Neshaminy Creek Greenway, photograph by James Mcginnis

New Britain Township is actively updating its Open Space Plan to enhance the preservation and recreational use of its natural resources. This initiative includes community engagement efforts, such as the 2024 Open Space Plan Survey, which gathered residents' opinions on various aspects of open space preservation. The survey addressed priorities like providing recreational opportunities for youth, protecting farmland and agricultural soils, preserving scenic views and historic resources, improving residents' physical and mental health, and enhancing natural habitats.

The Township's commitment to open space is also reflected in its zoning regulations, which aim to preserve agricultural soil and natural resources, promote groundwater recharge, and reduce impervious surfaces. These regulations are designed to protect areas like Lake Galena and maintain the Township's rural character.

In addition to these efforts, New Britain Township collaborates with neighboring municipalities—Doylestown Township and Chalfont Borough—to develop the Neshaminy Creek Greenway. This joint project aims to create a continuous green space that follows the Neshaminy Creek for 30 miles, connecting residents to natural open spaces, municipal parks, schools, employment areas, and other community destinations. Since 2016, the municipalities have jointly planned and sought grants to implement significant portions of the Greenway.

2024 Open Space Survey

In 2024, New Britain Township conducted an Open Space Plan Survey to gather community input on open space priorities. The survey included questions about household demographics, awareness of the Township's earned income tax dedicated to open space acquisition, and opinions on various aspects of open space preservation. Residents were asked to rate their agreement with statements regarding the importance of acquiring and preserving open space. They were also invited to identify reasons for preserving open space, such as providing recreational opportunities, protecting natural resources, and enhancing property values. Additionally, respondents prioritized these reasons to reflect their personal values and concerns.

Key elements of the survey included:

• Household Demographics: This part helped the Township understand who was engaging with the survey (age, household size, etc.), which helped interpret responses more effectively.
• Awareness of Funding Mechanisms: The survey inquired about the public's awareness of the Township’s Earned Income Tax dedicated to open space acquisition, which is one of the primary ways the Township funds its open space projects.
• Perceptions of Open Space: Residents were asked how important they felt it was for the Township to acquire and preserve more open space. This helped the Township gauge public sentiment on environmental and recreational priorities.

To obtain a more comprehensive understanding, residents were asked to rank the importance of different preservation goals. They had the opportunity to weigh the importance of recreational opportunities, ensuring there are places for active leisure (e.g., parks, trails, sports fields), and protecting natural resources by preserving habitats, wildlife, water quality, and reducing environmental impact. The survey also tasked residents to look at the importance of enhancing property values. Recognizing that well-maintained parks and open spaces could potentially raise surrounding property values.

Respondents were encouraged to identify specific areas where they would like to see more preservation or enhancement efforts, whether it be more green space, improved walking trails, or additional parks.

For more information regarding the Township's commitment to preservation or if you would like to get involved, please visit Environmental Advisory Council.