New Bethlehem, PA—The New Bethlehem Borough Council and the Office of Mayor Gordon V. Barrows are pleased to announce the official purchase of Gumtown Memorial Park from the Reichard Family. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to preserve and enhance the community’s cherished recreational spaces.

Gumtown Park – New Bethlehem PA – Borough Council, Public Works, SCCRPD Police, and Mayor Gordon Barrows

Gumtown Memorial Park, located along Water Street in New Bethlehem, has long been a central hub for community events and activities. Established by Gene and Norma Reichard, the park was named in honor of the family’s Gumtown Company Store, a beloved local business. Since its creation, Gumtown Park has been the site of family picnics, class reunions, weddings, and festivals, making it a vital part of life in the Redbank Valley.

In 1987, Norma Reichard purchased the property, which was previously used by Andrew’s Lumber Company, with a vision of transforming it into a community space. For over 37 years, the Reichard family has maintained and invested in Gumtown Park, ensuring it remains a cherished gathering place for the community.

Gumtown Park – New Bethlehem PA

A monument in the park, dedicated in June 2005, honors the legacy of Gene and Norma Reichard, who were instrumental in the park’s development and the broader community. Reflecting on the significance of this transfer, Kevin, Brian, and Steve Reichard, sons of Gene and Norma, expressed their gratitude: “Our parents believed in the power of community and worked tirelessly to create a space where people could come together. Gumtown Park is a living testament to their dedication, and we are pleased to see it continue to serve the residents of New Bethlehem under the stewardship of the Borough.”

Brian Reichard shared a heartfelt story that underscores his mother’s vision and determination: “My mother would often take me to the property when it was still in use by Andrew’s Lumber Company. One day, she asked me what I thought about transforming it into a park for the community. I replied that I thought it might be possible. She then told me, ‘Good, because I already bought it.’” This story encapsulates Norma Reichard’s foresight and commitment to creating a lasting legacy for the community.

Mayor Gordon V. Barrows expressed his enthusiasm for the future of Gumtown Park, outlining the Borough’s vision for its development. “We are incredibly honored to take on the responsibility of preserving this important piece of our community’s history. Our plans for Gumtown Park include creating an inclusive, handicap-accessible playground, installing a splash pad, and upgrading park facilities to better serve our residents and visitors.”

Gumtown Park – New Bethlehem PA

The Borough is committed to working closely with local businesses and organizations to bring these plans to life. Council President Lisa Kerle noted, “We’ve heard from many residents, including local families and daycare providers, who are eager to see these improvements. We are dedicated to ensuring that the park meets the needs of all who use it, and we welcome additional ideas and suggestions as we move forward.”

One of the key supporters of the park’s new playground project is Aaron Clyde, President and CEO of Lifeway Services, who stated, “As a father and a professional who works with adults with disabilities, I see this inclusive, handicap-accessible playground as more than just a community want—it’s a necessity. Lifeway Services is fully committed to supporting this initiative, which will provide essential recreational opportunities for our clients, their families, and the entire community,’ Clyde remarked.”

The Borough’s vision for Gumtown Park extends beyond the playground, with plans to install a Kayak/Canoe/Boat Launch, offer public WiFi, and implement a state-of-the-art security camera system. These enhancements aim to make the park a more vibrant and accessible space for everyone in the Redbank Valley.

Klingensmith’s Drug Store – New Bethlehem PA – Mayor Gordon Barrows – Gumtown Park

In conjunction with these developments, a fundraising campaign has been launched to support the park’s upgrades. Klingensmith’s Drug Store of New Bethlehem has already kicked off the effort by collecting donations, and several other local organizations and families have expressed interest in contributing to the project. Donations can be sent to New Bethlehem Borough at 210 Lafayette Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242, with checks made payable to “New Bethlehem Borough” and a memo line indicating “Playground/Park Project.”

Mayor Barrows highlighted the importance of community involvement in the park’s future, stating, “We are excited to see how our residents and local businesses come together to support Gumtown Park. This is an opportunity for all of us to invest in the future of our community and create a space that will benefit generations to come.”

As the Borough moves forward with these plans, residents can stay informed through a dedicated webpage for the park that will soon be added to the Borough’s website, as well as an official Facebook page.

The purchase of Gumtown Memorial Park represents a commitment to preserving the legacy of Gene and Norma Reichard while enhancing the park’s role as a cornerstone of community life in New Bethlehem.

CONTACT:
To contact any member of Council or the Borough’s office, please visit: NewBethlehemBoro.com/about and click the ‘Council’ tab. You may also ‘like/follow’ New Bethlehem Borough on Facebook for the latest news/announcements: Facebook.com/NewBethlehem

For more info, please visit New Bethlehem Borough’s website: NewBethlehemBoro.com