New Newtown Borough Park Named for Victims of a Revolutionary War Raid, Not an Eagles Arch-Nemesis

By

Patriots Park, a new "pocket park" in Newtown
Image via Bucks Local News.
Patriots Park, a new "pocket park" at Mercer and Court Streets, Newtown.

A tiny, new Newtown Borough Park is being named for Revolutionary War casualties, killed onsite in a raid. But ever-loyal local football fans, wanted to ensure it wouldn’t be misconstrued as support for a Philadelphia Eagles’ rival. Jeff Warner explains for Bucks Local News.

Patriots Park’s name recalls a 1778 Tory attack on Pennsylvania militiamen. These patriots — not a Brady or Belichick among them — were protecting local tailors making vital uniforms for the troops at Valley Forge.

Fast forward to this year and the designation of the site as a new “pocket park.” When it came time to name it, the borough solicited public input. It settled on Patriots Park from the 35 suggestions.

During an August 4 public meeting, however, two residents wondered about the name’s association with the New England Patriots.

“I like the name; however, this is an Eagles town,” one said.

Another worried about vandalism, especially during football seasons.

Councilor Julia Woldorf allayed those fears, saying the space would stress its history through signage.

The borough council has also scheduled a “Paint the Fence” day for August 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Calling it a “Tom Sawyer moment,” Woldorf invited volunteers — with brushes — to give a fresh coat of paint to the park fence at Mercer and Court Streets.

Presumably, the color scheme will be no combination of blue, red, silver, and white.

More on this new park is at Bucks Local News.

Connect With Your Community

Subscribe for stories that matter!

"*" indicates required fields

Hidden
BT Yes
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Advertisement