Page 19 - The Hunt - Summer 2023

After the purchase of Loch Nairn was finalized this past January,
a master planning committee was formed to focus on a multiphase approach to repurposing the greenspace for passive recreation and as a nature preserve. Recent discussions
have centered around expanding the existing cart paths to create multiuse trails.
part of our mission to save open space,” says Kate Raman, conservation project manager at the organization, which is based in Media, Pennsylvania. “New Garden had learned that residents wanted longer trails. This park will provide those.”
Raman notes that a tributary to the White Clay Wild & Scenic River runs through the Loch Nairn property, offering a unique conservation challenge. Funding for the project is focused on enhancing water quality, and Natural Lands has partnered with Stroud Water Research Center in that effort. “Enhancing water quality and climate resilience are major goals,” Raman says.
When it comes to the Loch Nairn project, Mike Buck sees nothing but positives, crediting the township’s strong commitment to conservation and its 2005 open space referendum. “The purchase of Loch Nairn was huge win that checked
a lot of boxes,” says Buck, New Garden’s superintendent of parks and open space.
A native of Milford, Delaware, Buck was lured to the area by its ready access to
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trails and open space. “It’s an honor to now have a hand in developing this project,” he says.
After the purchase of Loch Nairn
was finalized this past January, a master planning committee was formed to focus
on a multiphase approach to repurposing
the greenspace for passive recreation and as
a nature preserve. Recent discussions have centered around expanding the existing cart paths to create multiuse trails. “There’s some interest in disc golf, but no commitments have been made yet.” Buck says. “Realistically, it will take five to 10 years to implement everything.”
A public committee meeting to review master plans and drawings will happen sometime in late June. Natural Lands is taking the lead on things like replanting meadows. In the meantime, the park is open, but there’s no parking. “You need to pack out what you pack in,” Buck says. “Dogs on a leash are welcome. Parking will be addressed in Phase 1.”
The Smedley family has requested that the lot at Greathouse restaurant not be used for public parking. “But a stroll after lunch or dinner wouldn’t be a problem,” says Buck.
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Architecture | Comprehensive Property Design
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