Last year, West Chester completed its Parks Master Plan and surveyed residents on proposed park upgrades and new amenities, which has culminated in an investment of more than $5 million to improve Beckett Park.
On the east side of the park, construction is underway for eight new pickleball courts, which will feature shaded seating and a drinking fountain with a bottle fill station and built-in dog water bowl for people walking their pets. A new 1,500-linear-foot walking trail will be created, and the expanded parking lot will serve both the pickleball courts and existing Boundless Playground.
“West Chester is committed to making thoughtful, fiscally responsible investments in our parks that reflect the needs and priorities residents have shared with us,” said Board of Township Trustees Chair Ann Becker. “These improvements enhance quality of life for our residents, expand recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, and help keep West Chester an attractive place to live, work and invest.”
Located next to the Splash Park on the west side of Beckett Park, a new playground will feature accessible play features, a zipline, and separate play areas for 2-5 and 6-12 age groups.
The walking trails will be expanded and paved, increasing accessibility and allowing for more diverse uses by the community. Shelter areas will be improved and expanded, and additional family restrooms will feature adult-sized changing tables to benefit persons will disabilities and their caregivers.
Around the Splash Park and restrooms, new fencing and seating walls will be installed to provide additional barriers between play areas and nearby retention ponds, which are used for recreational fishing.
On the east side, the pickleball courts and parking lot are expected to be completed by October of this year. The new playground, expanded restrooms, and paved walking trails on the west side should be completed by late Spring of 2027.
These enhancements are being funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF), generated by nearby commercial development, and not property taxes.
