A once-polluted industrial site in Pottstown has been reborn as Cross Street Park, turning what was once a brownfield into a community hub, writes Justin Heinze for the Patch.
The park occupies a 0.86-acre site once home to Chem-Rex, later known as Degussa Construction Chemicals.
Years of chemical production left behind heavy metal contamination that poisoned the soil until the facility closed in 1995 and was declared a brownfield.
BASF acquired the property in 2005 and, working under EPA supervision, led an extensive cleanup paving the way for transformation into public green space.
“This park is a testament to what’s possible when public and private partners come together with a shared vision to revitalize our community,” said Peter Dulik, the director of environment, health, safety and quality at BASF Corporation. “We’re proud to contribute to a space that will serve the Pottstown people for generations to come.”
The newly opened park includes two basketball courts, accessible parking, green stormwater infrastructure and trees, along with additional open green space.
“Thanks to our awesome Parks and Rec team and BASF Corp for turning brownfield into a basketball park for the community,” said Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henrick.
Read more about Cross Street Park in Pottstown and how a once-contaminated property was transformed into a community space in the Patch.
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