Founded 1788

 

Bicentennial Park offers the opportunity to access the creek that made David Mead's 1788 settlement possible.  For Meadville’s Bicentennial in 1988, then City Engineer Kenneth A. Beers Jr. led a team of volunteer to construct a replica of the original log cabin in Bicentennial Park using traditional building techniques to commemorate the community’s founding. The log cabin now serves as a classroom space to educate all ages about Meadville’s founding.  

Activities, developments and improvements to the park occurring within the past several years include

significant repairs to the log cabin as well as restoration work on the interpretive walkway leading up to the cabin; Pennsylvania Water Trail and French Creek Valley Conservancy Creek Town designations; plans by the French Creek Recreational Trails organization to extend and establish a trailhead in Bicentennial Park for the regional Ernst Trail; the $7 million replacement of the adjacent Mead Avenue Bridge; construction of an improved boat launch area; stabilization of the adjacent creek banks; installation a kayak/canoe rack; and the addition of interpretive panels that tell the story of Meadville’s founding and history of the Meadville area, the 1753 visit by a young George Washington, the French Creek Watershed’s history and ecology and the history of the Mead Avenue Bridge (formerly a one-of-a-kind double truss bridge).

The next phase of improvements planned for the park include nature-themed inclusive play areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12 to provide all children who may come with their families a safe and protected space to play; added parking to accommodate the increased demand, including van-accessible handicapped parking; and ADA- accessible benches and walkways connecting the new parking area to the play area and picnic pavilion.    These changes will provide play space for all children and visitors of all generations and levels of mobility will be able to enjoy more areas of the park.  The City has submitted grant requests and is hopeful that construction can occur in 2022.  Sample of possible playground.

Park Location:	Between the Mead Ave Bridge and the French Creek Bypass.
ADA Accessibility:	Parking, restrooms, pavilion