Department of Conservation and Natural Resource Secretary Ellen Ferretti Thursday joined other state officials and civic representatives in celebrating completion of a $4.7 million improvement project at Benjamin Rush State Park in Northeast Philadelphia.

“This park prides itself in encouraging community involvement and these far-reaching improvements were undertaken with these dedicated Benjamin Rush State Park supporters and the nearby Delaware Valley Veterans Home in mind,” Ferretti told the gathering. “Civic groups, gardening and radio-controlled airplane flying enthusiasts, and other day-use visitors all should be delighted by what we are dedicating here today.”

Financed through capital budget funds, improvements to the 276-acre park include construction of a new park entrance; parking improvements; a new trail, comfort station and information kiosks; sanitary sewer and water line installation; garden hose connections; electrical service, meadow establishment; storm-water controls; new signage; and landscaping.

“This was no small undertaking, and I thank the state and city officials and local group representatives who supported it and are attending this event,” Ferretti said. “Your presence here today -- and at the groundbreaking almost two years ago -- shows just how much this state parks means to all of you.”

Ferretti was joined at the dedication by Sen. Michael Stack (D-Philadelphia), Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia), Rep. Edward Neilson (D-Philadelphia), and representatives from local civic and recreational groups.

Named in honor of acclaimed psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Rush, signer of the Declaration of Independence and attendee at the Continental Congress, the park is home to one of the state’s largest community gardens. Created 35 years ago, it is Philadelphia’s only state park and adjoins Bucks County.

Comprised largely of woodlots and rolling fields, the park is frequented by employees and residents of the nearby Delaware Valley Veterans Home; Friends of the Poquessing; Somerton Civic Association; Parkwood Civic Association; Benjamin Rush Garden Association; U.S. Army National Guard units, and North East Philadelphia Radio Control Club.

Construction began in late November 2012 and lasted into fall 2013. Work necessitated closing park grounds east of Roosevelt Boulevard but did not affect the park’s heavily used soccer fields.

For more information, visit DCNR’s State Parks webpage.

6/16/2014