As part of the New Garden’s long-term plans to develop Saint Anthony’s in the Hills into a municipal park, the township has voted to demolish hazardous structures on the 137-acre site, writes Richard Gaw for the Chester County Press. 

The township bought the property in 2018 from St. Anthony of Padua in Wilmington. Since then, it has been collaborating with the engineering firm YSM and residents to create a master plan to turn the site both into a paradise of nature trails and open space and a hub for recreational activities. 

The first step is to demolish the several unsafe and outdated structures on the property. The Board of Supervisors voted on Aug. 15 to give the township approval to elicit bids to demolish these problematic structures. 

Structures that will be razed include the caretaker home, a gazebo and fencing, a shed, several structures at the miniature golf course and playground, a paddle boat rental shack, all of the structures in the park’s aviary, a creekside mosquito oasis structure, and the day camp building and puppet theater. 

Read more about the plans for the property in the Chester County Press.