(L to R) State Rep. Brendan Boyle, State Rep. Dennis O'Brien, State Sen. Mike Stack, Temple University Director of Commonwealth and Federal Affairs George Kenney and Gov. Rendell's Chief of Staff Steve Crawford discuss plans for the state park. Photo supplied by Sen. Stack's office.

State Sen. Mike Stack today joined elected officials, the Rendell administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Parkwood Civic Association to announce significant state funding to make improvements to Benjamin Rush State Park.

The $2.7 million in capital budget funding will go toward refurbishing the 275-acre undeveloped park, which has had no major renovations since its creation in 1975.

Plans include a new entrance drive and sign on Southampton Road, a park gate, new parking spaces for the gardens,walking and biking trails, a water and sewer system and a comfort station.

Photo supplied by the office of State Rep. Brendan Boyle.

“These plans will help residents enjoy the wild splendor of our state park while maintaining the integrity of the open space,” Stack said. “This revitalization plan will allow the community to use the park in a passive recreational setting, which was the goal from the beginning.”

Stack has been working with DCNR, the Parkwood Civic Association and City Council for the last eight years to preserve the land while making it an enjoyable open space for the community.

“Everyone worked together toward a similar goal, to improve our state park.  After all the meetings, the discussions and the planning, I’m so pleased to be with advocates today and to taking another significant step to revitalizing this park,” Stack said. “Thankfully, working with local community leaders, fellow lawmakers, the state and Governor Rendell, we are moving forward with a revitalization plan that will give the community a first-class state park.”

-Submitted by the office of Sen. Mike Stack.