Peace Valley Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peace Valley Park |
|
|---|---|
View of Lake Galena at Peace Valley Park from dam
|
|
| Type | County park |
| Location | New Britain Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania |
| Nearest city | Doylestown, Pennsylvania |
| Area | 1,500 acres (6.1 km2) |
| Operated by | Bucks County Parks and Recreation |
| Open | Year-round, 8 AM to sunset |
| Status | Open |
Peace Valley Park is a huge, beautiful park that covers about 1,500 acres (that's like 1,100 football fields!). It's located near Doylestown, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This park is a special part of the Bucks County Park System, which means it's managed by the county for everyone to enjoy.
The park is built around a large body of water called Lake Galena. This lake is about 365 acres big and was created by building a dam on the north branch of the Neshaminy Creek. It's a fantastic spot for outdoor fun and learning about nature.
Contents
What Can You Do at Peace Valley Park?
Peace Valley Park offers tons of exciting things to do for people of all ages, especially if you love being outdoors! Whether you want to relax or be active, there's something for you.
Fun Activities for Everyone
- Playgrounds: Kids can have a blast on the park's playgrounds.
- Hiking and Biking: There are over 14 miles of trails, perfect for walking, running, or biking. Many of these trails, especially those around the lake, are paved and easy to use.
- Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Galena is a great place to cast a line.
- Boating: You can rent sail- and paddle-boats to explore Lake Galena from the water. It's a fun way to see the park from a different view.
- Picnics: The park has many areas with picnic tables and barbecue grills, perfect for a family meal outdoors.
Winter Fun at the Park
When winter arrives, Lake Galena often freezes over. This opens up new activities for visitors:
- Ice-skating: You can glide across the frozen lake.
- Ice-fishing: Anglers can try their luck catching fish through the ice.
Remember, while most of the park is open, some areas are protected to keep wildlife safe. These spots might have restricted access to help animals and plants thrive without disturbance.
Peace Valley Nature Center
At the northeast end of Peace Valley Park, right next to Lake Galena, you'll find the Peace Valley Nature Center. This center is a special place dedicated to teaching people about nature and wildlife. It's managed by the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Learning and Exploring at the Center
The Nature Center has many cool features:
- Educational Programs: They offer programs that teach you about local plants, animals, and the environment.
- Bird-watching: It's a fantastic spot for bird-watching, with facilities designed to help you spot different bird species.
- Gift Shop: There's a small gift shop where you can find nature-themed items.
- Green Energy: The center is partly powered by a photovoltaic system, which uses sunlight to create electricity. This shows how the center cares for the environment!
You can easily park your car right next to the Nature Center. The center also has a dedicated staff who work hard to keep it running and educate visitors. Carolyn "Corey" Jarin was the person who founded the Peace Valley Nature Center.
Amazing Wildlife at Peace Valley Park
Peace Valley Park is a haven for hundreds of different kinds of plants and animals. The park and its Nature Center are committed to both protecting wildlife and allowing people to observe it respectfully.
Observing Animals Safely
- Bird Blind: The Nature Center has a special "bird blind" that's open all year. A bird blind is like a hidden shelter that lets you watch birds without disturbing them.
- Protected Areas: Some parts of the park are kept quiet and undisturbed to protect sensitive wildlife habitats. This helps animals live safely in their natural homes.
Who Lives in the Park?
The park is buzzing with life! Here are just a few of the animals you might see:
- Birds: Over 250 different types of birds have been seen here! This includes common birds like sparrows, but also majestic birds like bald eagles and other birds of prey (like hawks and owls).
- Mammals: You might spot white-tailed deer gracefully moving through the trees, or a busy groundhog digging its burrow. Rabbits are also common.
- Water Animals: In and around Lake Galena, you can find various species of fish and different kinds of turtles.
Exploring Peace Valley Park is a wonderful way to connect with nature and learn about the incredible creatures that share our world.
