![0723151713](https://sauconsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/0723151713-336x1891.jpg)
The improvements to Water Street Park in Hellertown that have been under way since April are substantially complete, the borough announced Thursday. (Credit: Josh Popichak)
The work on Water Street Park in Hellertown that’s been ongoing since spring is substantially complete, borough manager Cathy Hartranft said in an email Thursday. However, the park will remain closed to the public until at least Monday, Oct. 12 to allow for the planting of native species and the germination of grass seed.
Hartranft said volunteers are being sought to help the borough’s public works department with the planting, which will take place in September. For more information, call the borough at 610-838-7041.
In the meantime, work will begin on the fit-out of the new restrooms in the park, which will be located near the Saucon Rail Trail crossing at Water Street.
![The sidewalk between Front Street and Water Street Park and the Saucon Rail Trail was closed late last week for replacement.](https://sauconsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/0723151217-e1437863764272-336x5971.jpg)
The sidewalk between Front Street and Water Street Park and the Saucon Rail Trail was closed late last week for replacement.
As of Friday parking lot line-striping, basketball court striping, grading, seeding, and sealing of the area between pavement and curbs was expected to be complete, and signs were expected to have been posted.
The sidewalk that connects Front Street to the trail and park was also expected to have reopened, after being closed for several days while a new walkway was poured.
Hartranft said Water Street by the park will be paved the week of Oct. 12.
The improvements at the park were undertaken to create more parking and to improve pedestrian access within it. Amenities like the basketball court and restrooms are also being added.
Grant funding paid for the renovations.
The Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market–which has called the park home for more than five years–needed to relocate to the field next to the Hellertown Area Library on Constitution Avenue for its tenth season this year. The market is expected to reopen in a different part of the park, closer to the trail, in its eleventh season in 2016.
![The improvements at Water Street Park in Hellertown included installation of a new basketball court.](https://sauconsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/0723151713a-771x4341.jpg)
The improvements at Water Street Park in Hellertown have included installation of a new basketball court (located behind the trees).