Polluted Montco Brownfield Site Transformed Into Public Park

POTTSTOWN, PA — A historic industrial area in Pottstown that had sat as a polluted brownfield site for years has been transformed into a green space and a public park.

Cross Street Park is located on the 0.86 acre lot of a former construction chemical manufacturing operation, Chem-Rex, later known as Degussa Construction Chemicals. Heavy metals leached into the ground soil there after decades of environmentally catastrophic activities.

The facility closed in 1995 and eventually became a designated brownfield site.

Chemical company BASF acquired the lot in 2005 and led the cleanup effort, with oversight from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“This park is a testament to what’s possible when public and private partners come together with a shared vision to revitalize our community,” Peter Dulik, the director of environment, health, safety, and quality at BASF Corporation said in a statement. “We’re proud to contribute to a space that will serve the Pottstown people for generations to come.”

The park features two basketball courts, accessible parking, green stormwater infrastructure, trees, and additional open green space for the general community.

Pottstown borough Parks and Recreation worked with BASF, as well as environmental and engineering consultants Cascade Environmental and Haley and Aldrich, on the project.

"Thanks to our awesome Parks and Rec team and BASF Corp for turning brownfield into a basketball park for the community," Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henrick added.

A special ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the park was held this week.