Monocacy Park - Bethlehem PA

: Pavillions and dam

Project type: Parks and Recreation, Flood and Erosion Control, Infrastructure and Utilities, Park Roads and Bridges, Paths and Trails, Picnic and Other Facilities, Swimming Pools

Agency: Works Progress Administration (WPA), Work Relief Programs

Started: 1936

Completed: 1937

Quality of Information: Moderate

Marked: Yes

Site Survival: Extant

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Description

The WPA constructed stone walks, walls, benches, tables, fireplace, pavilions, and footbridges to build Monocacy Park between 1936 and 1937. A swimming pool was also constructed above the dam, but this feature is no longer in use due to sediment.

Mcall.com: “The Monocacy Park bridge features two 30-foot towers of hand-cut stone. The creek had to be diverted, most likely with sandbags, to enable the stone masons to erect the towers. Block and tackle, a series of ropes and pulleys, had to be used to set the pieces in place.”

As of 2016 the park is under restoration.

: Bench and plaque

Bench and plaque
Photo: Susan C Allen © Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 06/15/2016

Bench and plaque

: Bridge across Monocacy Creek

Bridge across Monocacy Creek
Photo: Susan C Allen © Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 06/15/2016

Bridge across Monocacy Creek