Allentown Park Log 16: Bucky Boyle Park

In 1912 following the plans of Frank Koester, the construction of what was then called Riverfront Park took place. At that time, what is now called Bucky Boyle Park sat riverside in the middle of a thriving district of mixed industry. Over the years, the park has remained as the businesses around it disappeared. Today, the park is a rare bright spot around the disintegrating shadows of yesteryear.



A new playground and water park have been installed here. (Playgrounds did not look this cool or fun when I was a kid.)




On the (so hot your clothes are as wet with sweat as they would be if you jumped in the Lehigh) July afternoon I visited Bucky Boyle was full of kids enjoying that water park. Despite what appeared to be heavy usage, Bucky Boyle was devoid of litter and the park looked beautiful. It was certainly a contrast to the looming Neuweiler plant.

There are basketball courts and baseball diamonds down here and they are all in pristine shape.




In 1926, The Lions Club constructed the Pavilion that is still here. Great views of the river and of Adam’s Island are available inside:


Lehigh University has a boat house here with a dock that happens to be currently covered in poo.


Down by the river, there were a lot of ducks and geese. While I was standing there, three of four female Mallards swam up to me, reaffirming my status as chick magnet.



It was exceptional to stand in one of the oldest parks in Allentown and see how some renovations can really help Bucky Boyle become one of the nicest parks for families to visit in the city. Something I had yet to see in a park was the presence of the Park Patrol. I had no idea that unit even existed. I say here though that while Bucky Boyle is in as good of a condition as it is; a little farther down the river Canal Park is languishing in litter and misuse.

I must relay to you a personal story about Bucky Boyle park. When my brother and I were children we we’re either passing the park or in it, I don’t remember now but at some point I turned to my younger brother and said (for whatever reason) that it was his name and (for whatever reason) it stuck. My brother is still called Bucky to this day. If you ever see him or visit his blog feel free to address him as such.