. This transformation will serve to bolster the joy Ash Park brings to families and especially our City’s youth for years to come.”

Ash Park’s grand reopening is expected in spring of 2026.

This project received funding from the PA Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, Community Project Funding from U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan and U.S. Senator Bob Casey, and Keystone Communities funding from State Senator Carolyn Comitta. During initial planning phases, MCDC (Movement Community Development Corporation) began fundraising efforts for the Ash Park water feature, with the help of Senator Casey and State Representative Dan Williams. The project was also funded in part by the Chester County Preservation Partnership.

Here are even more details on the project.