CLEARFIELD – In an effort to enhance downtown Clearfield and redevelopment of the riverfront, Clearfield Borough Operations Manager Leslie Stott has announced the recent donation of land by Gladys Novey and family to Clearfield Borough.
“On behalf of Clearfield Borough, we are pleased to accept the generous gift of land from the Novey family. We are excited and look forward to the park becoming another testimonial to the redevelopment efforts our downtown Clearfield continues to implement as an attractive community for commerce and recreation,” explained Stott.
Through a collaborative effort among the Novey family, Clearfield Borough and Clearly Ahead Development, the .48-acre site will be transformed into the Raftsman Memorial Park. A memorial plaque will be installed at the park in memory of the Novey’s generosity and service to the community.
Gladys Novey stated, “The entire Novey family feels fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of change and growth of the downtown waterfront. As a 109-year-old scrap metal business spanning three generations, we couldn’t think of a better way to ‘Recycle’ our property than giving back to the community.”
The public park will be a premier gateway to the one-mile riverwalk loop from Nichol Street Bridge to the Market Street Bridge. The Raftsman Memorial Park will be a reflective park with terraced elevations located on the opposite side of the Susquehanna River from Lower Witmer Park.
The new park will showcase open access to the river, riverbank and a walkway with observation areas. The park will have vegetative landscape and streambank stabilization enhancements. Park benches, bicycle racks and other special amenities, such as vintage light posts and electrical upgrades, will be within the park to accommodate community gathering and special event opportunities.
As part of the redevelopment initiative, the former Novey Recycling office and weigh station will be refurbished into a facility to host seasonal recreation opportunities, such as canoes, kayaks and paddle boats with a recreational outfitter.
“It’s important for this park to be a tribute to the Susquehanna River and our community’s rich history and ongoing importance to downtown Clearfield,” stated Rob Swales, chief executive officer of Clearly Ahead Development.
“We are deeply appreciative of the Novey family’s generosity and supporting effort to the community. Thanks to the Novey family, the park will be another positive focal point of downtown Clearfield.”
The development of the riverfront is a partnership between Clearfield Borough and its developer, Clearfield County Economic Development Corp. (Clearly Ahead Development) to revitalize downtown Clearfield’s riverfront with a multi-phase development plan.
Phases include the construction of a one-mile riverwalk, Public Park and two commercial areas conducive for boutique hospitality operations and Market Square – a multi-occupancy facility to host restaurant and professional office amenities along the riverfront.
