Issuu

April 2, 2026

General Information

Data Sources

All maps created for this report were created by Omnes using ArcGIS Pro. Ten-minute-walk-zone spatial data for parks included in the plan was created using ArcGIS Community Analyst. Mapping data sources include:

City Of Bethlehem

• Boundary of County Lines (Lehigh, Northampton)

• Boundary of City of Bethlehem

• Bus routes

• City parks, open spaces, and Golf courses

• Geology

• Impervious surface

• Parcels

• Road center-lines

• Special Amenities Trails in Bethlehem

• Train lines - in use & abandoned Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)

• DCNR Bedrock Elevation, 2023

• Pennsylvania Conservation Explorer, Conservation Planning and PNDI Environmental Review, Accessed 20250122

Esri

• Small Watersheds, 2014

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, Published 20230203

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP)

• PADEP Environmental Justice Areas - EJ Designated Census Block Groups, accessed 20240909

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC)

• Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Class A Wild Trout Streams, 2024

Trust for Public Land

• The Trust for Public Land, Complete U.S. ParkServe® Dataset

• The Trust for Public Land, ParkServe® Mapping

U.S. Census Data

• U.S. Census Bureau, “Hispanic or Latino Origin” American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table B03003, 2013.

• U.S. Census Bureau, “Hispanic or Latino Origin” American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Subject Tables, Table B03003, 2022.

• U.S. Census Bureau, “Household Language by Household Limited English Speaking Status” American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table C16002, 2022.

• U.S. Census Bureau, “Median Age By Sex” American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table B01002, 2022.

• U.S. Census Bureau, “Median household income in the past 12 months (in 2022 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars)” American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table B19013, 2022.

• U.S. Census Bureau, “Race” American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table B02001, 2022.

• U.S. Census Bureau, “Total Population” American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table B01003, 2022.

• U.S. Census Bureau, “Total Population in Occupied Housing Unite by Tenure” American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table B25008, 2022.

• U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Divisi, 2020, TIGER/Line 2020 Census, Census Tract national-based.

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

• USGS National Hydrography Dataset Best Resolution (NHD) for Hydrological Unit (HU) 802040106, Published 20231215

Bethlehem Demographics

EDUCATION

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE OR HIGHER

PERCENT OF PERSONS AGE 25 YEARS+ 2019-2023

BACHELOR’S DEGREE OR HIGHER

PERCENT OF PERSONS AGE 25 YEARS+ 2019-2023

$76,805 Families $98,079 Married Couple Families

$41,798 Non-Family Households

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, “INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2023 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)” ACS 1-YEAR ESTIMATES, TABLE B1901, 2023.

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$68,719

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, “INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2023 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)” ACS 1-YEAR ESTIMATES, TABLE B1901, 2023.

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, “EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT)” ACS 5-YEAR ESTIMATES, TABLE S1501, 2023.

Population of Pennsylvania with one or more disabilities DISABILITY RATE 14.1% 14.7%

Population of Bethlehem with one or more disabilities

SOURCE: * U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, “DISABILITY CHARACTERISTICS” ACS 1-YEAR ESTIMATES, TABLE S1810, 2023.

TYPES OF DISABILITY

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, “OCCUPANCY STATUS” DECENNIAL CENSUS, TABLE H1, 2020. AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE 2.30

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, “HOUSEHOLDS AND PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD” ACS 5-YEAR ESTIMATES, 2019-2023.

- Cognitive difficulty

- Ambulatory difficulty

- Independent living difficulty

- Hearing difficulty

- Self-care difficulty

- Vision difficulty

- no data

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, “DISABILITY CHARACTERISTICS” ACS 1-YEAR ESTIMATES, TABLE S1810, 2023.

Who lives in Bethlehem?

TAPESTRY SEGMENTATION

What are the top “Life Modes” in Bethlehem?

LifeMode groups share similar demographic characteristics and consumer behavior patterns. The demographic and consumer behavior variables selected for defining segments are sourced from a range of data providers, including demographic data from Esri, the United States Census Bureau, including the 2020 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS), and consumer surveys such as MRISimmons.

36.03% GenXurban

(Includes Parks and Rec Tapestry Segment)

• Gen X in middle age; families with fewer kids and a mortgage.

• Second-largest Tapestry group, composed of Gen X married couples, and a growing population of retirees.

• About a fifth of residents are 65 or older; about a fourth of households have retirement income.

• Own older single-family homes in urban areas, with 1 or 2 vehicles.

• Live and work in the same county, creating shorter commute times.

• Invest wisely, well insured, comfortable banking online or in person.

• News enthusiasts (read a daily newspaper, watch news on TV, and go online for news).

• Enjoy reading, renting movies, playing board games and cards, doing crossword puzzles, going to museums and rock concerts, dining out, and walking for exercise

23.75% Middle Ground

(Includes Front Porches Tapestry Segment)

• Lifestyles of thirtysomethings

• Millennials in the middle: single/married, renters/ homeowners, middle class/working class.

• Urban market mix of single-family, town home, and multi-unit dwellings.

• Majority of residents attended college or attained a college degree.

• Householders have traded their landlines for cell phones, which they use to listen to music, read the news, and get the latest sports updates on their favorite teams.

• Online all the time: use the internet for entertainment (downloading music, watching YouTube, finding dates), social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), searching for employment.

• Leisure includes nightlife (clubbing, movies), going to the beach, some travel and hiking.

15.11% Next Wave

(Includes Fresh Ambitions Tapestry Segment)

• Urban dwellers; young, hardworking families.

• A large share are foreign born and speak only their native language.

• Young, or multi-generational, families with children are typical.

• Most are renters in older multi-unit structures, built in the 1960s or earlier.

• Hardworking with long commutes to jobs, often using public transit to commute to work.

• Spending reflects the youth of these consumers, focus on children (top market for children’s apparel) and personal appearance.

• Also a top market for moviegoers (second only to college students) and fast food.

SOURCE: HTTPS://DOC.ARCGIS.COM/EN/ESRI-DEMOGRAPHICS/LATEST/REGIONAL-DATA/TAPESTRY-SEGMENTATION.HTM#GUID-423D9E4C-1C73-4039-82A9-29713A9D9DB9

Bethlehem?

• Partial to soccer and basketball.

9.52% Senior Styles

• Senior lifestyles reveal the effects of saving for retirement.

• Households are commonly married empty nesters or singles living alone. Homes are single family (including seasonal getaways), retirement communities, or high-rise apartments.

• More affluent seniors travel and relocate to warmer climates; less affluent, settled seniors are still working toward retirement.

• Cell phones are popular, but so are landlines.

• Many prefer print to digital media: avid readers of newspapers to stay current.

• Subscribe to cable television to watch channels such as Fox News, CNN, and The Weather Channel.

• Residents prefer vitamins and a regular exercise regimen.

5.69% Midtown Singles

• Millennials on the move – single, urban.

• Millennials seeking affordable rents in apartment buildings.

• Work in service and unskilled positions, usually close to home or public transportation.

• Single parents with very young children.

• Embrace the internet for social networking and downloading content.

• From music and movies to soaps and sports, radio and television fill their lives.

• Brand-savvy shoppers select budget-friendly stores.

5.56% Affluent Estates

• Established wealth – educated, well-traveled married couples.

• Less than 10% of all households, with 20% of household income.

• Homeowners (almost 90%) with mortgages (65.2%).

• Married-couple families with children ranging from grade school to college.

• Expect quality and invest in time-saving services.

• Participate actively in their communities.

• Active in sports and enthusiastic travelers.

4.34% Scholars and Patriots

• College and military populations that share many traits due to the transitional nature of this LifeMode group.

• Highly mobile, recently moved to attend school or serve in military.

• The youngest market group, with a majority in the 15- to 24-year-old range.

• Renters with roommates in non-family households.

• For many, no vehicle is necessary as they live close to campus, military base, or jobs.

• Fast-growing group with most living in apartments.

• Part-time jobs help to supplement active lifestyles.

• Millennials are tethered to their phones and electronic devices, typically spending over 5 hours online every day tweeting, blogging, and consuming media.

• Purchases aimed at fitness, fashion, technology, and the necessities of moving.

• Highly social, free time is spent enjoying music, being out with friends, seeing movies.

• Try to eat healthy, but often settle for fast food.

Northeast Bethlehem Population Per Square Mile

TAKE-AWAYS:

• Increased population density in the northeast and south-central portions of the neighborhood

• Decreased population density in the southwest area adjacent to Monocacy Park Complex (Including Illick’s Mill)

Northeast Bethlehem Percentage Owner Occupied

LEGEND

TAKE-AWAYS:

• Decreased owner occupation in the north-central area

Northeast Bethlehem

CITY OF BETHLEHEM

TAKE-AWAYS:

• General shift to younger population

• Older population remains in west-central area

Northeast Bethlehem Median Income

CITY OF BETHLEHEM

NorthEast Bethlehem MEDIAN AGE

$11.2k - 37.7k

$58.1k - 80.7k

$37.8k - 58k

$80.7k+

$58.1k - 80.7k

$80.7k+

$11.2k - 37.7k

$37.8k - 58k

$58.1k - 80.7k

$80.7k+

North East Bethlehem MEDIAN INCOME

TAKE-AWAYS:

• General increase in median income

• Higher income areas have expanded and increased in some portions on the east side of Stefko Boulevard

10-MINUTE WALK (PARKS IN PLAN)

10min Walk Time-121924

Northeast Bethlehem Equity Mapping

10-Minute-Walk Zone: Parks in Master Plan Commercial Industrial Institutional Industrial Redev. Residential ZONING

Redev. Residential

Esri,

9,000 12,000 Feet

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Environmental Justice Area

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA Feet

Environmental Justice Area Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

Northeast Central South West

Environmental Justice Area Central South West Plan Bethlehem Boundary County Boundaries

Park/Open Space not in Plan

10-MINUTE WALK (ALL PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE PARKS & OPEN SPACES)

Park with Public Access

10-Minute Walk Service Area

Bethlehem Boundary County Boundaries

Central Bethlehem Population Per Square Mile

TAKE-AWAYS:

• Increased population density in the northeast portion of the neighborhood

• Decreased population density in the northwest area

Central Bethlehem Percentage Owner Occupied

TAKE-AWAYS:

• General redistribution of owner-occupied housing in the north, central, and western parts of the neighborhood, west of Stefko Boulevard

• Owner-occupancy remains the same in the eastern edge of the neighborhood

Central Bethlehem Median Age

TAKE-AWAYS:

• General shift to younger population

• Older population remains in south-central area

• Younger population remains in eastern and northwestern edges

Central Bethlehem Median Income

$11.2k-37.3k

$37.8k-58k

$58.1k-80.7k

Source:

TAKE-AWAYS:

• General decrease in median income in the majority of the neighborhood

• Small area of increased median income in the northwest portion

10-MINUTE WALK (PARKS IN PLAN)

10min Walk Time-121924

Central Bethlehem Equity Mapping

10-Minute-Walk Zone: Parks in Master Plan

Boundary County Boundaries

Park/Open Space not in Plan Bethlehem Boundary County Boundaries

10-MINUTE WALK (ALL PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE PARKS & OPEN SPACES) Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

Park with Public Access

10-Minute Walk Service Area

South Bethlehem Population Per Square Mile

TAKE-AWAYS:

• There was a slight decrease in density in some portions of South Bethlehem during this time period

South Bethlehem Percentage Owner Occupied

TAKE-AWAYS:

• Overall increase in owner occupation

• Many of the areas with highest owner occupancy in 2017 now have the lowest rates

South Bethlehem Median Age

CITY OF BETHLEHEM

TAKE-AWAYS:

• General shift to younger population

• Older population remains with slight increase in western portions

South Bethlehem Median

Income

$11.2k -

$37.8k

$58.1k

$87.k+

TAKE-AWAYS:

• Overall decrease in median income, especially evident in the eastern area

• Smaller areas of Increased median income occurred in the western portion of the neighborhood

10-MINUTE WALK (PARKS IN PLAN)

10min Walk Time-121924

South Bethlehem Equity Mapping

10-Minute-Walk Zone: Parks in Master Plan

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

West Bethlehem Population Per Square Mile

TAKE-AWAYS:

• General increase in population density especially in the southern portions of the neighborhood

West Bethlehem Percentage Owner Occupied

TAKE-AWAYS:

• Overall increase in owner occupation

• Small decrease in owner occupation occurred in southern areas

West Bethlehem

TAKE-AWAYS:

• General shift to younger population

• Older population remains in the northern portion of the neighborhood

West Bethlehem Median Income

CITY OF BETHLEHEM

58.1k-80.7k

11.2k

37.8k

58.1k-80.7k

TAKE-AWAYS:

• Decrease in median income, especially evident in the northern and southern areas

• Areas of steady or increased median income occurred in the central area

10-MINUTE WALK (PARKS IN PLAN)

West Bethlehem Equity Mapping

10min Walk Time-121924

10-Minute-Walk Zone: Parks in Master Plan Commercial Industrial Institutional Industrial Redev. Residential ZONING

PADEP Environmental Justice Area

10-MINUTE WALK (ALL PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE PARKS & OPEN SPACES)

Park with Public Access

10-Minute Walk Service Area

Environmental Justice Area ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA Feet

Northeast Central South West Park/Open Space not in Plan Bethlehem Boundary County Boundaries

Environmental Justice Area Central South West Plan Bethlehem Boundary County Boundaries

Race and Ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino Population

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

Household Language

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

Race and Ethnicity

% Change: Hispanic or Latino Population 2013-2022

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

Black or African American Race and Ethnicity

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

American

Indian and Alaska Native

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

Race and Ethnicity

Asian

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander PERCENT NATIVE HAWAIIAN AND

ISLANDER POPULATION

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

Race and Ethnicity

Two or More Races

Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA

Geocaching Existing Locations

There are at least 26 existing geocaches in Bethlehem’s Parks.1 Bethlehem Recreation does not host its own geocaches. Each neighborhood system has the following number of geocaches: Northeast: 8; Central: 4; South: 11; West: 3

Equity and Inclusivity

Zoning

03,0006,0009,00012,000

Take-aways:

• This map highlights the distribution of residential areas vs. other types of zoning in comparison to park locations

• The majority of the Central, West and Northwest areas is residential while South Bethlehem has a smaller residential area surrounded by large portions of institutional, industrial and commercial zones

Considerations and additional resources:

• Residential zones can be used in further analysis to look closer at connectivity/walking routes to parks, and to develop priority park enhancements

Aligned Goals Of Relevant Plans:

• City of Bethlehem Climate Action Plan, 2021

• L1.1 Review and update land use ordinance and zoning to encourage land-use patterns that mitigate climate change impacts

• L2.3 Prioritize green space development in underserved areas

• LVPC Lehigh County Livable Landscapes, 2017

• Protect Environmental Features through Zoning

Sustainability and Resiliency

Flooding

Park/Open Space not in

Bethlehem Boundary County Boundaries

Take-aways:

• Flooding impacts Bethlehem’s parks that surround or are adjacent to waterways including: Monocacy Park Complex (including Illick’s Mill); Sand Island (including the Ice House); Johnston Park; and Saucon Park

• Additionally, Yellis Tract and Buchanan Fields have streams running through which may experience flooding, but they are not within designated FEMA flood zones.

Considerations and additional resources:

• Parks affected by flooding act as critical green infrastructure for the city and should be prioritized for enhancing ecosystem health and riparian restoration.

• Limitations of FEMA flood zones: FEMA flood zones are useful for showing flood risks however they use historical data that does not take climate change into account, and the data is often outdated.

Aligned goals of relevant plans:

• City of Bethlehem Climate Action Plan, 2021

• L5.4 Support sustainability in park design, development, maintenance, and management

• L6.1 Develop a green infrastructure plan to manage stormwater, filter pollutants, improve public health

• L6.2 Restore the riparian corridor along the south side of the Lehigh River

• LVPC Lehigh County Livable Landscapes, 2017

• Prohibit or otherwise control development in the 100-year floodplain

• Identify and mitigate risks through site design and construction practices of development in areas with carbonate bedrock

Sustainability and Resiliency

Hydrology

BETHLEHEM PARKS WETLAND TYPES

in Master Plan

Freshwater Emergent Wetland

Freshwater Forested/ Shrub Wetland

Freshwater Pond Lake Riverine

Street Trees

Small Watersheds

Bethlehem Boundary County Boundaries

Park/Open Space not in Plan

Take-aways:

• Watersheds: This map identifies small watersheds (outlined in pink) to show the areas where water and potential pollutants flow into different wetland types.

• Wetlands: Five different wetland types are shown from the National Wetlands Inventory database, illustrating a diverse hydrological system that runs through the city.

• Tree Cover: Urban tree cover impacts hydrology by reducing stormwater runoff, as well as providing localized cooling through evapotranspiration.

Considerations and additional resources:

• There is great opportunity to incorporate watershed education into all parks.

• Use the Monocacy Creek Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan as a guideline for all watersheds.

Aligned goals of relevant plans:

• City of Bethlehem Climate Action Plan, 2021

• L5.4 Support sustainability in park design, development, maintenance, and management

• L6.1 Develop a green infrastructure plan to manage stormwater, filter pollutants, improve public health

• L6.2 Restore the riparian corridor along the south side of the Lehigh River

• LVPC Lehigh County Livable Landscapes, 2017

• Protect riparian buffers and wetlands and require a test for wetlands if soils classified as predominantly hydric are present

Sustainability and Resiliency

Geology

County Boundaries

Take-aways:

• Carbonate Bedrock and Sinkholes: The majority of Bethlehem and its parks is situated on carbonate bedrock that has potential for sinkhole formation.

• According to the 2018 Monocacy Creek Watershed Management Plan, “closed depressions and sinkholes can prevent a significant amount of runoff from entering the stream channel” when not covered by impervious pavement or development.

Considerations and additional resources:

• 2018 Monocacy Creek Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan

• 2018 Lehigh Valley Hazard Mitigation Master Plan, 4.3.11 Subsidence/Sinkholes, p. 130

Aligned goals of relevant plans:

• City of Bethlehem Climate Action Plan, 2021

• L6.1 Develop a green infrastructure plan to manage stormwater, filter pollutants, improve public health

• L6.3 Create and expand permeable parking lots and driveways

• LVPC Lehigh County Livable Landscapes, 2017

• Protecting Environmental Features through Zoning – Sinkholes

• Identify and mitigate risks through site design and construction practices of development in areas with carbonate bedrock

Key Habitats and Species Biodiversity

BETHLEHEM PARKS CONTEXT

Parks in Master Plan: Key Habitats & Species

Parks in Master Plan Park/Open Space not in Plan

SAUCON CREEK WETLANDS

Critical habitats:

• There are a number of areas in Bethlehem that are identified by the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP)1 as habitats for species of special concern and threatened and endangered species.

• Parks within these habitats:

6. Monocacy Park Complex (Including Illick’s Mill)

11. Daniel E. Rice Memorial Plaza

15. Johnston Park

19. Sand Island (Including the Ice House)

28. Saucon Park

29. South Bethlehem Greenway

Natural Heritage Area Core Habitat:

• The Saucon Creek wetlands along Saucon Park have been identified as a Natural Heritage Core Habitat 2 ; the wetlands host several plant species of concern. These “Natural Heritage Area: Core Habitat” areas are designated by the PNHP to “identify the essential habitat of the species of concern or natural community that can absorb very little activity or disturbance without substantial impact to the natural features.”

• Species of concern that can be found in this area include:

Prairie Sedge, Carex prairea

CREDIT: PUBLIC DOMAIN

Rigid Sedge, Carex tetanica

CREDIT: NATEMARTINEAU, USED UNDER CC-BY-4.0/ CROPPED FROM ORIGINAL

Sessile Dodder, Cuscuta compacta

CREDIT: JRUIZESP, USED UNDER CC-BY-SA 4.0/ CROPPED FROM ORIGINAL

Forked Rush, Juncus dichotomus

CREDIT: TRAP HERS, USED UNDER CC-BY-SA/ CROPPED FROM ORIGINAL

Highbush-cranberry, Viburnum trilobum

CREDIT: STEVE BERT, USED UNDER CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0/ CROPPED FROM ORIGINAL

1. PENNSYLVANIA NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW LIST: HTTPS://WWW.NATURALHERITAGE.STATE.PA.US/SPECIES.ASPX

2. PENNSYLVANIA NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM: SAUCON CREEK WETLANDS NHA: HTTPS://WWW.NATURALHERITAGE.STATE.PA.US/CNHI/ CNHI/SAUCON%20CREEK%20WETLANDS.PDF

Aquatic Life Biodiversity

BETHLEHEM PARKS CONTEXT

Parks in Master Plan: Class A Streams

Parks in Master Plan

Park/Open Space not in Plan

Bethlehem Boundary County Boundaries

CLASS A STREAMS

Class A Streams

HABITATS

PFBC Species of Special Concern

PFBC Threatened and Endangered Species

CREEK

Aquatic Species At Risk:

Species of Special Concern and Threatened and Endangered species identified by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC)1 have been found in Bethlehem’s parks. Species identified may include fish, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. Species of Special Concern occur in Monocacy Park Complex (Including Illick’s Mill) and Threatened and Endangered Species occur within a roughly 200 meter buffer on either side of the Lehigh River which overlaps Sand Island (Including the Ice House) and Johnston Park.

Parks that contain water bodies with aquatic species at risk include:

6. Monocacy Park Complex (Including Illick’s Mill)

15. Johnston Park

19. Sand Island (Including the Ice House)

Class A Streams:

Monocacy Creek and Saucon Creek are considered Class A Streams which are defined as “streams that support a population of naturally produced trout of sufficient size and abundance to support a long-term and rewarding sport fishery” by the PFBC.2

Parks surrounding Class A Streams include:

6. Monocacy Park Complex (Including Illick’s Mill)

15. Johnston Park

19. Sand Island (Including the Ice House)

28. Saucon Park

1. PENNSYLVANIA FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES: HTTPS://WWW.PA.GOV/AGENCIES/FISHANDBOAT/ CONSERVATION/THREATENED-AND-ENDANGERED-SPECIES.HTML

2. PENNSYLVANIA FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION TROUT WATER CLASSIFICATIONS: HTTPS://WWW.PA.GOV/AGENCIES/FISHANDBOAT/FISHING/ALLABOUT-FISH/CATCH-PA-FISH/TROUT/TROUT-WATER-CLASSIFICATIONS. HTML

Park System Inventories

Park Amenities/Facilities Service Gaps

Central Bethlehem

Amenities and Facilities

Park Amenities/Facilities Service Gaps

West Bethlehem

Amenities and Facilities

Park Amenities/Facilities Service Gaps

Open Space Benchmarking

Bethlehem compares favorably to similarly sized communities in terms of the amount of park acreage per resident. Bethlehem has 9.22 acres of parks per 1,000

residents, falling just below the national median of 10.2 acres per resident for jurisdictions of a similar size.

Bethlehem’s Park System, compared to national medians

1,820 Residents

2,346*

ADA Access Inventory

Maintenance and Operations

General Tasks

Facilities: Concessions cleaning

Facilities: Fencing / gate repair As needed year round

Facilities: Restrooms - clean 1x week spring to late fall

Facilities: Restrooms Restock / repair 1x spring to late fall

Streets: Leaf removal As needed Mid Oct-Dec

Forestry: Tree pruning As needed year round

Forestry: Tree planting 2-3 Times per year fall and spring

Forestry: Tree removal As needed year round

General: Open/close gates or restrooms throughout the year

General: Snow and Ice removal, plowing, salting As needed December to March

General: Litter Inspection/Cleanup Weekly year round

General: Trash collection Every day year round

General: Graffiti removal As needed year round

General: Vandalism and Break-ins As needed

Hardscape and Infrastructure: Concrete work As needed year round

Hardscape and Infrastructure: Rebuild Infrastructure As needed year round

Hardscape and Infrastructure: Stone repair As needed

Lawn: Grass mowing

7-10 Days spring (April 10) through fall (mid-end Oct)

Lawn: Seeding As needed spring or fall as needed

Planting: Gardening and Bed Cleanup 3x in spring, 3 areas - community gardens MLK

Planting: Invasive species control Rarely spring, summer, fall

Planting: Pesticide application Monthly summer months

Bureau of Facilities Maintenance

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance

Leased facilities (ice rink, memorial)

Pools, dog parks, city parks

Bureau of Facilities Maintenance Adam Wagner, facilities, same time as pavilion rental cleanup

Bureau of Facilities Maintenance

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance

Bureau of Grounds

Maintenance / Bureau of Forestry

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance / Bureau of Forestry

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance

50% of City effort

At City parks and properties

Yearly budget to replace trees that are removed

At city parks and properties

Facilities

38% of City effort, includes night shifts

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance All parks and city properties

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance

260 Stops total

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance On all city owned property

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance/ Volunteer

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance

Done by Mason and 3 maintenance staff

E.G. Bridge at Saucon Park - 4 staff, early spring to early fall

Supported with daily crew

Over 600 acres

Parks or athletic fields

Community Action Lehigh Valley funds community gardens annually

Assistance from Wildlands Conservancy and volunteer garden groups

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance 1 Grounds employee with pesticide license

Planting: Irrigation 2x year

Planting: Meadow/Naturalized area Maintenance 1x per month

Playgrounds: Safety inspections 2x year

spring/summer.fall

Spring and fall

Playgrounds: Equipment repair As needed year round

Playgrounds: Equipment upgrades/ replacement As needed year round

Playgrounds: Safety surface - Replenish Engineered Wood Fiber

0.5-1x year

Playgrounds: Safety surface - Repair rubber No

Sports Fields: Skinning / re-seeding

Sports Fields: Repaint lines Every 2-3 weeks

March and April

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance

Sports Leaguesdiffers per park

spring/summer/fall

Sports Courts: Har Tru court resurfacing 1x year 2 weeks every year in May

Sports Courts: Har Tru court resurfacing 1x year

Sports Courts: Resurfacing / repainting

Playgrounds: Safety surface - Replenish EWF

0.5-1x year

Playgrounds: Safety surface - Repair rubber As needed Spring

Sports Fields: Skinning / re-seeding 1x year as needed

Sports Fields: Repaint lines

Sports Courts: Har Tru court resurfacing 1x year

Sports Courts: Resurfacing / repainting

Hoover Mason Trestle has irrigation; French Gardens takes care of beds

Swales, naturalized areas, dandl trail

Tractors, snow equipment

Try do to 15 out of 27 every year, the big ones like sand island every year

Only 2 parks with this surface

Soccer, football, rugby

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance

Sports Leaguesdiffers per park

Bureau of Grounds Maintenance

Resurfacing, lining, nailing, takes a week

Remove nails and lines at end of season

Try do to 15 out of 27 every year, the big ones like Sand Island every year

Resurfacing, lining, nailing, takes a week

Remove mails and lines at end of season

Maintenance and Operations Tasks and Agreements, per park

1 Bernie Fritz Park Joint: COB/North Bethlehem Little League

2 Holton Park COB

COB provides inspections and maintenance to the playground area and its contents, basketball court, shed/bathroom facility, and cuts grass , and provides regular trash and debris removal for non NBLL designated field areas. NBLL is responsible for maintenance, repairs, playability and safety of conditions of the following but not limited to: playing field(s), the field house, backstops, field fencing. bleachers, press box, concession stand, scoreboards, dugouts, and field lighting. NBLL provides on-going safety inspections and maintenance and maintains premises in a clean and wellmanicured condition, at its own cost and expense. NBLL assumes costs for maintenance and operational services as noted above including costs of electricity related to NBLL's use, water consumption above the standard, costs of approved capital improvements and repairs. The City provides yearly winterization of all facilities on the premises and reverses the process when weather permits. The City will supplement maintenance tasks that are beyond NBLL's capabilities when feasible.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed.

3 Jenkins Park COB COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed.

4 John Glenn Park COB

5 L.G. Stewart Park COB

6 Monocacy Park Complex (Including Illick’s Mill)

Joint: COB/Lehigh Little League/Bethlehem Steelers Athletic Association/Liberty Baseball Partners

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed. Maintenance and repairs to playground, basketball court, backboards and rims as needed.

COB maintains the pavilions,bathroom facility near the pavilion areas, provides regular trash and debris removal, tends to trees as needed, and cut grass excluding those areas designated to the respective youth organizations. COB also maintains the pool, ice rink, tennis/pickleball courts, Illick's Mill facility, golf course, and fields, excluding those areas designated to the respective youth organizations. LLL/ BSAA/LBP are responsible for maintenance, repairs, playability and safety of conditions of the following (for their respective fields) but not limited to: playing field(s), the field house, backstops, field fencing. bleachers, press box, concession stand, scoreboards, dugouts, and field lighting. LLL/ BSAA/LBP provides on-going safety inspections and maintenance and maintains premises in a clean and well-manicured condition, at its own cost and expense. LLL/ BSAA/LBP assumes costs for maintenance and operational services as noted above including costs of electricity related to use, water consumption above the standard, costs of approved capital improvements and repairs. The City will supplement maintenance tasks that are beyond LLL/ BSAA/LBP's capabilities when feasible.

COB provides inspections and maintenance to the playground area and its contents, provides regular trash and debris removal, tends to trees as needed and cuts grass excluding designated NBLL field areas. NBLL is responsible for maintenance, repairs, playability and safety of conditions of the following but not limited to: playing field(s), the field house, backstops, field fencing. bleachers, press box, concession stand, scoreboards, dugouts, and field lighting. NBLL provides on-going safety inspections and maintenance and maintains premises in a clean and wellmanicured condition, at its own cost and expense. NBLL assumes costs for maintenance and operational services as noted above including costs of electricity related to NBLL's use, water consumption above the standard, costs of approved capital improvements and repairs. The City provides yearly winterization of all facilities on the premises and reverses the process when weather permits. The City will supplement maintenance tasks that are beyond NBLL's capabilities when feasible.

North Bethlehem Little League (NBLL): As per the approved agreement, NBLL, will provide the required insurance and maintain the land occupied by their organization for the sum of $1 per year.

Lehigh Little League/ Bethlehem Steelers Athletic Association/Liberty Baseball Partners: As per the approved agreement LLL/ BSAA/LBP, will provide the required insurance and maintain the land occupied by their respective organization for the sum of $1 per year.

North Bethlehem Little League: As per the approved agreement, NBLL, will provide the required insurance and maintain the land occupied by their organization for the sum of $1 per year.

7 Northdale Park Joint: COB/North Bethlehem Little League

10 Bayard Park COB

11 Daniel E. Rice Memorial Plaza COB

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed. Inspection, maintenance, and repairs to basketball court, playground safety surface and play systems.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed. 12 Elmwood Park COB

13 Friendship Park COB

14 Garden of Serenity COB / Bethlehem Tondabayashi Sister City Commission

15 Johnston Park COB

16 Nick Dutko Monument Park COB

17 Payrow Plaza COB

18 Rockland Park COB

19 Sand Island (Including the Ice House) COB

20 Sculpture Garden Joint: COB / Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission

21 Bethlehem Skate Plaza COB

22 Enix Park COB

23 Madison Park COB

24 Martin Luther King Jr. Park COB

25 McNamara Park COB

26 Parham Park COB

27 Pulaski Park COB

COB maintains fence, Tea House, and grounds. BTSCC maintains all trees, plants, shrubs.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed. Monocacy Creek and historic wall maintenance and repair.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed.

COB repairs broken pavers and drains on plaza as needed, and is responsible for Christmas tree set up and removal.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed. Maintenance and repairs to basketball court, backboards and rims as needed. COB maintains 8 har-tru surfaced tennis courts, on-site bathrooms, Ice House facility, playground safety surface and play systems.

COB maintains the grounds and some trimming. BFAC maintains bushes, sculptures, flowers, plaques.

COB inspects and provides repairs inside the skate park, as well as the plaza, and bathrooms.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed. Assists with community gardens.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed inspection, maintenance, and repairs to basketball court, playground safety surface and play systems.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed.

Maintenance and Operations

Tasks and Agreements, per park

28 Saucon Park Joint: COB/Bethlehem Saints/ECTB Holdings, LLC

COB provides inspections and maintenance for the playground area, the pavilions,bathroom facility near the playground and pavilion areas. COB provides regular trash and debris removal, and tends to trees as needed. COB also maintains the fields and cuts grass excluding those designated to BS/ECTB. BS/ECTB are responsible for maintenance, repairs, playability and safety of conditions of the following (for their respective fields) but not limited to: playing field(s), the field house, backstops, field fencing. bleachers, press box, concession stand, scoreboards, dugouts, and field lighting. BS/ECTB provides on-going safety inspections and maintenance and maintains premises in a clean and well-manicured condition, at its own cost and expense. BS/ECTB assumes costs for maintenance and operational services as noted above including costs of electricity related to BS/ECTB's use, water consumption above the standard, costs of approved capital improvements and repairs. The City provides yearly winterization of all facilities on the premises and reverses the process when weather permits. The City will supplement maintenance tasks that are beyond BS/ECTB's capabilities when feasible.

Bethlehem Saints/ECTB Holdings, LLC: As per the approved agreement, BS, will provide the required insurance and maintain the respective land occupied by their organization for the sum of $1 per year.------ As per the approved agreement, ECTB will provided the required insurance and maintain the respective land occupied by their organization. In addition, ECTB is responsible for, but not limited to the following at no cost to the COB/South Side Sluggers: take over the South Side Little League(renamed “The Sluggers”) in its entirety and host their teams in tournament play, provide the required COI for the SSS, and provide free baseball clinics to COB residents each year for the sum of $15,000 per year.

32 Steelworkers Memorial Park

33 Tranquility Park Joint: COB/Community Action-Lehigh Valley

34 Ullman Park

35 Yosko Park COB

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed. Assists with community gardens, set up of stage and picnic tables for South Side Arts District. COB maintains planters, bollards, signs, trash hauling for all receptacles, and graffiti removal. Trail, path, and swale maintenance as needed.

COB maintains, inspects, and repairs the play system.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed. Maintenance and repairs to pavilions, grills, and pathways. LVDC assists with the disc golf course.

COB mows the grass, maintains the on-site pavilion. Weed control on the paver plaza, maintenance issues to flower pots and monuments.

COB assists community action groups with paver maintenance, tree removal, trash hauling, and garden beds.

36 Buchanan Fields Joint: COB/Northwest Youth Athletic Little League

37 Clearview Park COB

38 Fairview Park COB

39 Higbee Park COB

40 Kings Mansion Park COB

41 Rose Garden Joint: COB/Volunteers (Rose care only)

42 Triangle Park COB

43 West Side Park Joint: COB/Bethlehem Area School District

NYALL is responsible for maintenance, repairs, playability and safety of conditions of the following but not limited to: playing field(s), the field house, backstops, field fencing. bleachers, press box, concession stand, scoreboards, dugouts, and field lighting. NYALL provides on-going safety inspections and maintenance and maintains premises in clean and wellmanicured condition, at its own cost and expense. NYALL assumes costs for maintenance and operational services as noted above including costs of electricity related to NYALL's use, water consumption above the standard, costs of approved improvements and capital repairs. The City provides yearly winterization of all facilities on the premises and reverses the process when weather permits. The City will supplement maintenance tasks that are beyond NYAA's capabilities when feasible.

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed. Inspection, maintenance, and repairs to multi-sport court, playground safety surface, and play systems

COB mows the grass, provides routine clean up of trash, debris, felled tree branches. Tree pruning and removal as needed. Maintains the DAR facility, bandshell and bathrooms. Assists volunteer groups with garden maintenance, spraying, weeding, and new plantings. Routine inspection and maintenance of playground safety surface and play systems.

COB provides inspections and maintenance to the playground area and its contents, basketball courts, tennis/pickleball courts, and pool facility. COB cuts grass and provides regular trash and debris removal for non BASD designated field areas. BASD is responsible for maintenance, repairs, playability and safety of conditions of the following but not limited to: playing field(s), the field house, backstops, field fencing. bleachers, press box, concession stand, scoreboards, dugouts, and field lighting. BASD provides on-going safety inspections and maintenance and maintains premises in clean and well-manicured condition, at its own cost and expense. BASD assumes costs for maintenance and operational services as noted above including costs of electricity related to BASD's use, water consumption above the standard, costs of approved capital improvements and repairs. The City provides yearly winterization of all facilities on the premises and reverses the process when weather permits. The City will supplement maintenance tasks that are beyond BASD's capabilities when feasible.

Bethlehem Area School District

Northwest Youth Athletic Little League

Revenue-positive programming Facilities

Swimming Pool Revenue, by year

$350,000

$300,000

$250,000

$200,000

$150,000

$100,000

$50,000

SOURCE: CITY OF BETHLEHEM, “POOL-ICERINKREPORT.XLS”

Ice Rink Revenue, by year

SOURCE: CITY OF BETHLEHEM, “POOL-ICERINKREPORT.XLS”

Community Survey

March

20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q1: Which three words best describe Bethlehem’s parks?

723 total responses

Word cloud of all responses

Top ten words and number of mentions:

Words cloud of all positive sentiments (above) / negative sentiments (below)

Community Survey

March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q2: What kinds of experiences do you most enjoy when you visit parks?

792 total responses

Highest ranked experiences overall

Nature-Based Experiences

Play and Exercise

Sports and Recreation

Aquatics and Water

Community Survey

March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q3: How often do you or members of your household visit a park, greenway, or recreation facility in Bethlehem?

768 total responses

Overall responses

Daily

A few times a year

(148)

(352)

Community Survey

March

20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q4: Do you have a favorite Bethlehem park, or is there one you visit most often? Which one and why?

673 total responses 1. Monocacy Park Complex

(218)

(70)

4. South Bethlehem Greenway

5. Clearview Park

(26) 6. West Side Park

(20)

(44) 7. Saucon Park

(17)

8. Bernie Fritz Park

(16)

(139) 9. Friendship Park

(10)

Elmwood Park

(9)

Monocacy Park Complex is Bethlehem’s “North Star,” with the most popularity and recognition among respondents. It is central to Bethlehem, and is also the largest park at 277.90 acres.

Of the 218 mentions:

• 97 (44.49%) specifically mentioned Illick’s Mill and Monocacy Creek

• 18 (8.25%) specifically mentioned Memorial Pool

• 13 (5.96%) specifically mentioned the trail at Monocacy Way

2. Sand Island Park

3. Rose Garden

Northeast Bethlehem

Central Bethlehem

South Bethlehem

West Bethlehem

Number of park mentions, by neighborhood

Below is a summary, by neighborhood, of how many times specific parks were mentioned in responses to Question 4:

• Northeast Bethlehem: 252 (40.65%) – mostly Monocacy Park Complex

• Central Bethlehem: 165 (26.61%) – mostly Sand Island

• South Bethlehem: 76 (12.26%)

• West Bethlehem: 127 (20.48%)

Below is a summary, by neighborhood, of how many times specific parks were mentioned in responses to Question 4, with mentions of Monocacy Park Complex and Sand Island (which together comprise 57.58% of mentions) removed:

• Northeast Bethlehem: 34 (12.93%)

• Central Bethlehem: 26 (9.89%)

• South Bethlehem: 76 (28.90%)

• West Bethlehem: 127 (48.29%)

Other parks mentioned, by number of mentions

11. LG Stewart Park: 6 (.97%)

12. Fairview Park: 5 (.81%)

13. Northdale Park: 5 (.81%)

14. Yosko Park: 5 (.81%)

15. South Mountain Park: 4 (.65%)

16. Higbee Park: 3 (.48%)

17. Johnston Park: 3 (.48%)

18. Sell Field: 3 (.48%)

19. Yellis Tract: 3 (.48%)

20. Kings Mansion: 2 (.32%)

21. Madison Park: 2 (.32%)

22. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park: 2 (.32%)

23. Bayard Park: 1 (.16%)

24. Bethlehem Skateplaza: 1 (.16%)

25. Holton Park: 1 (.16%)

26. Rockland Park: 1 (.16%)

27. Sculpture Garden: 1 (.16%)

28. Triangle Park: 1 (.16%)

29. Ullman Park: 1 (.16%)

30. Garden of Serenity: 1 (.16%)

Community Survey

March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q5: When you travel to a park, how do you usually get there?

735 total responses

Responses among neighborhood residents

Community Survey

March

20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q6: Have you or members of your household taken part in the following activities/facilities available in Bethlehem’s parks system?

719 total responses

Other

9.46% (68)

Golf

13.49% (97)

Splash Pad

11.54% (83)

Youth Baseball League

10.99% (79)

Community Gardening

9.74% (70)

Pickleball

9.46% (68)

Kayaking

8.76% (63)

Soccer

8.48% (61)

Disc Golf

8.34% (60)

Summer Camp Park Program

7.79% (56)

Youth Theater (at the Ice House)

7.51% (54)

Family Fun Run

7.23% (52)

Fitness Classes

5.84% (42)

Skatepark

5.70% (41)

Sports Clinics

5.29% (38)

Youth Softball League

4.73% (34)

Volleyball

4.17% (30)

Youth Football League

4.17% (30)

Geocaching

4.03% (29)

Aquatics and Water

Art and Community

Nature-Based Experiences

Play and Exercise

Sports and Recreation

Community Survey

March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q7: On a scale of 1 to 5, how easy or difficult is it for you to use and access Bethlehem’s parks?

713 total responses

Overall responses

Overall

Community Survey

March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q8: On a scale of 1-5, how safe and welcome do you feel in Bethlehem parks?

700 total responses

Overall responses

Average ratings among neighborhood residents

Community Survey

Northeast

South

Responses among neighborhood residents

Community Survey

March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q10: Is there a park or recreational facility in Bethlehem that needs help or improvements? Please tell us about it.

469 park mentions, within 528 total responses

Parks most frequently mentioned overall

The top requested improvements are for Sand Island, Monocacy Park Complex, and parks of West Bethlehem (West Side, Clearview, and the Rose Garden).

1. Sand Island Park

(127)

8. Bernie Fritz Park

(15)

2. General / All Parks

(95)

9. Friendship Park

(13)

10. Yosko Park 2.30% (13)

3. Monocacy Park Complex

(95)

4. West Side Park

(33)

7. Saucon Park

(28)

5. Clearview Park

(32)

6. Rose Garden 5.14% (29)

Number of park mentions, by neighborhood

Below is a summary, by neighborhood, of how many times specific parks were mentioned in responses to Question 10:

• Northeast Bethlehem: 139 (24.65%) – mostly for Monocacy Park Complex

• Central Bethlehem: 164 (29.08%) – mostly for Sand Island

• South Bethlehem: 63 (11.17%)

• West Bethlehem: 103 (18.26%)

• General / All Parks: 95 (6.84%)

More parks mentioned

11. Elmwood Park: 10 (1.77%)

12. Northdale Park: 10 (1.77%)

13. LG Stewart Park: 8 (1.42%)

14. Sell Field: 7 (1.24%)

15. South Bethlehem Greenway: 7 (1.24%)

16. Bayard Park: 6 (1.06%)

17. Madison Park: 6 (1.06%)

18. Higbee Park: 5 (.89%)

19. Rockland Park: 4 (.71%)

20. McNamara Park: 3 (.53%)

21. Yellis Tract: 3 (.53%)

22. Johnston Park: 2 (.35%)

Northeast Bethlehem

Central Bethlehem

South Bethlehem

West Bethlehem

Below is a summary, by neighborhood, of how many times specific parks were mentioned in responses to Question 10, with mentions of Monocacy Park Complex and Sand Island removed:

• Northeast Bethlehem: 44 (12.87%)

• Central Bethlehem: 37 (10.82%)

• South Bethlehem: 63 (18.42%)

• West Bethlehem: 103 (30.12%)

• General / All Parks: 95 (27.87%)

23. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park: 2 (.35%)

24. South Mountain Park: 2 (.35%)

25. Bethlehem Skateplaza: 1 (.18%)

26. Buchanan Fields: 1 (.18%)

27. Dutko Park: 1 (.18%)

28. Fairview Park: 1 (.18%)

29. Holton Park: 1 (.18%)

30. Jenkins Park: 1 (.18%)

31. Kings Mansion: 1 (.18%)

32. Triangle Park: 1 (.18%)

33. Ullman Park: 1 (.18%)

Community Survey March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q10: Is there a park or recreational facility in Bethlehem that needs help or improvements? Please tell us about it.

357 responses by neighborhood residents

Parks mentioned by Northeast Bethlehem residents

Parks mentioned by Central Bethlehem residents

(38)

General / All Parks

(22)

(9)

(6)

11. South Mountain Park: 1.77% (2)

12. Dutko Park: .88% (1)

13. Jenkins Park: .88% (1)

14. Sell Field: .88% (1)

15. West Side Park: .88% (1)

Sand Island Park

Monocacy Park Complex

(19)

Elmwood Park

5. L.G. Stewart Park

6. Saucon Park: 6.15% (4)

7. Sell Field: 6.15% (4)

8. Bernie Fritz Park: 3.08% (2)

9. West Side Park: 3.08% (2)

10. Yellis Tract: 3.08% (2)

11. Clearview Park: 1.54% (1)

12. Elmwood Park: 1.54% (1)

13. Higbee Park: 1.54% (1)

14. Holton Park: 1.54% (1)

15. McNamara Park: 1.54% (1)

16. Yosko Park: 1.54% (1)

6. Bernie Fritz Park: 7.08% (8)

7. Rockland Park: 3.54% (4)

8. Saucon Park: 3.54% (4)

9. Clearview Park: 1.77% (2)

10. South Bethlehem Greenway: 1.77% (2)

16. Yosko Park: .88% (1)

Northeast Bethlehem

Central Bethlehem

South Bethlehem

West Bethlehem

Parks mentioned by South Bethlehem residents

Parks mentioned by West Bethlehem residents

(5)

(4)

18.

1. Sand Island Park

(30)

2. West Side Park

(28)

3. Clearview Park

(25)

4. Rose Garden 15.07% (22)

5. Monocacy Park Complex

(20)

1. Saucon Park

(17)

2. Yosko Park

(6)

3. Sand Island

4. General / All Parks

5. Madison Park

(2)

6. Martin Luther King Jr. Park: 6.06% (2)

7. Monocacy Park Complex: 6.06% (2)

8. South Bethlehem Greenway: 6.06% (2)

9. Johnston Park: 3.03% (1)

10. Rose Garden: 3.03% (1)

11. Ullman Park: 3.03% (1)

6. General / All Parks: 13.01% (19)

7. Higbee Park: 2.74% (4)

8. Saucon Park: 2.74% (4)

9. Bernie Fritz Park: 1.37% (2)

10. Bayard Park: .68% (1)

11. Buchanan Fields: .68% (1)

12. Fairview Park: .68% (1)

13. King’s Mansion Park: .68% (1)

14. Madison Park: .68% (1)

15. McNamara Park: .68% (1)

16. South Bethlehem Greenway: .68% (1)

17. Triangle Park: .68% (1)

Yosko Park: .68% (1)

Community Survey

March

20, 2025-May 11, 2025

What were some of the issues mentioned in Question 10, by park?

Issues mentioned “in general” for all parks

16.84% (95)

• Location and cleanliness of bathrooms

• General maintenance of parks: trash cans, litter, graffiti, and vandalism

• Outdated or unsafe playgrounds

• A desire for universal play equipment

• Water fountains/bottle fillers in each park

• Cracked, dirty, or worn courts

• Unmowed lawns and overgrown weeks

• Desire for more biodiversity and native plants

• Lack of lighting

• Broken, cracked and worn pathways that also lack ADA accessibility

• Desire for more information on parks and events, park and trail signage, and a park map

• Dog friendly parks and trails

Sand Island

22.52% (127)

• Trash and maintenance are a key concern.

• Trails need mowing and repair.

• Of all the mentions of Sand Island, 35.43% (45 mentions) discuss the encampments along the banks of the canal, and 20.47% (26 mentions) say they feel unsafe, especially with kids. There is a general sentiment of empathy toward residents living in encampments, but also an urgent call for the City to make the park safer.

• Conditions of the bathrooms are very poor, and respondents discuss seeing human and dog feces on the trail.

• Families like the playground, but it needs a refresh and cleaner conditions; there is a lot of tree debris and spiders. There were also concerns for trail / play overlap and lack of safety.

Monocacy Park Complex (including Illick’s Mill)

16.84% (95)

• Many commented on lack of ADA access to multiple portions of the park, especially historic pathways along the creek.

• There is a desire to protect and restore the historic WPA structures, as well as restore the creek banks to help with flooding and native habitat.

• People like the passive, quiet nature of Illick’s Mill.

• Add seating and shade.

• Similar to Sand Island, but to a lesser extent, people mentioned encampments along the creek that make the area feel unsafe.

• Add shade and play by the area around Memorial Pool.

• Add bathrooms by the tennis courts. Add pickleball, but not by taking away tennis courts.

• A few comments on lack of safety / lifeguard behavior at Memorial Pool

West Side Park

5.85% (33)

• Many elements of the park are rundown or not functional, including basketball and handball courts, and some of the pathways.

• Tennis court needs new gates and fences

• Playground equipment is broken and needs replacement. A few people noted that they like swings, but they have been broken for some time.

• Picnic areas need new tables and landscape improvements

• The pool was noted as not being maintained or staffed well

• A few people asked for pickleball

• A few people asked for community gardens.

West Side [Park] could use some love.

Northeast Bethlehem

Central Bethlehem

South Bethlehem

West Bethlehem

Clearview Park

5.67% (32)

• This park was noted as having been long-neglected and overgrown

• The playground has been boarded up for years due to safety issues, has graffiti, and is not ADA accessible.

• Many noted the area was not mowed or cleared of leaves regularly, and some of the dead trees have hanging limbs.

• Tennis courts needs repair and have vandalism

• Basketball courts need repair

• A bathroom at the park was requested by a few respondents

• Potential dog run mentioned by some Clearview Park is a big, beautiful open space that has a lot of potential to be a prime park in Bethlehem.. the area could certainly be utilized better!

Community Survey

March

20, 2025-May 11, 2025

What were some of the issues mentioned in Question 10, by park?

Rose Garden

5.14% (29)

• Many love the events and walkability of the Rose Garden

• Many noted that this park is walkable for many, including seniors as well as families with younger children

• The playground is out of date, and does not offer play for younger children, which was pointed out by many respondents. Desired equipments includes swings and sensory play

• More pathway lighting is desired, especially since this is used for evening events in the spring/ summer

• Have dog-friendly waste bags available along pathways

• Trees need pruning, with many dead branches along pathways

• The bandshell needs improvements and ADA pathways.

Saucon Park

4.96% (28)

• Better long-term maintenance of amenities and structures

• Regular mowing schedule; some areas were identified as overgrown

• Add water access, stream buffers and native plants to help with flooding and climate change risks

• Clear dead trees along park edges

• Maintain and restore historic WPA stonework

• Add safer access points

Bernie Fritz Park

2.66% (15)

• General call for “updates, ” a “refresh,” or a “redo”

• General maintenance concerns for trash and mowing

• Refresh new pathways for ADA access

• Redo basketball courts, which are used by small kids, older kids and adults

• Upgrade and refresh play equipment

• People like the bench swing

• Fill in old pool and find new use for structures. One suggestion was for a basketball court on top of the old pool footprint. Would love to see improvements to Heimple Park [Bernie Fritz Park] playground. There aren’t many playgrounds in the North / Central area of Bethlehem and this one is lacking.

Saucon Park is the next major opportunity to transform Bethlehem.

Northeast Bethlehem

Central Bethlehem

South Bethlehem

West Bethlehem

Friendship Park

2.30% (13)

• People who know about the Summer 2025 renovation of the park are very excited.

• No sitting areas, little green space, little shade

• A desire for more planting, trees, and biodiversity, and a few comments on climate change risks and how changing parks like this can be a “refuge in the city”

Friendship Park needs more trees and shade and greenery and less asphalt. All the parks need more trees and shade and native plants. We need a lush oasis to combat the noise and air pollution in our city. Also the sun is so hot. We need shade trees.

Yosko Park

2.30% (13)

• General maintenance concerns for trash and broken glass

• The bathrooms are often unlocked, and when open they are not well-maintained.

• There were a few complaints about the splash pad, which was fixed for the summer 2025 opening of the park.

• A few people noted how kids fight in this park and it could use adult supervision, especially during summer days.

• A few people noted that the amount of asphalt should be re-considered here; can there be more green and shade?

• This park is very walkable from the neighborhood, so it is available to many kids as well as families without cars.

Yosko Park on the Southside of Bethlehem is unsafe for kids to play at. Fights happen there all the time and children are injured. Many parents in the neighborhood do not feel it is safe enough for their children to play and it is one of the only outdoor spaces in this neighborhood. Many families do not have a car or only one car, so alternative parks are not an option.

Community Survey

March

20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q11: What sports, events, or classes would you like to see in Bethlehem? At which parks?

489 total responses

Top ten activities mentioned overall Top ten locations mentioned overall

1. Performances: Music, 14.72% (72)

2. Yoga, 13.7% (67)

3. Tennis, 12.88% (63)

4. Programming for Children, 10.22% (50)

5. Classes: Fitness, 8.59% (42)

6. Classes: Nature / Education, 8.38% (41)

7. Pickleball, 7.57% (37)

8. Classes: Art, 6.75% (33)

9. Art, 6.34% (31)

10. Summer Programming, 5.32% (26)

1. Sand Island, 7.36% (36)

2. Rose Garden, 5.52% (27)

3. Clearview Park, 2.45% (12)

4. Illick’s Mill, 1.84% (9)

5. Monocacy Park, 1.64% (8)

6. South Bethlehem Greenway, .82% (4)

7. West Side Park, .82% (4)

8. Saucon Park, .61% (3)

9. Yosko Park, .41% (2)

10. Bernie Fritz Park, .41% (2)

Word cloud of all responses

Community Survey March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q11: What sports, events, or classes would you like to see in Bethlehem? At which parks?

324 responses by neighborhood residents

Top activities and parks mentioned by neighborhood residents

Northeast Bethlehem

ACTIVITIES

1. Performances: Music, 10% (6)

2. Programming: Children, 10%% (6)

3. Basketball, 8.33% (5)

4. Pickleball, 8.33% (5)

5. Play/Playgrounds, 8.33% (5)

6. Yoga, 8.33% (5)

7. Programming: Intergenerational, 6.67% (4)

8. Soccer, 6.67% (4)

9. Summer Programming, 6.67% (4)

10. Tai Chi, 6.67% (4)

11. Tennis, 6.67% (4)

PARKS

1. Sand Island, 8.3% (5)

2. Monocacy Park, including Illick’s Mill, 6.67% (4)

3. Clearview, 1.67% (1)

4. L.G. Steward, 1.67% (1)

5. Northdale Park, 1.67% (1)

6. The Rose Garden, 1.67% (1)

7. West Side Park 1.67% (1)

Central Bethlehem

ACTIVITIES

1. Yoga, 26.61% (29)

2. Classes: Nature/Education, 16.51% (18)

3. Performances: Music, 14.68% (16)

4. Classes: Fitness, 11.93% (13)

5. Art, 11.01% (12)

6. Classes: Art, 9.17% (10)

7. Pickleball, 8.26% (9)

8. Programming: Child, 8.26% (9)

9. Programming: Adult, 7.34% (8)

10. Tai Chi, 5.5% (6)

11. Tennis, 5.5% (6)

PARKS

1. Sand Island, 8.26% (9)

2. Monocacy Park, including Illick’s Mill, 2.75% (3)

3. Bernie Fritz, 1.83% (2)

4. The Rose Garden, 1.83% (2)

5. South Bethlehem Greenway, .92% (1)

6. South Mountain, .92% (1)

South Bethlehem

ACTIVITIES

1. Performances: Music, 21.21% (7)

2. Art, 12.12% (4)

3. Classes: Fitness, 12.12% (4)

4. Dancing, 12.12% (4)

5. Movies, 12.12% (4)

6. Programming: Child, 12.12% (4)

7. Tai Chi, 12.12% (4)

8. Yoga, 12.12% (4)

9. Classes: Art, 9.09% (3)

10. Pickleball, 9.09% (3)

PARKS

1. Saucon Park, 9.09% (3)

2. The Rose Garden, 6.06% (2)

3. Yosko Park, 6.06% (2)

4. Monocacy Park, including Illick’s Mill, 3.03% (1)

5. Sand Island, 3.03% (1)

6. Ullman Park, 3.03% (1)

Northeast Bethlehem

Central Bethlehem

South Bethlehem

West Bethlehem

ACTIVITIES

1. Performances: Music, 21.13% (27)

2. Programming: Child, 16.39% (20)

3. Yoga, 11.48% (14)

4. Summer Programming, 9.84% (12)

5. Pickleball, 9.02% (11)

6. Classes: Fitness, 8.2% (10)

7. Programming: Intergenerational, 8.2% (10)

8. Basketball, 7.38% (9)

9. Classes: Nature/Education, 7.38% (9)

10. Movies, 7.38% (9)

PARKS

1. The Rose Garden, 16.39% (20)

2. Clearview Park, 7.38% (9)

3. Monocacy Park, including Illick’s Mill, 3.28% (4)

4. Sand Island, 2.46% (3)

5. South Bethlehem Greenway, 1.64% (2)

6. West Side Park, 1.64% (2)

7. King’s Mansion, .82% (1)

Community Survey

March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q12: Do you live in the City of Bethlehem?

716 total responses (117 skipped) Yes

(579)

(137)

Asked only of respondents who answered “No” to Question 12:

Q14: Where do you live?

124 total responses

Respondents who live outside of Bethlehem live in the following communities:

• Bethlehem Township: 20 (20.16%)

• Hanover Township: 19 (15.32%)

• Allentown: 11 (8.87%)

• Lower Saucon Township: 6 (4.84%)

• Nazareth: 6 (4.84%)

• Easton: 5 (4.03%)

• Hellertown: 4 (3.23%)

• Emmaus: 3 (2.42%)

• Quakertown: 3 (2.42%)

• South Whitehall: 3 (2.42%)

• New Jersey: 2 (1.61%)

• Northampton: 2 (1.61%)

• Riegelsville: 2 (1.61%)

• Salisbury Township: 2 (1.61%)

• Whitehall: 5 (4.03%)

• Bangor: 1 (.81%)

• Bath: 1 (.81%)

• Bushkill Township: 1 (.81%)

• Center Valley: 1 (.81%)

• Danielsville: 1 (.81%)

• Durham: 1 (.81%)

• East Stroudsburg: 1 (.81%)

• Forks Township: 1 (.81%)

• Fountain Hill: 1 (.81%)

• Freemansburg: 1 (.81%)

• Macungie: 1 (.81%)

• Malvern: 1 (.81%)

• Moore Township: 1 (.81%)

• Orefield: 1 (.81%)

• Palmer Township: 1 (.81%)

• Pennsylvania: 1 (.81%)

• Philadelphia: 1 (.81%)

• Portland, PA: 1 (.81%)

• Schnecksville: 1 (.81%)

• Williams Township: 1 (.81%)

Q15: Would you like to answer a few optional demographic questions?

709 total responses Yes

Q16: What is your age?

550 total responses

Prefer not to answer/

Bethlehem Population Demographic Information

MEDIAN AGE

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, “AGE AND SEX” ACS 5-YEAR ESTIMATES, TABLE S0101, 2023.

AGE

Persons under 5 years

Persons under 18 years

Persons 65 years and over

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, “AGE AND SEX, BETHLEHEM, PA,” QUICK FACTS, ACCESSED JANUARY 13, 2025.

Community Survey

March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Asked only of respondents who answered “Yes” to Question 12:

Q13: What do you call the neighborhood where you live?

508 total responses

What residents of Northeast Bethlehem call their neighborhoods:

• Barclay Manor

• Barnsdale

• Bethlehem Heights

• Camels Hump

• East Hills

• Edgewood

• Governor Wolf Elementary

• Lincoln

• Macada

• Monocacy Hills

• North Bethlehem

• North Central

• Northdale Manor

• Northeast

• Northwood

• Sell Field

• Spring Garden

• West Langhore Avenue

What residents of Central Bethlehem call their neighborhoods:

• Center City

• Central Bethlehem

• Downtown

• Eastside

• East Union Boulevard

• Edgeboro

• Elm Street District

• Elmwood

• Ettwein Street

• Friendship Park

• Historic District

• Liberty High School

• Livingston Street

• Main Street

• Main Street Extension

• Moravian University

• Moravian Village

• North Side

• Pembroke

• Rockland Park

• Stefko Boulevard

What residents of South Bethlehem call their neighborhoods:

• Carlton Avenue

• Five Points

• Indian Hill

• Lehigh University

• Lynfield

• Monocacy Townhouses

• Montclair

• Morton Street

• Park Commons

• Pine Top

• Rooney Building

• Saucon Park

• South Bethlehem

• South Side

• South Terrace

• Wyandotte

What residents of West Bethlehem call their neighborhoods:

• 8th Avenue

• Beth Allen

• Clearview

• Elliott Heights

• Kaywin

• Kings Mansion

• Mount Airy

• Northwest Bethlehem

• Notre Dame Hills

• Old Rosemont

• Parkridge

• Rose Garden

• Rosemont

• Stanford

• West Bethlehem

• Westgate

• West Side

• West Union

Community Survey

March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q17: What is your race?

543 total responses White

Black or African American

American Indian or Alaskan Native

Asian

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

Prefer not to answer

Bethlehem Population

Demographic Information

RACE

SOURCE:

Q18: Are you of Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino/a/e ethnicity?

544 total responses

(72)

(446)

Prefer not to answer

(26)

Bethlehem Population Demographic Information

HISPANIC ORIGIN

Hispanic or Latino* *Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories

Community Survey

March

20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q19: What is your gender identity?

549 total responses

Q21: Would you like to share your email address to receive updates about Bethlehem parks and this planning process?

686 total responses

Yes

Community Survey

March 20, 2025-May 11, 2025

Q20: Is there anything else you want to tell us about your parks or community?

672 total responses

Topics mentioned in response to Question 20, overall

(103)

(99)

(61)

(56)

(47)

(39) Maintenance and

(51) Specific Amenities and Improvements

(33)

(65) Play and

(30)

Connectivity

Funding and Implementation

Sustainability and Resiliency

5.97% (19) Equity and Inclusivity

Aquatics and Water

5.66% (18) Art and Community

Topics mentioned in response to Question 20, among neighborhood residents

Build Bethlehem Website Feedback

We Build Bethlehem Feedback

6 Monocacy Park Complex (Including Illick’s Mill) A sidewalk and pedestrian crossing signal to access the Elizabeth avenue access point to the Monocacy creek trail would improve safety and accessibility to both the trail and Burnside Plantation. Currently the safest walking route to that access point is through Moravian campus down a steep and uneven trail through the practice field along Mauch Chunk. Crossing is also hazardous due to lack of signals along a busy roadway.

6 Monocacy Park Complex (Including Illick’s Mill) 100% needed. There should definitely be a flashing crossing sign like ones on Main St in Hellertown (button operated or motion would be ideal). It's crazy that there isn't a crosswalk here and is dangerous.

41 Rose Garden

43 West Side Park

42 Triangle Park

41 Rose Garden

37 Clearview Park

42 Triangle Park

7 Northdale Park

1 Bernie Fritz Park

With climate change and summer heat, people need a cool outdoor space with water to refresh . Small geyser like water features would be great

I have lived by west side park for 30 years and it is never taken care of other than occasionally cutting the grass. The sidewalks are never cleared in the winter. Weeds over grown in Summer. Take care of what you have before you create more that never get cared for

I absolutely agree! I, too, have lived in Bethlehem for 30 years and regularly walk past Triangle Park. It truly is a disgrace and an embarrassment to the city! Weeds cover the tiny park, litter is often strewn and mowed over, and the playground equipment is outdated and uninviting. Please, maintain what we have - especially in a neighborhood with this many children!

I'd love to see a basketball court in the Rose Garden. I'm not sure exactly where it would go. There's room next to the playground, but most of it is not very flat.

I don't believe that The Rose Garden is the appropriate venue for a basketball court. I don't object to a basketball court elsewhere, but the nature and use of the Rose Garden should be considered.

Add a dog park to the open spaces and fields in Clearview Park. Redo the playground and remove the outdated and dangerous structures Add a walking trail and path throughout the park. Add a bathroom, update the tennis courts and pickle ball courts.

Even though it is used by many families in the neighborhood, little Triangle Park has been overlooked for years. One look at the site will convince anyone that the playground equipment is extremely old and out-of-date and the basketball court has not been maintained. Also, the park is sorely lacking any amenities such as benches/ picnic table, a shaded pavilion, and adequate playground mulch. Please consider this investment in an established area that could use some TLC.

City Line Park Repave parking lot to make it safer for kids entering. Pave over the old basketball court to create more parking. Upgrade playground for children creating a cleaner environment.

Seal basketball court and repaint lines. Add benches surrounding court. Add roof over batting cage. Add pavilion with picnic tables - could connect to current building there that has painted mural on it. Add gaga ball pit.

# Park Name

Various (Sustainability)

6 Monocacy Park Complex (Including Illick’s Mill)

Comment

Adding a community compost bins to parks with the goal to make it simple, easy and accessible for the residents of Bethlehem to compost their organic waste by placing compost bins in public areas across the city, with the ultimate goal to divert waste from landfills and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. These composting bins would be more than a place to throw away waste, but a place for neighbors to build connections and work on common issues.

The park is in need of maintenance, specifically the paved pathway, trees and weeds. The trees could use pruning and there are numerous fallen branches and leaves. Safety concerns include steps covered with leaves and the paved walkway buckled in many places in addition to an area that is washed out. Cigarette butt receptacles would be a helpful addition. It is a beautiful space that needs some TLC to make it a gem of a destination.

6 Monocacy Park Complex (Including Illick’s Mill) Agree. Also Maintenance of the 'dirt' trails that lead downtown from parking lot (across from Mill). Lots of overgrowth. Plus some previously planted trees in cages need the cages removed or widened...tree trunks will grow into otherwise.

41 Rose Garden

This walking loop, shown above with the star, is a perfect location for a large Community Sandbox. Following the existing sandbox at Rodale Park in Trexlertown, parents can use existing benches to watch their kids play or walk the path while they supervise their kids. The Rose Garden Farm Market already creates a great setting for utilizing the sandbox here. Something fun for kids to do while parents shop or visit. You can also still hear the live bands from the stage at this location. Because the circular path is flat, it also would be great for kids scooters or bikes. I also suggest this location, so that sand doesn’t get dumped onto the playground equipment. This is also a more quiet section of the park, away from the busy highway, and I feel it’s underused space that could be made magical! Even the large shady trees are already present.

Trexlertown sandbox contains large boulders in the sand, great for climbing or creating with. There is always a selection of shovels, buckets, and lots of trucks available when kids play - free and available for all to use. I know a lot of these are provided by families who outgrow their toys and want to give back. The sandbox there is checked routinely by an employee, making sure there aren’t broken or sharp items.

I hope to see this put into action! The perfect location is already present, and the project itself would be much cheaper than new playground equipment… with a huge payoff! There is nothing like this anywhere in the Valley, except all the way in Trexlertown. Thank you!

We Build Bethlehem Feedback

1 Bernie Fritz Park

37 Clearview Park

Comment

It would be wonderful if there was a walking path that circles the park and ball fields.

The current playground is a bit dated and could use structures for sensory play. Music chimes and nature based themes. An additional play structure geared towards the 2-3 year old ages.

A passive nature trail throughout the grounds at Clearview Park

37 Clearview Park Great idea!

37 Clearview Park

41 Rose Garden

40 Kings Mansion Park

Monocacy Park Complex, Sell Fields, Yosko Park, Clearview Park, West Side Park

This is a great idea! A relatively easy project for a huge benefit. The above map is great, but I’d suggest a small connection to the sidewalk on Robin Way. My kids and I walk up Pennsylvania to reach the playground, and always end up lugging their bikes/ scooters through the grass. A paved path would be wonderful!

An edible landscape in the rose garden. Next to the park there is enough space for a community garden.. I’d like to propose an edible landscape that is youth led through a committee. These mini gardens should showcase the diverse eco system that exist here in Bethlehem and the park should be having consistent space for youth to Celebrate. Collaborate and express themselves locally with clean options for food sustainability. Live entertainment and also youth led concert series.

Kings Mansion Park could benefit from a new playground. It has the space to hold a larger and more interactive version. The basketball court needs to be redone. Consideration could be given to a tennis or pickleball court. A paved walkway around the perimeter would be great for all ages to use as a path to walk, run, bike, etc and keep track of their steps and miles to meet fitness goals. A pavilion with tables and grills would be a great benefit and could then be rented out by the city. Games or activities painted on a flat surface are well loved. Small paved loop is beneficial for smaller children on scooters or those playing with remote control cars. A blend of parks like Wayne Grube in Northampton, Grange Park in Macungie, Cedar Beach in Allentown, and the Bethlehem Public Library play area.

Clean, private dressing areas in public pools. I WOULD PAY EXTRA FOR THIS! Like German schwimbads. Tiled floors, Attendant. Clean well lit. Storage lockers.

8 Sell Field Sell field needs a new playground. The playground at Sell field is in a dilapidated state. Its dangerous for children to play on. The equipment is old and some pieces are missing. The surrounding area is usually overgrown with trash and weeds. Please improve this playground for the benefit of all!

8 Sell Field Agree! Slide drop-off isn’t up to code either.

41 Rose Garden Rose Garden Park Playground Update. The playground at the Rose Garden is in need of a refresh. The equipment is dated, sparse, and needing to be replaced(the swings in particular). It would be nice to see the park made more accessible for children of all abilities. Added benches and picnic tables would be great as well!

41 Rose Garden I second the idea of a more natural playground. I also believe a large sandbox would be perfect in the south portion inside the walking loop - sandwiched between Raspberry, 9th and 8th. Very similar to one in Trexlertown in Rodale park! You’ve already got the perfect setup for it, and it’s great for a big range of ages.

# Park Name

41 Rose Garden

Comment

I think because of its proximity to the highway/bank/parking there should be some division/privacy from the surrounding streets. Some foliage that acts as a barrier and softens the entrance to the park/makes it more inviting.

I agree rose park needs some life brought to it. It’s a great location with potential for a lot of foot traffic given the school and highway nearby but often seems overlooked.

I think the playground could have more tactile/natural play: incorporate logs, boulders, and native plantings for encouraging imagination. Climbing walls, rope bridges.

Little Free Library: Stocked with books and children’s classics.

Benches within eyesight of the play zones. Stroller Parking/Bike Racks near entry points for families walking or biking in.

41 Rose Garden Playground needs an update quick before my grandchildren are teenagers.

41 Rose Garden

16 Nick Dutko Monument Park

Various (Restrooms)

41 Rose Garden

Various (Parking lots and paths)

I don't think the Rose Garden should have any more picnic tables than what is already present. Bethlehem has parks where picnicking is allowed and they have the associated amenities to support them such as trash cans, charcoal disposal pits, water and restrooms. More picnic tables would change the character of the park as well as require additional maintenance and possibly additional policing to enforce rules.

I agree that the playground equipment is badly in need of a refresh, especially the swings. As a long time neighbor I am surprised at how long the swings have remained usable and any change need to take in account the longevity of the equipment. A few more benches scattered about would be welcome.

The Rose Garden has always been more of a neighborhood park while also hosting art and entertainment for all to enjoy. And let's not forget the beautiful backdrop of roses, flowers and greenery that serves as a backdrop for countless formal and informal photo shoots.

What is the status of Dutko Park (at Washington/Stefko/Pembroke)? I'd read it was going to be updated but haven't seen any work. When is this expected and what updates? It would be great to strengthen pedestrian access to it and have seating areas, paths, plantings and some kind of public art.

WORKING RESTROOMS IN LARGER MOST USED PARKS, LIKE ILLICK'S MILL COMPLEX.

Instead of sand maybe river rocks can be used or a nature play area could be installed. This could eliminate the concern about stray cats and animals using the sand as a litter box.

Use light/reflective paving rather than blacktop, which absorbs heat. Permeable pavement to slow and filter stormwater runoff. Fast EV chargers in parking lots.

We Build Bethlehem Feedback

19 Sand Island (Including the Ice House)

41 Rose Garden

Comment

Though I am not a citizen of Bethlehem, I have enjoyed playing on the clay courts at Sand Island for years. I hope that your plan includes keeping these courts open to the public. And if it is considered, I would be willing to pay an annual membership fee to use these courts as has been done in the past. Thank you for your attention.

I have volunteered at the Bethlehem Rose Garden for the past few years and the improvements made by volunteers with the help of city workers have been tremendous. It is truly a treasure in the city and amazing to witness the increase in the number of visitors from the neighborhood and beyond. As a former student of horticultural therapy at Temple University with real life experience in the field at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia for more than two years, I was witness to what physical access to gardens can do for the human mind, heart and spirit. I do see the need for more accessible pathways into the garden so older adults with walkers or canes or in wheelchairs, and others with physical needs that do not allow them to walk directly on grassy areas, could come into the garden and actually smell a rose and immerse themselves in the surrounding beauty. To sum it up, accessibility for all should be a top priority in redesigning and rethinking our public parks,

General The neighborhood need more, just passive green space. No noise, just a place for people to walk and reflect. Noise from parks is a major annoyance. Yes, kids need a place to play, but we don't need more very noisy motorcycles, music box devices. Not all areas are right for loud pounding basketballs.

40 Kings Mansion Park

A pickleball court added on one of the 2 basketball courts or the grass land would be great. A larger walking path around the perimeter. An update to one of the play sets.

General It would be wonderful to encourage biking, walking, skating and running. By creating these spaces in the park plans will help drive the behavior. Creating gardens, green spaces, areas when individuals and groups can gather for fun, for exercise and for art would also add to the quality of life. There are many examples in Irvine California; https://cityofirvine.org/great-parkAdding fields that the community can use for Soccer, Baseball, etc. will help encourage teams sports. Differing themes in the many parks will also add to the interest of the outdoors, as well as outdoors gathering spaces I'd love to be part of this work.

Southside (Clemente Park is not in scope)

41 Rose Garden

Roberto Clemente Park is the only walkable park on the Southeast side. It regularly has litter, broken parts and overgrown weeds. Better maintenance is needed. The playground needs to be entirely replaced, it is metal and a hazard. The kids at Lynfield Homes and the neighborhood deserve better.

With climate change and summer heat, people need a cool outdoor space with water to refresh . Small geyser like water features would be great

Pop-Up Events Feedback

Pop-Up Event Results

Event 07: Boyd Block Party (CoB)

Comment

Nature elements

Trees

Toilets

Additional Pavilions

Water fountains

Volleyball nets/ sand pit

ADA playground

Free little libraries

Pickleball

Pop-Up Event Results

Event 08: Live on the Greenway (CoB)

Comment

Dog parks and trails

Bring back rose garden benches

More benches

Workout stations

More public restrooms

Shade/more trees

Water fountains

Public restrooms

Calisthenics park

Bike path

Solar roadways

Community gardens

Free parking

Water refill station

More Water fountains

Horticulture related gardens

Charge stations for electronics

More benches

Workout stations

More water fountains

Bike lanes

Keep Sand Island clean

Splash park

Dedicated bike lanes

Bike lanes

Swing set

Closed in dog areas

Fix up "Tank Park"

Baby-Adult swings

Baby swings

Keep up with dog park maintenance

Safe bathrooms

Pop-Up Event Results

Event 09: Blue Zones Activate Bethlehem (CoB)

Comment

Lights

Bathrooms

Safety patrol

Equipment taller for older kids and adults

Interactive activities for teens/ adults / parkour

Teen activities

Movie nights

More interactive art

Interactive workout equipment

Pop-Up Event Results

Event 10: Elmwood Park (Omnes)

Comment

A big pool

Zip poles

Clean them

Nature trails

Swings

New swings

Clean up along D&L trail

Weeding and grounds funding

Garbage cans that are monitored, maintained

Bathroom access

New swings

Fitness related activities and equipment

Bike repair station

Restrooms

Sensory friendly features + ADA planning

More trails + Greenway

Shuffle board at Higbee Park

Bathrooms

Picnic Tables

Pavilions

Vegetable gardens on greenway

Nature programming, native plant education

West side pool needs new bathrooms

Bigger slides

Narcan station

Mentorship with older tradesmen to repair structures

Unlocked bathrooms

More musical instruments

More love

More space and trees

Accessible sidewalks

Rock climbing

More monkey bars

Zip lines

Bigger park

Big, fun slides

Pop-Up Event Results

Event 11: Live in the Garden (Omnes)

Comment

EVM

Slides

Big stuff

Friends

Cake contest

Field hockey court

Everything

More recycling cans

Pool

Basketball courts

Bottles and slides

Everything

Jungle gym

Nature walk park

Ladders

Jungle gym

Water park

More patios

Pickleball courts

Water park with a slide

Splash pads and pools

Water park

Roller coaster park

Tennis courts

ADA path

Roller coaster

Tennis courts

Field hockey

Preschool swings and slides

Calisthenics park

A spot to read to bugs

Relocate sand island tennis courts

Water park

Bathrooms and water fountains

Swings

Walking path

Sand island needs clean restrooms with toilet paper, soap, paper towels

Water fountains/ everything

Nature based play areas

Comment

Rose garden: renovate playground, plant more trees, utilize bandshell more

Walking paths/trails around parks

Water fountains

Water parks

Little kids station

Water park

More parks

Swings

Slides

Water pad

More bucket seat swings

Amphitheater seating @ Rose Garden bandshell

More green - trees and money

Elmwood park: new water fountain

More shows like this

More trees for shade

Huge slides

Nature based playground

Concrete ping pong tables

Recycling bins

Outdoor exercise activities

Bathrooms open longer

Pave gravel trails at rose garden ( hard to push strollers)

Splash pad

Pickleball courts

Nature center

Dog park

Volleyball court

Way more concerts

Zoo and spider box for events

Sprinkler

Rocket ships that you can play in

Basketball courts

Planetarium

Tennis or pickleball

Basketball courts

Flower garden

Jungle gyms

Swings and monkey bars

Volleyball courts

Comment

Fountains

Splash pad

Pools

Ice cream and pool

Zip line

Water walk

Tennis courts

Accessible for all kids - ages, disability etc.

Ball pit

Splash pad

Swing

Water walk path

Pop-Up Event Results

Event 12: Sabor (Omnes)

Comment

Educate the public to be aware of their surroundings

Diversion

Meditation circle

Splash pads and pools

Las canchas

La natura

Enforcing rules

Canchas de volleyball

Mas variedad de parques

Exercise stations

More geese less poo @ Monocacy

Skate park

Sports courts

Splash pads

Swings

Reestablish block watch groups

Mindfulness activities

More people get into nature

Spanish language information

Pools

Free food

Water parks

Quien cuide los ninos en los parques

Information about the types of animals that can be seen in the park

Areas para personas de?

juegos de misas

Actividad a los personasa mayores La cuidado los ninos

parque

Accessible play

Cuidado para ninos, sociales

Water fountain

Free rewards

Water fountains

More swings

Playground

Mas tiempo para usar

Trianlge park swings

More dog parks

Pop-Up Event Results

Event 13: Bernie Fritz Night (Omnes)

Comment

Slide

Willow tunnel and nature play

Big slide

Hangout spaces with shade

Water slide and pool with free entry

Free adoption center (pets are free)

Elmwood tire swing

Seesaw

Sandbox

Spinners

Shade

Hand sanitizer and first aid

Monkey bars

In ground merry go round

Free baseball practice/team

Petting zoo every month

Dance zone every week on Saturdays

Water fountains

Sprinkler in the summer

Dance floor for parents

Tree climbing

Races every week

Zip line

Football

Splash pad

More swings

Horse riding

Buchanan - zip line

Ball pit

Programs/events for kids & the community

Roller skating zone

Nature play for risky play learning

Balance beam

Playground slide

Wading pools

Water stand

Equipment for older kids

Willow park

Benches for grandmas

5 more slides

Pickle ball & tennis

Comment

Hybrid playscapes - developed/nature

Pop-Up Event Results

Event 14: Yosko Park (Omnes)

Comment

New pool fence

Play mat

Swing set for all ages

More signs (safety, etc.)

More safety

Less fights

Better and safe equipment

More benches

More water fountains

Expand the slides / park area

Soft ground, spaces to play

Community police, PAL building positive relationships

Feel more safe

More swings

Cleaner floors, too much grass on floor

Bike racks for all ages (scared)

Vigilancia (block watch)

More swings and golf area

I like the pool

Another park for my little cousin

More swings

Monkey bars

Bathrooms

Soccer course

Sand

Kid pools

New water slide

Trampoline

Water fountains

Cleaner

Less asphalt

Nature playspaces

Clean spaces

Safety in the area

Less fights

More space\activities

Safer environment

Respect and kind

Kindness

More trash cans

Public bathrooms

Comment

Pavilions with picnic tables

Cooling areas with splash pads

Less fights

Bigger pool

More cleanliness and trash cans

Seesaw

Water slide

More flowers

Nothing, it's good!

Volleyball

I think a park should always be fun for everyone

Pop-Up Event Results

Event 15: Bayard Park (Omnes)

Comment

Rock climb wall

Pet store/shelter

Ice cream

Slide

Zipline

Pool by Pembroke

Splash pad

Pool

Water park

Monkey bars

Balance beam

Pool

More shade

Pool

Restrooms

Splash pad

Free store with snacks

Sling shot

Playground that's a star

Level lawn

Water park

Scooter park

Ball pit

Movie

Pool

Soccer field

Ladder

Make things newer

Movie

Ball pit

Skate park, something for pre teens

Splash pad

Jungle gym

Pool/splash pad for babies and older people

A really big slide

Nature trail/ flower garden

Zipline

Bathroom

More games

Pop-Up Event Results

Event 16: City Hall (CoB)

Comment

Nature inspired slide

Water fountain in all parks

Zipline

Better retaining wall at Saucon Park

Bring back a smaller pool area at Saucon

Trim back trees in area (Saucon)

Open up 2nd bathroom area at top of small hill at Saucon Park

Remove old Saucon pool - naturalize the area - non pervious

More seating needed in park area - Saucon

Police presence (Elmwood)

Water fountain (Elmwood)

Make North Central little league park nicer looking ( another slide, swings, basketball court, fix macadam)

Mural

Multiple water fountains

Water

New equipment at Yellis

Fix/add lighting at Saucon Park parking lot

Bring summer camp back at the rink

Nature trial throughout Clearview Park

Trees for shade in the summer

Trees

Culture

Separate biking and walking trails

Trees

More people/kids

Trees

Flowers

Beautiful art and nature

Park and shack

Security

A park to play on

Woodchips under playground equipment (along trail on Southside)

More lighting

Bring Saucon Park back to life

Bathrooms at Sand island

Bathrooms to stay open all days that parks are open

More splash pads

Comment

Bring back Saucon Park Pool

More adult/baby swing combo

Handicap accessible equipment

Paved paths

Cameras

Working water fountain

Ramps instead of stairs

Disc golf putting green (1 basket)

Water feature at Rose Garden

Police supervision

Regular maintenance

A forester who knows how to "forest" and who cares

Safety

Fences

Swimming pool

Clean

Workout stations

Track for walking and running

Saucon Park needs a swimming pool

Reopen Saucon Park pool with a hefty fee for out-of-state

visitors

Clean up and restoration

Sand Island and all parks need: security, patrols, rehab of all facilities (please allocate my tax dollars to making our city

safe & pretty again!)

Story books

Clean restrooms

Lower Saucon: benches and shade trees

New cameras due to shooting incident; we don't want that in our city

Working water fountains

Umbrellas over equipment

Splash pads -- can be small scale

Police presence

Sgt. Elias riding his bicycle

Freemansburg Park needs basketball hoops reinstalled and maintenance

West side needs a new park and cut down th trees and needs new picnic tables

13th Street Park needs a tennis net

Freemansburg Municipal needs basketball nets

Focus Groups

Interviews Focus Groups

Summer Programming Focus Group:

City of Bethlehem

Tony Silva

Sherri Penchishen

City of Bethlehem and Northside Alive

Celina Daddario

Bethlehem Area School District

Joe Stellato

DATE: March 27, 2025

Participants in the Summer Programming focus group shared insights on current offerings, including pool-based events, current summer programs in neighborhood parks, and special events like block parties and food truck nights. Key themes included limited staffing and funding, challenges with transportation and equitable access, the need for more shade and amenities in extreme heat, and a desire for multi-generational and adult programming. Participants emphasized the importance of local partnerships, better marketing, digital wayfinding tools, and greater organizational capacity – such as neighborhoodspecific coordinators – to support more responsive and inclusive park programming across Bethlehem.

Summer Programming Overview:

EXISTING PROGRAMS MENTIONED:

• Summer Youth Park Program, pools and water aerobics, Bernie Fritz Night, block parties, volleyball, yoga, pop-up events, food truck nights, and theater.

SUMMER YOUTH PARK PROGRAM:

• Periodically moved to hot-spot neighborhoods to find youth where they are based on word of mouth. Program is 2 hours long due to staffing constraints. Staffing is seasonal, with about 10 summer hires at $11/ hr. This youth program is free and does not require sign-ups; attendance is informal.

RECREATION CENTERS AND POOLS AS HUBS:

• Pools (especially Memorial Pool) and rec centers are central to summer activity; there’s demand to build more programming around them.

Challenges and Gaps:

STAFFING AND CAPACITY:

• Insufficient personnel to run or expand programs. Heavy reliance on seasonal staff limits growth.

TRANSPORTATION:

• Access to programs is a barrier, especially across neighborhoods. Kids often don’t travel even a few blocks to other parks.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION:

• A strategic marketing plan is in needed. Marketing and outreach can be improved overall.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEAT:

• Parks like McNamara and Payrow Plaza suffer from extreme heat and minimal shade. Shade is a top request, especially at pools.

DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE:

• No public WiFi in parks (only at pools). POS system at Ice Rink and Memorial Pool. Digital tools for wayfinding or amenities are lacking.

Community Feedback and Needs:

MORE INCLUSIVE PROGRAMMING:

• There’s a desire for multi-generational and multicultural programs that also serve seniors, teens, and child-free adults.

POPULAR REQUESTS:

• Jump ropes, playscapes for older kids, community art, and adult-oriented activities like yoga and water aerobics.

SAFETY AND COMFORT:

• Families want programming in their own neighborhoods due to safety concerns; added security like cameras are in place in some parks.

Ideas and Recommendations:

EXPAND CAPACITY:

• Dedicated coordinators for each major area (e.g., Southside). Reintroduce role similar to a previous community coordinator position.

IMPROVE ACCESS AND AWARENESS:

• Digital wayfinding/maps that include ADA features, parking, and amenities.

• More structured marketing and potential branding (inspired by Allentown or NYC parks).

• Explore public transit (LANTA) partnerships for better park access and field trips.

• Mile-markers on the trails.

PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRAMMING MODELS:

• Collaborations with schools, community groups, and nonprofits like Northside Alive or Touchstone Theater.

• Barrier: City ordinance limits for-profit activity in parks unless insurance and rent requirements are met. Donation-based or sponsor-covered models (e.g., yoga at Northside Alive) may offer alternatives.

REVENUE AND EVALUATION TOOLS:

• A system to track and evaluate program outcomes would help guide future efforts.

Interviews Focus Groups

Pools and Aquatics Focus Group:

City of Bethlehem

Tony Silva

Bethlehem Tides

Sara Collins

Pool Supervisor / Bethlehem

Aquatic Club (Tides)

Reik Foust

DATE: March 31, 2025

Participants discussed the current state of Bethlehem’s pools and aquatics programming, identifying key strengths in competitive swim programs and facility upgrades at Memorial Pool, alongside challenges around maintenance, facility limitations, and accessibility. Themes included increasing demand for swim instruction, the desire for indoor aquatic facilities, staffing constraints, and the potential for expanded partnerships. The importance of inclusivity and equitable access – especially at neighborhood-serving pools like Yosko – was emphasized, as was growing interest in broader health and wellness offerings tied to aquatic programming.

Pools and Programming Overview:

SWIM

LESSONS AND COMPETITIVE SWIM:

• Strong participation in competitive swim (~160 participants at Memorial Pool.) New swim lessons at Yosko sponsored by Community Action, with support from Bethlehem Tides (24 person capacity). High demand for swim instruction due to limited accessibility.

BETHLEHEM TIDES:

• Competitive swim non-profit program focused on fitness and family wellness at Memorial Pool, in Partnership with the City of Bethlehem. Involves parent volunteers. Includes dry-land training, fitness for parents, opportunity for free tennis clinic. Long-term vision includes a holistic sports camp model (swimming, golf, tennis).

LAP SWIMMING AND AEROBICS:

• Currently available at Clearview and piloted at Memorial through Bethlehem Tides (7–8pm). Adult participation increasing. Water aerobics instructor volunteers time.

Popular Pools and Usage Patterns:

MEMORIAL POOL:

• Most attended, amusement-park atmosphere. Hits max capacity most summer days. Key site for competitive swim.

YOSKO POOL:

• Neighborhood-based park in the South Side - hub of the neighborhood. Boys and Girls Club uses this site. Also has a Splash Pad. Offering extended pool hours 2 days/week in the evening through Bethlehem Tides.

WEST SIDE POOL:

• Least attended. Hidden location. Has 1 lap for swimming and capacity for more but not competition-ready.

STARK AND CLEARVIEW:

• Both have slides. Stark has lap lanes; not competition-designed but could support more

use.

Challenges and Gaps:

INFRASTRUCTURE AND MAINTENANCE:

• Memorial faces high maintenance demands. Staffing for maintenance is limited to two city employees in summer. Pool tech support is unionbased; limited flexibility. Splash pad at Yosko aging and increasingly needs more maintenance.

LACK OF INDOOR FACILITY:

• Liberty High School pool is overused. Few other natatoriums in the region. Competitive programs are at capacity.

LIMITED HOURS AND SEASON:

• Pool season ends before Labor Day due to staffing limitations. Evening hours are not currently budgeted.

STAFFING AND WAGES:

• Lifeguard availability remains tight. City wages are lower than Allentown, but most summer staff is already hired by end of March. Bethlehem Tides provides their own lifeguards.

Community Feedback and Needs:

EQUITY AND ACCESS:

• Many children in the city don’t know how to swim due to cost and accessibility. Grants and sponsorships are key to closing this gap.

INCLUSIVITY:

• Competitive swimming is largely homogeneous; targeted programming at Yosko aims to improve diversity in the sport.

SHADE AND COMFORT:

• A $50K grant was submitted for a shade structure at Memorial Pool, supporting health and comfort in summer heat.

EXPANDED PROGRAMMING:

• Interest in adding more aerobics classes, morning swim sessions (5–7am) at Memorial.

Ideas and Recommendations:

PARTNERSHIPS:

• Strengthen ties with organizations like the Bethlehem YMCA.

PRIORITIZE YOSKO PARK:

• Important for supporting diversity in swimming. Priority to keep park and pool maintained and upgraded.

Interviews

Focus Groups

Environmental Advisory Council:

Benjamin Guthrie

Colleen Laird

Katie Tremble

Lynn Fryman Rothman (Chair)

Mandy Tolino

Vibhor Kumar

DATE: April 01, 2025

Participants discussed the role of sustainability and resiliency within Bethlehem Parks, focusing on current efforts, challenges, and opportunities. Key themes included the importance of native plantings, green infrastructure, stormwater management, and environmental equity. The conversation emphasized collaboration with local organizations, improving park access, and addressing challenges like limited resources, infrastructure issues, and maintenance needs. Participants also discussed opportunities to strengthen partnerships, particularly with schools, environmental groups, and local health organizations.

Sustainability and Resiliency:

CURRENT EFFORTS:

• Collaboration with the City’s Sustainability Manager, and Monocacy Creek Watershed Association. Initiatives involve electric vehicles, planting native species and maintaining educational programs.

MAINTENANCE AND POLICY:

• EAC’s role is to advise city council on policies and legislation to support sustainability efforts, related to this plan this could include updating ordinances to allow more meadow areas and regulate chemicals used upstream (e.g., golf course runoff affecting Monocacy Creek).

Key Topics and Challenges:

SHADE AND WATER ACCESS:

• Lack of working water fountains at multiple parks, especially in underserved areas. Issues raised by disabled and unhoused individuals regarding water accessibility during hot weather.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE:

• Expand the use of green infrastructure and rain gardens, particularly at parks and open space with existing water management needs.

• Encourage efforts to convert lawns to meadow areas at parks like Monocacy and Clearview to enhance biodiversity while also preserving recreational space. Holton Park could mentioned as a candidate. Monocacy Creek Watershed work to mitigate invasive species.

• Support for transitioning to alternative energy sources, including the use of electric maintenance equipment and the installation of EV charging stations.

• Concerns raised about the types of chemicals used in parks question about if RoundUp is used.

• Advocacy for creating ordinances that promote proper soil volume for trees, with a model example from Allentown’s public works standards.

WATERWAY ACCESS:

• Participants expressed concern about limited public access to creeks and rivers, emphasizing the need to identify and improve safe, equitable entry points for recreation and environmental engagement.

CLIMATE EQUITY:

• City council has been discussing shade equity, is being addressed in plans for Friendship Park.

• Fairview Park has a new water fountain, with data being collected on water usage.

• Ongoing issues with the number of nonfunctioning water fountains in parks; multiple complaints raised at city council meetings, highlighting impacts on public health, unhoused individuals, and people with disabilities. Find ways to improve water access.

Partnerships and Collaboration:

• Potential partnerships with the Wildlands Conservancy, schools, hospitals, environmental clubs, and local organizations like Audubon Society and Bethlehem historic sites and Museums. Opportunities to strengthen ties with regional trail networks and the DandL National Heritage Corridor were also discussed.

• Collaboration with local Girl Scouts, universities, and other community organizations could support educational and volunteer programs in the parks.

Interviews

Focus Groups

City of Bethlehem Grounds and Maintenance Focus Group:

Adam Wagner, Department of Public Works - Facilities

Chris Sule, Department of Public Works - Grounds Maintenance

Rich Prosser, Department of Public Works - Grounds Maintenance

Olivia Teel, City Forester

Jonathan Fischer, Stormwater Engineer

DATE: April 02, 2025

This focus group brought together key Public Works and City personnel responsible for maintaining Bethlehem’s extensive parks system. Discussion centered on staffing shortages, responsibilities beyond park maintenance, challenges with volunteer groups, and pressures from seasonal tasks like mowing and snow removal. Participants emphasized the need for better staffing, strategic redesign of parks to ease maintenance burdens, and thoughtful evaluation of meadow conversions, play surfaces, and stormwater practices.

Grounds Maintenance Staffing and Tasks

STAFFING OVERVIEW

• Currently down 4 full-time employees. The workforce significantly reduced over the years, especially since COVID-19.

• CDL license requirements are a barrier for hiring, since it limits the applicant pool.

• The City typically hires 4–5 summer student workers (mid-May to mid-August), but only available 2 days/week. 18 union employees total; CDL requirement (~$5K cost) limits applicant pool. Applicant interest has dropped.

• Addition of Greenway added significant workload; planned 5 new hires, but lost 2 staff instead.

SCOPE OF WORK:

• Mowing is the largest single maintenance task, consuming significant time and labor.

• Maintain 43 parks and 71 additional properties (medians, street islands, facilities) – 111 properties total. Responsibilities include mowing, trimming, landscaping, snow removal, graffiti removal, garbage collection (260 stops), and concrete/ stone work.

• Stone mason on staff requires 3 dedicated workers for ongoing projects. Leaf collection: 50% responsibility (mid-Oct through end of year). Snow removal: 38% responsibility, including 18 miles of sidewalks and bridges; night shifts run from Jan 1 to early March. Bridge at Saucon Park currently under repair. Dedicated team for maintaining Saucon Park (hundreds of acres of mowing).

• Monocacy Park: 100+ acres mowed on a 7–10 day schedule.

EQUIPMENT AND BUDGET:

• Equipment (trucks, mowers, etc.) is in good condition. Major issue is lack of manpower, not tools or equipment.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Grounds maintenance staff do not currently

have any of the following certifications: Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), ISA Certified Arborist. Current staff licenses include Pesticide Applicator License and Commercial Driver’s LIcense.

VOLUNTEERS AND PARTNERSHIPS:

• Volunteer support exists (e.g., Rose Garden planting maintenance. Volunteer proposals are reviewed by Chris (Superintendent of Grounds Maintenance) and Olivia (City Forester). Wildlands partners with city for riparian planting along waterways (Monocacy and Saucon)

• There is no formal agreement with school district for grounds maintenance.

Maintenance Practices

SCHEDULING AND TRACKING:

• Mowing schedules and daily to-do lists are used, and tasks are tracked with paperwork. Larger projects are logged (e.g., Saucon, Fairview).

• Productive Parks or similar software is not currently used but may be of interest for maintenance tracking/scheduling software.

• Bethlehem Service Center requests are tracked; completed tasks are marked and logged.

• Safety is the top priority for repair (e.g., play equipment, graffiti, break-ins).Mowing and schedules are weather-dependent so often get backed up.

• Tree work is the only major contracted service; concrete work is done in-house.

VANDALISM:

• Regular issues with graffiti and break-ins at facilities and pools.

PLAY AREAS AND SPORTS

• Playground Inspections and Maintenance:

• 15 of 27 playground systems are inspected annually. There is limited capacity to inspect all the

playgrounds annually. High-use playgrounds (e.g., Sand Island) require more frequent attention.

• Artificial play surface in non-flood areas would save a lot of maintenance time.

• Engineered wood fiber is used due to flooding concerns – artificial surfaces not viable in floodprone areas.

HAR-TRU CLAY TENNIS COURT MAINTENANCE (SAND ISLAND):

• Labor-intensive seasonal maintenance for Sand Island tennis courts conflicts with early spring mowing schedules.

• Labor-intensive upkeep: 10 tons of new surface ordered yearly, lines nailed by hand (27,000 nails) in spring, de-installed at end of season. Spring install takes a weeks and interferes with grasscutting season. Rising costs and intensive labor make future conversion (to hard surface) unlikely despite past discussions. Demand/usage is there but includes many non-residents (e.g., players from Winning Touch).

Stormwater and Environmental Practices:

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE:

• The City’s only permeable paving are pavers along the Bethlehem Greenway. These are difficult to maintain due to lack of appropriate equipment.

• No formal rain gardens currently maintained by the City. There is a hesitation around adopting rain gardens and native plantings due to high maintenance responsibility.

RIPARIAN PLANTINGS:

• Streamside plantings at Saucon and Monocacy, enhance flood control and habitat. Successful restoration planting at Monocacy along the stream - helped with flooding that would normally costs a couple million dollars contracted out.

Interviews Focus Groups

City of Bethlehem Grounds and Maintenance Focus Group (Cont’d):

NO-MOW MEADOWS AND GARDENS:

• Madison Park planting area was mowed down twice; poor location and lack of understanding from young staff. Community gardens often fall into disuse within 1–2 years.

• Educational signage and visible delineation of naturalized/meadow areas and native gardens may help to define gardens and native planting areas.

• Rose Garden tree planting received negative feedback due to recreational use concerns. Stormwater planting and naturalized areas get mixed reactions; community push-back on losing lawn space and resistance for it in highvisibility areas. Maintenance responsibility for native planting areas is a concern unless there’s community ownership.

• Stormwater Affected Parks: Yellis Tract and Saucon Park incorporate to stormwater management areas. Yellis is on current year budget; two structures fail when it rains.

• Strategic redesign of meadow conversions/ naturalized areas to ease maintenance. Yellis Tract could have more naturalized areas incorporated.

Urban Forest

TREE PRUNING:

• Managed by Grounds Maintenance staff in parks; larger issues are assessed by City Forester, who also oversees street trees. Street tree pruning occurs during paving projects; otherwise, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility.

TREE MAPPING:

• A contractor previously mapped park trees (species, caliper); some data is missing, and an update is planned for next year.

TREE REPLACEMENT:

• Homeowners must replace removed street trees per ordinance; City Forester advises on appropriate species and placement. Parks have annual budget for 1:1 tree replacement.

Sand Island:

CONSTRUCTION STAGING AREA AND RECREATION POTENTIAL:

• Currently serves as a staging/storage area for contractors (e.g., road, sewer work). This was identified as a potential opportunity for recreational value of construction staging ares (so long as it doesn’t conflict with programming or parking needs.)

• The site has significant green space and redevelopment potential. A previous plan (2008–09) proposed a riverside deck and park expansion. Area is also critical for snow storage after plowing city streets – no alternative site of similar size.

• Homeless Encampments: At the time of this report writing there were homeless encampments located on Norfolk Southern property adjacent to the park. Area housed ~110 people with 60–70 tents; major concerns included garbage accumulation and impact on park aesthetics and use. Police address safety issues; Health Department steps in for support services. Canal was recently cleaned, but deterioration is recurring.

RIVER ACCESS STEPS:

• Stone steps to the water are boarded up; public access is restricted. Steps are steep; likely closed off due to safety concerns or previous decisions from public works.

Key People Interviews

Bethlehem Parks & Recreation

Master Plan

A STELLAR CONSTELLATION OF PUBLIC SPACE

The City of Bethlehem is developing a new, community-driven Parks & Recreation Master Plan – and we need your help to define a vision for the future!

The plan will guide decision-making for the rehabilitation and maintenance of Bethlehem’s constellation of parks & recreation opportunities for years to come, identifying recommendations for short-term improvements as well as long-term strategies for the City’s parks system. The goal is to create a stellar network of equitable, well-marketed, and interconnected parks, trails, and programming that are accessible to people of all abilities.

The City is leading the plan with Omnes (www.omnes.studio), a landscape architecture and planning firm based in Easton, PA that specializes in community-engaged planning.

You have been identified as knowledgable stakeholder in this planning process, and we invite you to participate in a Key Person Interview led by Omnes.

Please use the link below to sign up for a virtual Key Person Interview slot:

Interviews

Key People

Lehigh University Nancy Trainer

DATE: March 3, 2025

Nancy Trainer of Lehigh University discussed opportunities for the university to engage with the City of Bethlehem’s park planning, especially regarding its underutilized forested lands. She highlighted interest in partnerships to improve public access, ecological health, and community connection – while being mindful of liability and stewardship.

UNIVERSITY LAND AND PUBLIC ACCESS:

• Lehigh owns large tracts of mostly forested land that is not officially open to the public.

• Exploring how to allow public access while maintaining mission and managing liability.

• Interested in how public perceives and uses campus areas like Packer Avenue.

• Unofficial trails are used publicly used but are neither maintained nor promoted by Lehigh.

TRAIL AND CAMPUS CONNECTIVITY

• Exploring ways to connect Goodman Campus to South Mountain and trail systems.

• Stabler Pathways project offers potential for public access and neighborhood connection.

• Campus development hasn’t been contiguous; rethinking forested land as a shared resource.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS:

• Opportunities for partnerships with the City regarding trail connections and shared management, especially at South Mountain.

• Suggested Brett Ludwig and Carolina Hernandez as key contacts.

• Lehigh supports Southside programs like Southside Ambassadors and Greenway art.

• Interested in improving neighborhood engagement.

• Strategic goal of a “shared Bethlehem experience.”

REWILDING, STEWARDSHIP AND TRAILS

• Meadow conversions have been partly successful; public perception is a challenge.

• Curious about the City’s efforts around forest health and potential collaboration.

• Deer overpopulation is a major issue; education is needed before implementing a management plan.

Interviews Key People

Northampton Community College

Dr. David Ruth and Toni Fernandez

DATE: March 10, 2025

Northampton Community College (NCC) leaders highlighted their strong commitment to community engagement and expressed interest in partnering around parks and open spaces. They emphasized NCC’s values of volunteerism and outdoor experiences. Dr. Ruth welcomed partnership opportunities for programming, internships, and broader community use of college spaces.

NCC’S ROLE IN THE REGION:

• Sees NCC as a “college of the community,” serving a wide footprint.

• Employees now get a day off for community service, which is sometimes for park cleanup.

• NCC hosts Earth Day events, welcomes public to campus spaces (e.g. Frisbee), and supports local events.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH:

• Fernandez is deeply embedded in South Side outreach, representing NCC on committees and festivals. Fowler Family Southside Center acts as a connector between residents and services –especially housing, food access, and events.

• Fernandez also helps place student interns and supports nonprofits using NCC spaces.

IDEAS FOR PARKS AND PROGRAMMING:

• Opportunities to host adult workshops in parks (e.g. Guitar lessons) coordinated through Audrey at NCC.

• Fernandez supports more awareness and youth engagement – suggested a scavenger hunt or “amazing race” between parks. Geocaching mentioned as a possible tie-in.

• Some student groups are active outdoors; Dr. Ruth floated a pool van idea for summer access.

POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS:

• Fowler hosts adult education, Fab Lab, and is open to nonprofits for meetings at no charge.

• Ongoing student-led community design work: e.g. Pembroke Choice project.

• Dr. Ruth was open to exploring internships and class projects related to the parks plan – especially for urban planning students.

• Fernandez was eager to support through direct outreach to merchants, students, and residents.

Moravian University Dr. Bryon Grigsby

DATE: March 17, 2025

Moravian University President Dr. Bryon Grigsby discussed campus initiatives related to public space and sustainability, including a new wellness-certified student center. He highlighted strong relationships with BASD and opportunities for shared use of recreational facilities, as well as ideas for enhanced trail connectivity and infrastructure partnerships.

CAMPUS INITIATIVES AND DEVELOPMENT:

• New wellness-certified student center under construction with a public-facing conference center.

• Turfing of fields has been a priority (low maintenance, year-round use); future plans to turf baseball fields.

TOWN-GOWN RELATIONSHIP:

• Strong relationship with BASD; historical integration of Moravian with public education in Bethlehem.

• Opportunities identified for shared field use with BASD.

CURRICULA / PROGRAMMING / VOLUNTEERING:

• Heritage Day in fall engages ~2,000 students, faculty, and staff in city-wide service (in partnership with United Way).

• Moravian manages a community school afterhours program.

PARKS PARTNERSHIPS AND IDEAS:

• Suggestion for shared investment in facilities like indoor aquatics or ice centers.

• Interest in enhancing trail connections –particularly a bridge over the Monocacy near Lot X to improve pedestrian and bike access.

• Possible long-term interest in Martin Tower site if rental costs become more favorable.

PARKS SYSTEM PERCEPTION AND IDEAS:

• City pools and golf course praised.

• Turfing and consolidating fields could increase functionality.

• Potential for Bethlehem to attract sport-related tourism if facilities are built to NCAA/PIAA standards.

Interviews Key People

Lehigh Valley Park People

Kelsey McLaughlin

DATE: March 17, 2025

Kelsey McLaughlin discussed her personal connection to parks through her work as a special education teacher and parent. She shared insights from evaluating over 70 parks with a focus on accessibility, maintenance, and amenities. Issues around fencing, adapted swings, bathrooms, and inclusive play surfaces were central, along with best practices and opportunities for improvement.

CONNECTION TO PARKS:

• McLaughlin is a special education teacher and mother of a toddler daughter.

• Began a personal database of parks due to challenges finding suitable, accessible options.

• Accessibility features like fencing and gates are especially important for children with Autism.

• Has explored over 77 parks in Bethlehem and nearby areas.

QUALITY AND COMPARISONS:

• Many parks in Bethlehem are outdated and lacking amenities.

• Bernie Fritz and Elmwood noted for potential, but fall short due to maintenance issues; Elmwood Park flagged for trash, graffiti, and broken equipment.

• Friendship Park is the top-rated in Bethlehem but still ranks low overall.

• Kid’s Castle (Doylestown) ranked highest in the region – accessible, nostalgic, inclusive.

STRENGTHS AND IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

• Key amenities often missing: fencing, baby/ adapted swings, seating, bathrooms.

• Maintenance and year-round access to restrooms are concerns.

• Swings and inclusive equipment are highly sought after but often broken or missing.

• Needs include accessible surfaces, equipment, and fenced areas.

• Poured-in-place surface preferred for accessibility, but sensory-friendly surfaces like wood chips can be valuable too.

• Interactive games, instruments, fine motor play equipment suggested.

• Sensory features like tactile mazes and ramp access are important for blind children.

Lynfield Community Center Roy Ortiz

DATE: March 19, 2025

Roy Ortiz, leader of the Lynfield Community Center, spoke about long-standing community efforts to support youth in South Bethlehem through sports, free summer programs, and partnerships. He emphasized urgent infrastructure needs, needs for city support, and a desire for equitable investment in local parks.

COMMUNITY ROLE AND YOUTH PROGRAMS:

• Serves 30–35 kids during the school year, 70–80 in summer through free camps, 4-H, and life skills programs.

• Reestablished Southside Sluggers baseball, drawing kids from local schools and beyond.

PARK CONDITIONS AND NEEDS:

• Lighting on fields is the biggest priority to keep the games longer, and keep kids off the streets.

• Other top priorities included: restroom access, safe shaded seating, maintenance/upgrades to facilities.

• Fields at Saucon Park face drainage, flooding, and poor maintenance.

• Noted the concession stand at Saucon field has been unusable due to flooding and a failing septic system for years.

• Uses a food truck at Saucon fields to support events.

• Desire to use fields out of the flood zone in Saucon, but expensive.

• Expressed desire for an indoor gymnasium.

CITY COLLABORATION AND EQUITY CONCERNS:

• Reported limited support from Parks and Rec despite repeated requests.

• Maintenance (e.g., septic service) often delayed or not adequate, replacing noted as too expensive. City will not cover cost of emptying septic more than once a year.

• Maintenance is deferred to ECTB, cutting grass, repairs, etc.

• Feels South Bethlehem parks are underfunded compared to others in the city.

• Noted that Southside Sluggers brings in revenue with traveling teams, and needs more support.

• Wants to ensure Lynfield kids aren’t left behind in future planning.

Interviews Key People

Center for Independent Living Catherine Bogdanski

DATE: March 25, 2025

Catherine Bogdanski of the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) emphasized the need for barrier-free, inclusive park experiences for all people. She shared information about LVCIL’s community role and core services, including advocacy, peer support, and independent living skills. She also highlighted LCVIL’s disability sensitivity training programs for external organizations, as well as Access Check, a service through which LVCIL provides consultation, assessments, and expertise in ADA guidance and compliance, accessibility plan review, and outdoor accessibility. Catherine shared concerns about barriers to public park and programming access, such as transportation and available activities for individuals with disabilities. She also emphasized the need for better and more accessible information and communication (such as a comprehensive website) regarding park amenities to assist community members in planning their visits.

ORGANIZATIONAL ROLE AND SERVICES:

• Described LVCIL’s five core services: Information and referral; peer support (1:1 and group); advocacy (individual and systems-level); independent living skills; and transition services (across lifespan stages).

• Shared information about Access Check, LVCIL’s fee-for-service ADA site survey program, as well as disability sensitivity training programs for external organizations.

CONNECTIVITY AND ACCESS:

• Emphasized the challenge of accessing parks like Monocacy Park without a car – public transit and walkability are significant barriers.

• Highlighted the importance of having accessible paths within parks, not just access to the park itself. Noted that a major barrier for individuals with disabilities is the lack of information about park amenities and accessibility – people need to know in advance what they’re “up against.”

• Mentioned how inaccessible signage and unclear online information prevent effective planning by people with disabilities.

• Supported the idea of a centralized online platform that clearly communicates amenities and accessibility features, referencing “Access Now” as a model.

ACCESSIBLE DESIGN AND AMENITIES:

• Emphasized the need for sensory-friendly and mobility-accessible park amenities.

• Advocated for broader application of ADA standards within parks – beyond curb cuts, there should be accessible activities and equipment.

• Identified a common issue: parks with just open green space and no accessible trails or activities for people with disabilities.

United States Tennis Association Renee Lentz

DATE: March 26, 2025

Renee Lentz, Director of Community Development or USTA Middle States, discussed tennis in Bethlehem and Sand Island’s Har-Tru tennis courts in particular. She emphasized their regional uniqueness, strong community demand, and decline due to limited maintenance and high user fees under past operators. Renee outlined USTA’s free resources – court booking software, technical support, and grants for lighting, fencing, and renovations. She also provided participation data and information about potential support for future planning. She stressed community players’ concerns about the importance of preserving the courts’ unique surface to sustain tennis interest and access, while also emphasizing the need for Bethlehem to consider the cost-benefit between maintaining Har-Tru vs. conversion to hard courts.

SAND ISLAND TENNIS COURTS:

• Sand Island’s Har-Tru courts are the only public ones in the area; most others are at private clubs.

• Courts were neglected during COVID closures (likely closed in 2020–2021), leading to deterioration.

• Winning Touch briefly operated the courts post-pandemic, but charged high fees and didn’t return the next year. The facility once thrived with leagues, staff, and programming but there is a perception among community players that it currently lacks management and maintenance.

COMMUNITY DEMAND AND PREFERENCE:

• There is growing interest in tennis in the region; participation increased from 5.3% to 6.8% in Eastern PA.

• The tennis community strongly favors Har-Tru surfaces, especially older players due to their gentleness on joints. Har-Tru is a unique draw and attracts players who don’t have access to private clubs.

• Consideration of cost-benefit between maintaining Har-Tru vs. resurfacing with hard courts is essential.

USTA RESOURCES AND SUPPORT:

• USTA offers a range of grants, including for lighting, fencing, court surfaces, and water systems.

• Free court booking software and optional smart access system (PIN-based) are available.

• USTA can provide business models, design support, job descriptions, and help recruiting tennis pros.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Introducing a booking system would be a low-cost, high-impact improvement.

• Consider partnerships to restore programming and generate income.

Interviews Key People Coalition for Appropriate Transportation

Scott Slingerland

DATE: March 26, 2025

Scott Slingerland, Executive Director of CAT (Coalition for Appropriate Transportation), discussed bike and pedestrian safety in Bethlehem, current programs, and key opportunities for better connectivity, trail access, and park amenities. CAT focuses on bike access, trail safety, and mobility justice for all residents, especially those relying on public transit or active transportation.

CAT MISSION AND PROGRAMS:

• Advocates for biking, walking, and public transit as sustainable mobility options.

• Operates a Bike Co-op with around ~400 bikes ready for refurbishment, supporting access and volunteer engagement.

• Runs weekly community rides, youth bike skills programs, and school-based rodeos.

• Relocating to downtown in the coming year.

TRAIL CONNECTIVITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE:

• Prioritizes linking trails to everyday destinations (grocery stores, events, parks).

• Advocates for converting rail line near Burnside into a West Side Trail (included in 2016 trail plan).

• Connection priorities include 8th Ave, 5 points, the Hill to Hill Bridge, and Martin Tower area. Monocacy is key.

• Interest in connections toward Bethlehem Township and Camel’s Hump Farm area.

• Noted a rising demand for bike access across all ages; more planning that centers transportation equity and safe multi-modal access to parks.

SAND ISLAND AND AMENITIES:

• Sand Island is a key community hub, especially for CAT rides; weekly summer womens ride.

• Highlights maintenance issues (e.g., restrooms, water fountains removed or in disrepair).

• Notes potential for bike rental partnerships near Wildlands Conservancy storage area.

PARK IMPROVEMENTS AND PROGRAMMING:

• Programs primarily operate through schools and Health Bureau.

• Public restrooms and safe, well-maintained trailheads are top priorities to support trail users.

• Recommends reopening restrooms at Skateplaza.

Northside Safe and Vibrant Public

Realm

Committee

Meg Mikovits

DATE: April 16, 2025

Meg Mikovits shared insights on park access, amenities, connectivity, and local engagement strategies. With experience in community-based projects since preCOVID, including Friendship Park and broader Northside efforts, Meg emphasized the importance of parks as both neighborhood anchors and regional destinations.

CONNECTIVITY AND ACCESS:

• Emphasized the need for safe walking and biking access to parks, especially for families. Despite proximity to parks, her family has never felt safe letting kids walk to one.

• Highlighted Broad Street improvements and the potential for new bikeway “spokes” to improve east-west and neighborhood connections.

• Noted challenges reaching major parks like the Monocacy Park Complex without a car.

• Mentioned Monocacy Way as another valuable connection between neighborhoods.

SAND ISLAND AND REGIONAL LINKS:

• Identified Sand Island as a uniquely shared, centrally located resource that is accessible from all sides of Bethlehem.

• Supported the idea of a dedicated Sand Island master plan. Sees opportunity to tie in with Bethlehem’s heritage status and festivals.

PARK AMENITIES AND NEEDS:

• Concerns about lack of shade/pavilions, water fountains, and open restrooms – especially important for families and older adults.

• Noted seniors often gather on benches near Moravian Towers but disappear when it rains; potential for pavilions to activate.

CLEANLINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH:

• Referred to Lehigh’s “Trash Map” project on litter hotspots; suggested contacting Kate Jackson.

• Noted limited city resources for trash collection and private contracting for resident trash as possible cause of dumping in parks.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS:

• Encouraged park-business partnerships like adopt-a-park models.

Interviews Key People

The Ice House Doug Roysdon

DATE: April 17, 2025

Doug Roysdon shared reflections on public space, cultural infrastructure, and park connectivity. With decades of experience in the arts and civic engagement, as both founder of Mock Turtle Marionette Theater and lead of the Ice House Performing Arts Collaborative, Roysdon emphasized the transformative power of open space in shaping Bethlehem’s identity and supporting a sustainable, community-driven future.

CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE ARTS:

• Parks and public spaces are foundational to Bethlehem’s cultural landscape – “a cultural force,” not just recreation.

• Cited MusikFest as an example of place enabling art: walkable, decentralized spaces made the event possible.

• The Ice House serves as a grassroots, inclusive venue – hosting ~300 events annually and supporting local artists.

• Emphasized potential for open spaces to support Bethlehem’s arts tourism and World Heritage goals.

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AND CONNECTIVITY VISION:

• Advocated for a long-term plan for a pedestrian bridge and preservation of the land at 1st and Webster – key for a continuous North-South green corridor.

• Roysdon saw the bridge plan as core to building a biking/walking lifestyle in Bethlehem.

• Framed connectivity as essential for reducing car dependency and preserving City’s livability.

• Warned that without bold steps, traffic could undermine the city’s future as a cultural destination.

• Suggested looking at open spaces as part of an alternative transportation plan.

THE ICE HOUSE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

• Roysdon manages programming and fundraising for the Ice House (501c3), integrating arts, environmental initiatives, and partnerships (e.g., DandL Trail, native planting via “Rock and Grow”).

• Longstanding relationship with city recreation; now works directly with Jodi Evans.

• Sees potential for deeper integration between artists and city departments to enhance public programming.

Lehigh University Dr. Russell McIntire

DATE: April 23, 2025

Dr. Russell McIntire, a behavioral epidemiologist and associate professor at Lehigh University, shared insights on public health and green space. In his epidemiology course, students use the Community Park Audit Tool (CPAT) to assess Bethlehem’s parks and link findings to neighborhood health data. He expressed interest in longterm collaboration with the City to share park related data (including CPAT results) to inform and evaluate equitable park development.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND GREEN SPACE EQUITY:

• Dr. McIntire’s research explores the public health impact of green spaces, working with hospitals and non-profits.

• Collaborates with initiatives like Park in a Truck – a model for community-led park creation that also employs neighborhood youth (in partnership with Kim Douglas at Jefferson University in Philadelphia).

COMMUNITY PARK AUDITS AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT:

• Teaches an upper-level epidemiology course where students use the Community Park Audit Tool (CPAT) to evaluate Bethlehem’s parks.

• Each semester, students audit 25+ parks, collecting data on amenities, facilities, and incivilities – then link findings to public health indicators by census tract (e.g., physical activity, sleep issues, depression rates).

• Though some data gaps exist, the project offers valuable experiential learning and insight into park-health correlations.

• Open to developing an ongoing partnership between the City and Lehigh in a long-term collaboration and data sharing effort (including CPAT results) to guide equitable park development and deepen student engagement.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MASTER PLAN:

• Emphasized the importance of visibility and accessibility of parks – students struggled to locate some parks on maps or in person.

• Encouraged integration of health data and biodiversity in future planning efforts.

• Advocated for biodiversity and native planting in parks; often overlooked yet critical elements of public health planning.

• Encouraged looking to Park in a Truck model to engage youth with park maintenance.

Interviews Key People

Lehigh Valley Health Network

James Miller

DATE: May 30, 2025

Jim Miller, who has served you at LVHN for nearly 25 years, is Regional President of eight LVHN hospitals including LVH–Muhlenberg, LVH–Hecktown Oaks and LVH–Pocono. With a background in healthcare leadership – formerly serving as President at Hecktown Oaks – he brings a strong focus on behavioral health, community partnerships, and population health strategies. Miller advocates for leveraging parks and trails to improve mental and physical well-being, and is engaged in provider recruitment, revitalization efforts, and community-based programming. He also emphasized collaboration with local cities and organization to help support park enhancements, health screenings, and initiatives like healing gardens and fitness events.

FOCUS AREAS:

• Every three years, LVHN updates their Needs Assessment Implementation Plan. The 2022 plan focuses on mental and behavioral health, among other topics.

IMPACT OF TRAILS:

• Parks and trails have a role in promoting mental and physical health, aligning with a strategy of population health management and behavioral health improvement.

• Miller mentioned potential mixed-use development at Martin Tower and the possibility of a trail extension at the site.

• There is an 144-bed behavioral health hospital in Hellertown that is scheduled to open in 2026, and its proximity to trails will benefit the community. This will be positively impacted by extension of the South Bethlehem Greenway to the Saucon Rail Trail in Hellertown.

• Miller highlighted LVHN efforts to recruit and retain providers by leveraging the revitalization of the Lehigh Valley, which is increasingly attractive to young families.

• Miller emphasized the need for safety measures, such as AEDs along trails, particularly in areas frequented by the elderly.

COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVES:

• LVHN partners with school districts to support behavioral health and healthy living initiatives.

• LVHN’s strength lies in participating in community events rather than fixed locations in parks, citing examples like their presence at farmers markets to offer health screenings.

• Miller oversaw a new partnership with Wildlands Conservancy at Hecktown Oaks to integrate native meadows into the trails and hospital grounds.

• There are healing gardens at Muhlenberg, which are maintained by master gardeners and provide fresh produce for staff.

St. Luke’s University Health Network

Dr. Rajika E. Reed,

Ph.D., MPH, M.Ed. Dr. John Hauth, EdD, LAT, ATC

DATE: June 11, 2025

Dr Rajika E. Reed holds the role of Vice President for Community Health at St. Luke’s and is responsible for conducting community health needs assessments across their 15-campus network. Dr. John Hauth serves as the Senior Director of Sports Medicine at St. Luke’s. The group explored potential collaborations between healthcare programs and park improvements, addressing issues such as access to care, chronic disease prevention, and community engagement. They also discussed the importance of trail networks, public spaces for employee retention, and the need for data on the impact of public spaces on community health. Community health assessment goals for 2025 remain consistent with a focus on access to care and related social determinants of health.

COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE ACCESS INITIATIVES

• Current initiatives focus on improving access to care, preventing chronic diseases, and addressing food insecurity through community partnerships.

• Collaboration with athletic trainers at the schools allows for connecting underserved populations with necessary resources.

• Sports serve as a unifying force within the community.

• Collaborations exist with local organizations such as the Hispanic Center and the cultural and linguistic workforce development centers.

PARKS PROGRAMMING AND COMMUNITY ACCESS

• Hauth highlighted the potential to expand programming and education into the parks more systematically.

• Reed noted existing disparities in park usage across different communities, emphasizing the importance of addressing safety, lighting, and cultural accessibility to increase diversity within park users.

• Infrastructure improvements, such as amphitheater spaces and shade could allow for better accommodation of programs.

TRAIL NETWORK DISCUSSION AND UPDATES

• The trails on the Anderson campus are the most heavily used.

• Bethlehem trails require more advanced hiking skills.

PUBLIC SPACES AND EMPLOYEE ATTRACTION

• Contemporary and safe community centers were noted as appealing amenities that would aid in attracting recruits.

Grant Funding Resources $

Grant Funding Resources

This appendix identifies grants for which the City of Bethlehem may be eligible to apply, outlined across categories of funding opportunity pertinent to the recommendations described by the master plan.

AARP Flagship Grants

$500-$50,000

(Average award ~$12,000)

AARP CapacityBuilding Microgrants

$2,500 and additional resources

AARP Demonstration Grants Up to $50,000 (Most awards $10,000$20,000)

American Academy of Dermatology

Shade Structure Grants Up to $8,000

Note that while opportunities described herein were available at the time of this plan’s development, availability, program goals, application deadlines, and eligibility requirements may change. Visit program websites or contact grant administrators directly to learn more.

Flagship Grants support projects that benefit residents by creating vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities; delivering a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability and access to transit; and supporting community resilience through investments that improve disaster management, preparedness and mitigation

https://www.aarp.org/livablecommunities/community-challenge/

Microgrants support Bike Audits to enhance safety and bikeability in communities, as well as Walk Audits to enhance safety and walkability.

https://www.aarp.org/livablecommunities/community-challenge/

Demonstration Grants encourage the replication of promising efforts related to enhancing pedestrian safety by creating safer streets and sidewalks, with a focus on people age 50-plus, as well as reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure.

https://www.aarp.org/livablecommunities/community-challenge/

The Shade Structure Program awards grants of up to $8,000 for installing permanent shade structures for outdoor locations that are not protected from the sun, such as playgrounds, pools, or recreation spaces. In addition to the grant, the AAD also provides permanent signage for display near the shade structure.

https://www.aad.org/public/publichealth/shade-structure-grants

Government entities; 501(c)(3), 501(c) (4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits; other organizations considered on caseby-case basis

December X

Government entities; 501(c)(3), 501(c) (4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits; other organizations considered on caseby-case basis

March X

Community partner/ application required.

Open to 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations and public schools that provide services, programs, and curricula to children 18 and younger

December X

American Trails Trails Capacity Program

$2,000$10,000

Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative Up to $100,000 (Previous limit was $25,000 per project)

This program funds projects that strategically improve the abilities and capacity of the trails community as a whole. The program targets available funding toward supporting small local trail projects that engage the community and connect trail assets to a broader spectrum of users, measuring success in terms of visible, on-the-ground maintenance of trails and increased capacity of organizations and trail stewards.

https://www.americantrails.org/ resources/apply-for-the-trailscapacity-program

Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative responds to the growing number of cities around the world embracing art as an effective and relatively low-cost strategy to activate their streets. While cities incorporate art into public spaces in a variety of ways, the focus of this initiative is what we’re calling asphalt art: visual interventions on roadways (intersections and crosswalks), pedestrian spaces (plazas and sidewalks), and vertical infrastructure (utility boxes, traffic barriers, and underpasses).

https://asphaltart.bloomberg.org/

Projects on public or private land on motorized or nonmotorized trails/ project that are open to the public anywhere in the U.S.

Cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States with populations of 50,000 or more

January

Conservation Alliance Confluence Program Up to $50,000 per year

The Confluence Program connects with Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, Latin American, Black, Brown, or additional communities who identify as People of Color for the protection of natural places. Projects must seek to achieve either: 1) Protection efforts including private land acquisitions/easements, federal-level efforts to conserve land and water, and landscape scale restoration efforts (rewilding or rehabilitation of land and/or water), or 2) Support of management processes and planning that promote the climate resiliency and biodiversity of protected areas, including traditional ecological knowledge and Indigenous land management and stewardship practices.

https://conservationalliance.com/ confluence/

Community partner/ application required.

Open to local and national nonprofit organizations, Tribes, and groups with fiscal sponsorship. Organization/group must self-identify as being led by Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, Latin American, Black, Brown, or additional communities who identify as People of Color. Organizations/ groups must have had a general operating budget of $1 million or less.

Interest form due in August X

Grant Funding Resources

AARP Flagship Grants

$500-$50,000

(Average award ~$12,000)

AARP CapacityBuilding Microgrants

$2,500 and additional resources

Flagship Grants support projects that benefit residents (especially those over 50) by creating vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities; delivering a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability and access to public and private transit; and supporting community resilience through investments that improve disaster management, preparedness and mitigation

https://www.aarp.org/livablecommunities/community-challenge/

Capacity-Building Microgrants support Bike Audits to enhance safety and bikeability in communities (especially for people age 50-plus), as well as Walk Audits to enhance safety and walkability.

https://www.aarp.org/livablecommunities/community-challenge/

Government entities; 501(c)(3), 501(c) (4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits; other organizations considered on caseby-case basis

December X X

AARP Demonstration Grants Up to $50,000

(Most awards $10,000$20,000)

American Academy of Dermatology

Shade Structure Grants Up to $8,000

https://www.aarp.org/livablecommunities/community-challenge/

https://www.aad.org/public/publichealth/shade-structure-grants

Government entities; 501(c)(3), 501(c) (4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits; other organizations considered on caseby-case basis

March X

Community partner/ application required.

Open to 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations and public schools that provide services, programs, and curricula to children 18 and younger

December X

American Trails Trails Capacity Program

$2,000$10,000

Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative Up to $100,000 (Previous limit was $25,000 per project)

https://www.americantrails.org/ resources/apply-for-the-trailscapacity-program

https://asphaltart.bloomberg.org/

Projects on public or private land on motorized or nonmotorized trails/ project that are open to the public anywhere in the U.S.

Cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States with populations of 50,000 or more

January

Conservation Alliance Confluence Program Up to $50,000 per year

https://conservationalliance.com/ confluence/

Community partner/ application required.

Interest form due in August X

Grant Funding Resources

Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener Plus Grants Program

Up to $500,000

GameTime Community Champions Playground Grant

Up to 100% matching funds toward a new play system

Growing Greener provides funding to restore and protect water resources by reducing nonpoint source pollution and improving stormwater management. Successfully supported projects include those that implement stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP), stream restoration, bank stabilization to reduce runoff volumes, increased infiltration, improved water quality, and assistance in future flood prevention and climate resiliency. Among other focuses, the program also supports the restoration of floodplains to mitigate the risk of flood damage in the watershed. A 5% match is typically required, though projects in Environmental Justice areas may have this requirement waived.

https://www.pa.gov/services/ dep/water/bwrnsm/apply-for-adepartment-of-environmentalprotection-growing-greener-plusgrant

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation strategically donates orchards, training, and aftercare where the harvest will best serve communities for generations – including public schools, city parks, community gardens, food banks, and underserved neighborhoods.

https://www.ftpf.org/

GameTime offers matching funds toward the purchase of a new play system. The price of playground system must exceed $75,000 to qualify for up to a 100% matching grant. For play systems less than $75,000, matching funds up to 80% are available.

https://www.gametime.com/funding/ playground-grant

Incorporated watershed associations; counties, planning commissions, and municipalities; municipal authorities; councils of governments; and others

Government entities, nonprofits, NGOs, public schools

applications accepted

Fruit Tree Planting Foundation

Orchard Donation Program Orchard donation

CommunityBuilt Playspace Grants Playground donation and support

Keep America Beautiful Community Grant Programs Up to $5,000 and/or material support

KABOOM! works with communities to design, plan, and build new playspaces using a community-build model. The organization makes grants to municipalities, schools, and childserving nonprofit organizations in support of Playgrounds, Adventure Courses, and Multi-Sport Courts. Applicants must give evidence of available space and ability to maintain equipment, and be able to describe the anticipated impact that the grant will have on the community and increased play opportunities.

https://kaboom.org/community-builtplayspaces/need/ Municipalities, schools, and childserving nonprofit organizations

This grant program supports nonprofit organizations and community groups to implement programs or projects designed to build clean, green, and beautiful places for all to thrive and enjoy. Funding is available independently or collectively to: promote public space recycling collection; build strong neighborhoods; beautify through tree planting; and prevent littering by addressing cigarette litter and collecting litter from waterways.

https://kab.org/apply-here/

Community partner may be required.

Open to nonprofit organizations and community groups.

National Endowment for the Arts

Our Town: Grants for Arts Program Cost share/ matching grants range from $25,000 to $150,000, with a minimum cost share/match equal to the grant amount

Our Town is the National Endowment for the Arts’ creative placemaking grants program. Through projectbased funding, we support projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities over the long term. Successful Our Town projects demonstrate a specific role for arts, culture, and design as part of strategies for strengthening local communities, ultimately centering equity and laying the groundwork for long-term systems change tailored to community needs and opportunities.

https://www.arts.gov/grants/grantsfor-arts-projects

All applications are submitted by one organization and require one partner organization. The applicant/partner pair must include 1) a nonprofit organization and 2) a local government or quasi-government entity.

Kaboom!

Grant Funding Resources

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Five Star and Urban Water Restoration Program

$10,000$40,000

National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP)

Past project proposals have ranged in size from $300,000 to $5,000,000. Minimum 1:1 matching ratio for funding.

The Five Star and Urban Waters Program develops stewardship of natural resources, preserving resources for future generations and enhancing habitat. Grants address water issues in priority watersheds, such as erosion due, pollution from runoff, and degraded shorelines caused by development. All projects must have on-the-ground activities (such as wetland, river or coastal habitat restoration), community partners united to achieve ecological and educational outcomes, integrated education and outreach through broad community, and engagement activities or participation and integration with K-12 environmental curriculum.

https://www.nfwf.org/programs/fivestar-and-urban-waters-restorationgrant-program

ORLP is a grant program administered by NPS that delivers funding to communities with priority given to projects located in low-income areas and lacking in outdoor recreation opportunities. Awards address outdoor recreation deficits by supporting projects in cities and local communities that create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors. In Pennsylvania, ORLP provides funding for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2).

https://lwcfcoalition.org/orlp

Local governments, schools, organizations, corporations, landowners

State-lead agencies are eligible to submit applications, although they may do so on behalf of themselves or another entity via a sub-grant. Eligible sub-recipients include other state agencies, local units of government (cities, counties, and park districts), and federally-recognized Tribes. To meet ORLP objectives and goals, projects must be: located within a community having a population of 25,000 or more, and located within a community that is determined to be underserved.

National Park Service State and Local Assistance Programs Division (SLAD)

Varies; 100% match required

The State Side of the LWCF via NPS provides matching grants to local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. S75% of total funds have gone to locally sponsored projects to provide closeto-home recreation opportunities readily accessible to America's youth, adults, senior citizens and the physically or mentally challenged. Projects must reflect the policies and priorities of the state’s most current Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The first step is to contact the cooperating state office. In Pennsylvania, the DCNR administers the Land and Water Conservation Fund program.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/lwcf/ stateside.htm

Public agencies, including state, local, and tribal governments and districts.

Northampton County Livable Landscapes Grant Program

Reimbursable grant, with 50% match required

Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts Lawn Conversion and Riparian Buffer MiniGrant Program

$25,000 per project; 50:50 match required

The Livable Landscape Program provides competitive grant funding opportunities to eligible applicants, with program priorities focusing on Land Preservation, Ecological Restoration, Education and Outreach, Municipal Park Development and Rehabilitation, and Regional Trails.

https://www.norcopa.gov/livablelandscapes-grant

Conservation districts can apply for funding to convert mowed lawn to native upland forests or meadows or install riparian forest buffers in conjunction with landowners. Eligible expenses include: contractor fees or other labor costs; site preparation and post-planting establishment activities; herbicide applications; soil testing and appropriate soil amendments; tree and shrub stock; tree protection materials (tubes or other shelters, stakes, etc.); seed, carrier (rice hulls or clay kitty litter), and weed-free straw; equipment rental; supplemental or replacement plantings; and permanent signs.

https://pacd.org/wp-content/ uploads/2025/05/GUIDELINESLawn-Con-Buffers.pdf

Any city, borough, township within Northampton County; Council of Governments within Northampton County; Authorized Organizations

Application via local conservation district. Lawn Conversion projects must occur on presently maintained lawn. Projects may be implemented on public or private lands.

Rolling applications, closing June 2027 X

Grant Funding Resources

Grantor

National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP)

Past project proposals have ranged in size from $300,000 to $5,000,000.

Minimum 1:1 matching ratio for funding.

https://lwcfcoalition.org/orlp

National Park Service State and Local Assistance Programs Division (SLAD)

Varies; 100% match required

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/lwcf/ stateside.htm

Public agencies, including state, local, and tribal governments and districts.

Varies X X

Northampton County Livable Landscapes Grant Program

Reimbursable grant, with 50% match required

Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts Lawn Conversion and Riparian Buffer MiniGrant Program

https://www.norcopa.gov/livablelandscapes-grant

$25,000 per project; 50:50 match required

Pennsylvania Council of the Arts Creative Communities Initiative

Up to $25,000 for up to four years; 1:1 match is required (up to 50% can be in-kind)

https://pacd.org/wp-content/ uploads/2025/05/GUIDELINESLawn-Con-Buffers.pdf

This program provide funding to community-driven, arts-based projects for livability, economic development, and community connectedness. These projects are rooted in community engagement and engage artists, culture bearers, designers, and community members through conversation, cultivation, and creation activities to address community needs, challenges, and opportunities. Successful past project examples include the transformation of a vacant lot into community green space and community-lead public art projects that infuse art and design into neighborhood infrastructure and business improvements.

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ coa/grants-and-loans/creativecommunities-initiative

Any city, borough, township within Northampton County; Council of Governments within Northampton County; Authorized Organizations

Application via local conservation district. Lawn Conversion projects must occur on presently maintained lawn. Projects may be implemented on public or private lands.

Rolling applications, closing June 2027

Required partnership of at least two organizations, one of which will serve as the lead applicant; lead applicant must be a unit of government, nonprofit (501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organization

Grant Funding Resources

Grantor

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program

Up to $250,000; 15% match required

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) Watershed Restoration and Protection Program

This program supports development, rehabilitation and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation. Property may be acquired to create new park and recreation areas and/or expand existing recreational sites. Greenways and trails projects can involve the renovation and development of linear public facilities, such as bicycle, walking, equestrian, snowmobile, and nature trails; passive recreation areas; riparian forest buffers; wetland boardwalks; observation decks. Rivers conservation projects can enhance rivers, streams, and watersheds for recreation.

https://dced.pa.gov/programs/ greenways-trails-and-recreationprogram-gtrp/

Up to $300,000 for any project; 15% match required

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR)

Community and Watershed Forestry Grants

Minimum grant award is $50,000; requires 20% match

The goal this program is to restore, and maintain restored stream reaches impaired by the uncontrolled discharge of nonpoint source polluted runoff, and ultimately to remove these streams from the Department of Environmental Protection’s Impaired Waters list. Awards will be considered for projects that involve the construction, improvement, expansion, repair, maintenance or rehabilitation of new or existing watershed protection Best Management Practices (BMPs).

https://dced.pa.gov/programs/ watershed-restoration-protectionprogram-wrpp/

Community and Watershed Forestry projects fund riparian buffers, lawn-to-meadow conversions, and community trees. Funding can help with outreach, design, planting, and post-planting maintenance. One application can support multiple installations and practices, including riparian forest buffers; lawn conversion to forest or meadow; and community tree planting, including Urban and Community Forestry.

https://www.pa.gov/services/dcnr/ apply-for-dcnr-community-andwatershed-forestry-grants

Municipalities; councils of governments; institutes of higher education; watershed organizations; forprofit businesses; and others

County and municipal governments, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions

Grantor

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) Land Conservation and Acquisition Grants

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) Non-Motorized Trail Grants

$150,000$500,000; dollar-for-dollar match typically required

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) Park Rehabilitation and Development Grants

$25,000$500,000; dollar-fordollar match is typically required, however some projects may qualify for 20% match

DCNR helps communities and nonprofit organizations across Pennsylvania acquire land for public parks and open space through its grant program. Funding can include support for purchase(s) or donation(s) of land for: critical habitat and open space; community recreation areas; trail corridors and greenways; or conservation easements following the WeConservePA Model Easement.

https://www.pa.gov/services/dcnr/ apply-for-dcnr-land-acquisition-andconservation-grants

Trail grants support both motorized and non-motorized trails. For grant purposes, a trail is defined as a designated route on land with public access for recreation and/or alternative transportation opportunities that accommodate users of various ages and abilities such as walking, jogging, hiking, fitness, backpacking, cross country skiing, bicycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, fourwheel driving, and all-terrain off-road vehicles. A project must have at least 75% of the total project cost related to trail and/or trail facilities. Projects that involve the development of walking paths and internal walkways within parks are not considered trail projects.

https://www.pa.gov/services/dcnr/ apply-for-dcnr-trail-grants

$100,000$250,000; dollar-fordollar match is typically required

Development grants help build or rehabilitate park and recreation facilities. Facilities must be open to the public Example facilities include, but are not limited to playgrounds, skate parks, ballfields; pools; splash pads; pavilion, and indoor recreation facilities.

https://www.pa.gov/services/dcnr/ apply-for-dcnr-park-rehabilitationand-development-grants

County and municipal governments, eligible municipal agencies, and pre-qualified land trusts

County and municipal governments, eligible municipal agencies, non-profit organizations, and for-profit entities

County and municipal governments, eligible municipal agencies, and non-profit organizations

Grant Funding Resources

Grantor

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC)

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP)

Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) Grants

Typical awards range $50,000$500,000

Environmental Education Grants Up to $65,000

The C2P2 grant program builds connections between Pennsylvanians and the outdoors by supporting recreational improvements, natural resource conservation, and community revitalization efforts.

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ dcnr/programs-and-services/ grants/community-conservationpartnerships-program-grants

This program provides funds to support a wide range of environmental education projects including meaningful, hands-on programs for students, teacher training workshops, and community conservation projects for adults.

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/ residents/environmental-education/ environmental-education-grants

County and municipal governments; Municipal agencies; 501(c)3 non-profit organizations; Forprofit businesses (limited options) April X

Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC)

Mini Grants for Cycling Activation

Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC)

Water Trail Mini Grants

Up to $15,000; 1:1 match (cash or in-kind) required

Up to $7,000; 1:1 match (cash or in-kind) required

This program, funded by the DCNR and administered by PEC, provides $1,000 to $15,000 for projects or events that activate existing cycling assets through programming, promotion, or providing informational resources for cycling opportunities centered on gravel roads, mountain bike trails, and multi-use pathways throughout Pennsylvania.

https://pecpa.org/news/minigrants-up-to-15000-for-cyclingactivation-now-available/?blm_ aid=3795245057

Grants are available for projects that advance goals such as creating recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians on Water Trails; developing trails that support sustainable use of natural resources; increasing and improving physical and psychological access to Water Trails; and connecting water trails to land trails or to other culturally significant community assets. All projects must occur on a designated Pennsylvania Water Trail, among which the Lehigh River is included.

https://pecpa.org/news/2025-pawater-trail-mini-grants-now-available/

Community applicant/partner or conservation district support required. Open to schools and colleges, environmental and community-based organizations, county conservation districts, and eligible businesses.

Municipalities, counties, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status 501(c)(3).. 1:1 match in the form of cash and/ or eligible non-cash (in-kind) services, or a combination of both cash and in-kind. October

Public entities (such as a county, municipality, or municipal agency) and registered nonprofit organizations

Grantor

Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)

Varies

Pennsylvania Native Plant Society

Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR)

PNPS Grants ~$1,000

Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF) enable states to fund a range of water infrastructure projects, including green or nature-based infrastructure. Through the Green Project Reserve, CWSRFs target critical green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements, and other environmentally innovative activities. Examples include environmental projects such as rain gardens, green schoolyards and parks, and porous sidewalk/surface installation.

https://www.pennvest.pa.gov/ Information/Funding-Programs/ Pages/Clean-Water-State-RevolvingFund.aspx

The Native Plant Society makes grants to install native plants. A successful application will include a description of the project with Pennsylvania native plant species to be planted, a budget, and any relevant permits or landowner permission.

https://www.panativeplantsociety.org/ grants.htmln/

Local Pennsylvania governments that wish to use these funds should contact the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST)

Pennsylvania Native Plant Society

Statewide Waterway Access Grant (SWAG)

Up to $30,000; 1:1 match (cash, in-kind, or a combination) required

PNPS Grants" ~$1,000

This program provides grants for design and engineering, construction, or upgrade and rehabilitation of non-motorized public access projects. Priority is given to projects that improve recreational access on waterways as well as those that support and advance POWR’s mission, specifically the facilitation, stewardship, and enjoyment of Pennsylvania’s waterways.

https://weconservepa.org/blog/ statewide-waterway-access-swaggrant-applications-now-open/

“The Pennsylvania Native Plant Society makes small grants to individuals or groups to install native plants. A successful application will include a description of the project with Pennsylvania native plant species to be planted, a budget, and any relevant permits or landowner permission. Applicants will be reimbursed after providing purchase receipts to PNPS.”

Applicants must be or become PNPS members

Municipalities, counties, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status 501(c)(3)

February X

January X X

Grant Funding Resources

People, Parks and Community Foundation (PPCF)

Capacity and Community Development Grant

People, Parks and Community Foundation (PPCF)

Recreational and Educational Development Grant

Up to $30,000 PPCF empowers organizations with to effect change within via recreational and educational opportunities. Such projects facilitate collective action to generate solutions to common problems, involve civic leaders, activists, engaged citizens, and professionals to improve and build a more resilient neighborhood or local community. They may take the form of facility upgrades, program expansions, technical assistance, people development, or comprehensive planning for a more sustainable future.

https://peopleparks.org/programs#

Up to $30,000 Park and recreation systems contribute expansively to a healthy economy, environment, and society in dozens of documented, tangible ways. PPCF invests in resources, facilities and programs that promote personal and community wellbeing, and advance solutions to our most pressing societal issues.

https://peopleparks.org/programs#

Quadratec Energize the Environment Grants

$3,500

Quadratec awards two small grants to an individual or group currently pursuing a program or initiative designed to benefit the environment. Examples include: trail building or restoration projects; park beautification events; litter prevention initiatives; sustainable land management activities; community environmental educational projects; and youth educational engagement events.

https://www.quadratec.com/page/ quadratec-cares-grant-program

R.K. Laros Foundation Foundation Grants Varies Grant proposals are accepted once annually and considered for Capital Campaigns and Brick and Mortar Projects in Bethlehem. The Foundation welcomes grant proposals for projects that will have a lasting impact for the organization and the community it serves. The Board of Trustees for the Foundation meets annually to review and consider grant proposals in November.

https://www.larosfoundation.org/

Any individual, group, or organization in the U.S. who has a love for all things environmental, and has an idea or event designed to help improve our environment

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC)

Trail Grants

Regional Foundation Neighborhood Planning Grants

$5,000$25,000

Trail Grants build strong foundations in communities for equitable trail network development and activation. Grants support organizations at all levels – from local and national nonprofits to public agencies –with a focus on community-based leadership, engagement and longterm impact. Projects must serve or plan to serve multiple user types (e.g., bicycling, walking/hiking or horseback riding) and be considered a rail-trail, greenway, multi-use trail or shareduse path.

https://www.railstotrails.org/grants/

$50,000$125,000 for a period of 12-18 months

to $50,000

These grants support the creation of plans that address root causes of inequality and address any number of community development priorities including but not limited to affordable housing, workforce development, human services, commercial corridor initiatives, environmental justice, transportation, and education. The foundation supports organizations in their capacity to define “neighborhood” as they see fit, regardless of population density; rural, suburban, small town, small city and large city neighborhoods are eligible to apply.

https://www.regionalfoundation.org/ grant-opportunities/

Hometown Grants fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections. Projects should be shovel-ready, physical builds or improvements that can be completed within 12 months. Examples of projects include: adaptive uses of older and historic buildings into community gathering spaces, improvements to outdoor parks or trails, and technology projects for the public library.

https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/ hometown-grants

Local, state, regional or tribal government agencies; non-profit organizations; and other organizations Call for proposals will re-open Spring 2026 X

Applicants must fall within one of the foundations 62 service area counties in Pennsylvania, including Northampton and Lehigh

Elected officials, town managers/ employees, tribal leaders, or nonprofit community leaders from small towns with population less than 50,000 can apply

T-Mobile Hometown Grants Up

Grant Funding Resources

Tree Pennsylvania Bare Root Tree Grant Program Tree donation

TrueValue Painting a Brighter Future Grants 20 gallons of paint

This program assists communities in Pennsylvania with increasing the tree canopy and commitment to urban and community forests. The program provides 10-20 large caliper bare root trees for planting on land owned by a municipality (streets and parks) or non-profit organizations.

https://treepennsylvania.org/bareroot-tree-program/

True Value Foundation provides 20-gallon paint grants through the Painting a Brighter Future program for deserving schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, or other youth-development focused programs that have a need for paint. Interested applicants should approach a local TrueValue retailer, which submits the application on the grantees behalf. Municipalities might support or team with a community partner applying for this grant.

https://truevaluecompany.com/ painting-a-brighter-future-grant

Retailer submits application on grantees behalf

Trust for Public Land On Common Ground Grants

Up to $30,000

This research and capacity building program that supports parks and public space projects to foster social connection, bridge community divides, and strengthen community resilience. Proposals are accepted for community projects that help community members connect across lines of difference, with a focus on park stewardship and volunteerism, participatory planning and decision making, and park programming.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLSfdccyv3YxYODqitZbinh9F qdJHsi4WWko1DH1WaB-5JjEbAg/ viewform

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Economic Development Initiative: Community Project Funding (CPF) Grants Varies Projects selected for Community Project Funding and congressionallydirected spending are identified by congressional members, included in HUD annual appropriation and listed in the Joint Explanatory Statement (JES). Interested applicants should make a request for Community Project Funding via their U.S. Representative’s office.

https://www.hud.gov/stat/cpd/edigrants#close

Municipal or county governments, eligible municipal agencies, or pre-qualified land trusts

Rolling applications re-open in January

CPF grants are selected through a congressionallydirected application process by Congress. Varies

Grantor

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Choice Nighborhoods Initiative Grants

Varies CDBG supports community development activities to build stronger and resilient communities. Activities address needs such as infrastructure, economic development projects, public facilities installation, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, clearance/acquisition, microenterprise assistance, code enforcement, homeowner assistance, etc.

https://dced.pa.gov/programs/ community-development-blockgrant-cdbg/

Up to $500,000 These competitive grants redevelop severely distressed HUD housing, catalyze investments in the surrounding neighborhood, and improve the lives of residents of the HUD housing. Planning Grants assist communities in developing their comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plan or “Transformation Plan.” Implementation Grants support communities that are ready to implement their Transformation Plan.

https://www.hudexchange.info/ programs/choice-neighborhoods/ planning-grants-resources/#assetsand-needs-assessments

Principal cities of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs); Other metropolitan cities with populations of at least 50,000; Qualified urban counties with populations of at least 200,000 (excluding the population of entitled cities)

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)

Implementation Grants:

$2,500,000$25,000,000; Planning and Demonstration Grants: $100,000 to $5,000,000

SS4A through 2026 will offer funds for both planning and implementation available to support the creation of safe routes to school and public transit services through multiple activities that lead to people safely walking, biking, and rolling in underserved communities, the installation of pedestrian safety enhancements, and the closing of network gaps with sidewalks. Such route enhancements could include more equitable access to nature such as safe routes to parks, connectors between green spaces, etc.

https://www.transportation.gov/ grants/ss4a/how-to-apply

"Counties, cities, towns, transit agencies, and other special districts; metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs); and federally recognized Tribal governments "

Varies June X

Grant Funding Resources

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Bicycle and Pedestrian Program

Varies The Federal Highway Administration's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program promotes safe, comfortable, and convenient walking and bicycling for people of all ages and abilities. It supports pedestrian and bicycle transportation through funding, policy guidance, program management, and resource development.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ environment/bicycle_pedestrian/

Recreational Trails Program Varies This program provides funds to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP is an assistance program of the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Federal transportation funds benefit recreation including hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ environment/recreational_trails/

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Bridge Investment Program Varies This is a competitive, discretionary program that focuses on existing bridges to reduce the overall number of bridges in poor condition, or in fair condition at risk of falling into poor condition. It also expands applicant eligibilities to create opportunity for all levels of government to be direct recipients of program funds. Metropolitan planning organizations and local governments can apply directly to FHWA, making it easier to advance projects at the local level that meet community needs.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/bip/

Local and tribal governments, states and federal lands management agencies, metropolitan planning organizations August

Grantor

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Wildlife Crossings Program

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields CommunityWide Assessment Grants

Varies Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program grants are provided to reduce wildlife vehicle collisions while improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. Eligible Construction Projects include engineering, design, permitting, right-of-way acquisition, and other activities related to the construction of infrastructure improvements, such as the building of a wildlife crossing overpass or underpass. Non-Construction projects include planning, research, and educational activities that are not directly related to construction of infrastructure improvements, such as a hot spot analysis. It is unclear yet whether future funding will be available.

https://highways.dot.gov/federallands/wildlife-crossings

Up to $500,000 to assess sites contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants or petroleum

EPA’s Brownfields Program collaborates with federal partners, state agencies, Tribal Nations and other EPA offices (e.g., Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation) to provide direct funding for a variety of brownfield-related activities. Brownfield Assessment Grants provide funding for brownfield inventories, planning, environmental assessments and community outreach. Community-Wide Assessment Grants are appropriate for communities that are beginning to address their brownfield challenges, as well as for communities that have ongoing efforts to bring sites into productive reuse.

https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/ types-funding

Units of local government; Regional transportation authorities; Special purpose districts or public authorities with a transportation function; Indian tribes; Federal Land Management Agencies; State Departments of Transportation; Metropolitan Planning Organizations; or a group of any of the above entities

Varies November X

Grant Funding Resources

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Multipurpose Grants Up to $1,000,000; $40,000 cash or in-kind match required

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Highlands Conservation Act Grant

Funding floor of $25,000

Multipurpose Grants are appropriate for communities that have identified through community engagement efforts a discrete area (such as a neighborhood, a number of neighboring towns, a district, a corridor, a shared planning area or a census tract) with one or more brownfield sites. Applicants must demonstrate how grant funds will result in at least one of each of the following: Phase II environmental site assessment; Site cleanup; and/or and Overall revitalization that includes a feasible reuse plan for one site.

https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/ types-funding

Grants are awarded to state agencies within the Highlands region. Projects must be in areas identified as having high conservation value based on the program’s resource priorities –forest, water, agriculture, recreation, biodiversity and cultural resources. Base funding is distributed evenly among states that submit a proposal narrative and a list of priority projects. Competitive funding is distributed through ranking of individual projects submitted by all four states, based on published criteria that reflect the conservation goals of the Highlands Conservation Act.

https://www.fws.gov/program/ highlands-conservation-act-grant

State agencies within the Highlands region, which spans Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut

U.S. Tennis Association (USTA)

Tennis Venue Services Grant Varies on a percourt basis up to 50% of the total project cost

The USTA offers competitive grant funding to tennis facilities that are open to the public, ranging from lowcomplexity improvement projects to new construction and reconstruction.

https://www.usta.com/en/home/ coach-organize/tennis-support/ facility-assistance.html

Tennis facilities open to the public with current USTA organizational membership

applications X

Grantor

U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) Adaptive Tennis Grant

$1,000-$4,000 The Adaptive Tennis Grant is offered to assist in the promotion, implementation and growth of Adaptive tennis programs at the community level. Criteria for selection include a plan for program sustainability, growth, and expansion.

WeConservePA Regional Trail Workshop Grants Up to 80% of costs associated with workshops (not to exceed $5,000) and requiring 20% match

https://www.usta.com/en/home/ about-usta/who-we-are/national/ about-adaptive-tennis.html

Funded by PA DCNR, this grant supports educational programming and safety training related to land trails, water trails, and greenways. Programs eligible for grant funding include: trail safety education or trail-related environmental education; training on improving accessibility and sustainability; and training on planning, design, construction, and maintenance of trails for trail managers and volunteers.

https://weconservepa.org/trails/ regional-trail-grants/

Tennis facilities open to the public with current USTA organizational membership November X

Open to local governments and nonprofit organizations January X X

40 in 10: Bethlehem Parks & Recreation Master Plan APPENDIX

General Information

Data Sources

U.S. Census Data

Bethlehem Demographics

EDUCATION

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

TYPES OF DISABILITY

Who lives in Bethlehem?

TAPESTRY SEGMENTATION

What are the top “Life Modes” in Bethlehem?

36.03% GenXurban

23.75% Middle Ground

15.11% Next Wave

Bethlehem?

9.52% Senior Styles

5.69% Midtown Singles

5.56% Affluent Estates

4.34% Scholars and Patriots

Northeast Bethlehem Population Per Square Mile

TAKE-AWAYS:

Northeast Bethlehem Percentage Owner Occupied

LEGEND

TAKE-AWAYS:

Northeast Bethlehem

CITY OF BETHLEHEM

TAKE-AWAYS:

Northeast Bethlehem Median Income

CITY OF BETHLEHEM

TAKE-AWAYS:

Northeast Bethlehem Equity Mapping

Central Bethlehem Population Per Square Mile

TAKE-AWAYS:

Central Bethlehem Percentage Owner Occupied

TAKE-AWAYS:

Central Bethlehem Median Age

TAKE-AWAYS:

Central Bethlehem Median Income

TAKE-AWAYS:

Central Bethlehem Equity Mapping

South Bethlehem Population Per Square Mile

TAKE-AWAYS:

South Bethlehem Percentage Owner Occupied

TAKE-AWAYS:

South Bethlehem Median Age

CITY OF BETHLEHEM

TAKE-AWAYS:

South Bethlehem Median

Income

TAKE-AWAYS:

South Bethlehem Equity Mapping

West Bethlehem Population Per Square Mile

TAKE-AWAYS:

West Bethlehem Percentage Owner Occupied

TAKE-AWAYS:

West Bethlehem

TAKE-AWAYS:

West Bethlehem Median Income

CITY OF BETHLEHEM

TAKE-AWAYS:

West Bethlehem Equity Mapping

Race and Ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino Population

Household Language

Race and Ethnicity

% Change: Hispanic or Latino Population 2013-2022

Black or African American Race and Ethnicity

American

Indian and Alaska Native

Race and Ethnicity

Asian

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander PERCENT NATIVE HAWAIIAN AND

ISLANDER POPULATION

Race and Ethnicity

Two or More Races

Geocaching Existing Locations

Equity and Inclusivity

Zoning

Take-aways:

Aligned Goals Of Relevant Plans: