Jim Dietrich Park & Riverside Basin Park Master Site ... - Berks County

Introduction
The designs for Jim Dietrich Park and Riverside Basin Park were developed with consideration of the goals
and objectives established by the Study Committee; the analysis of the two sites, the Township character, and
recreation use patterns; and input received from the public participation process. Two conceptual alternatives
were developed for each site. These alternatives were reviewed with the Study Committee. Comments and
input from the Study Committee guided the development of a third alternative, the Pre-Final Master Site
Plan. Conceptual Alternative A and B and the Pre-Final Master Site Plan for each site are summarized
below, followed by the plans that illustrate the development concepts.
Jim Dietrich Park Master Plan
Jim Dietrich Park Conceptual Alternative A
Conceptual Alternative A maximizes the diversity of active and passive recreation on the site. Protection of
the site’s natural features and access to the Schuylkill River are important in this design. Features of
Conceptual Alternative A are listed below followed by advantages and disadvantages of each design.
Recreation Facilities and Areas:
A centralized hub of activity is developed in the western central portion of the site with an
environmental education center, an age segregated playground, three basketball courts, an inline
hockey court, a skate park, two volleyball courts, and various pavilions.
The existing farm house is reused as a museum. The barn is renovated for day camp use.
A small pond is developed near the area of standing water. A gazebo is developed adjacent to the
pond.
A community lawn is located in the center of the park, along with several picnic pavilions and a
volleyball court. This area serves as a transition between the active hub and the proposed athletic
fields.
The eastern portion of the site contains two youth baseball/softball fields, an adult
baseball/softball field, and two multi-purpose fields, one of which will accommodate a football
field.
Boat launches in the northwest corner and in the center of the park provide access to the
Schuylkill River.
Native meadow grasses are established within the designated 100 year floodplain to strengthen
the riparian corridor. Five small picnic areas are located within the meadow along the river,
while a larger area is located adjacent to the southern boat launch.
A comprehensive trail system is developed throughout the park. The majority of the trails are
proposed as aggregate trails. Hard surface trails are developed within the hub area. Within each
of these parts are multiple loop trails of varying degrees of difficulty. The trail system connects
the various park facilities and explores the natural areas of the site.
Support Facilities:
Access to the park is from Stoudt’s Ferry Bridge Road. The main access drive aligns with the
existing access drive.
Parking is available in five locations on the site. The main parking area is located between the
pond and the centralized hub, while a second major parking area is located directly adjacent to the
community lawn. Three smaller areas are available near the youth ballfields, adult ballfields, and
multi-purpose fields.
Jim Dietrich Park and Riverside Basin Park Master Site Plan Chapter 4 - 2