funk’s park
So I’ve lived in Chalfont for over 20 years and until I got back into photography, I had never really explored the in’s and out’s of my town.
Way back in 1885, Funk’s Park, also known as Forrest Park, opened in Chalfont. It grew and expanded into the 1940′s and 50′s and at one time, lay claim to the world’s largest swimming pool. In 1962, it closed. About a year ago, I tried to find the park and only found a few remnants. The other week, I found the mother lode.
I’ve see a few website on the park, but none have any photos of this amazing old stone bridge. I can imagine that decades ago, this was brightly lighted and people strolled over the bridge on their way around the park. Sad that it’s declined to this state; I don’t imagine it will survive much longer and I’m not aware of an plans to restore it. Very sad.
Submitted for Sunday Bridges and Shadow Shot Sunday. This is the upstream side. There’s a small waterfall to the left that you’ll soon see.
Canon EOS 7D (10mm, f/5.6, 1/25 sec, ISO100)funk's park bridge
Downstream side.
Canon EOS 7D (24mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec, ISO100)funk's park bridge
A shot of the approach.
Canon EOS 7D (10mm, f/6.3, 1/125 sec, ISO100)funk's park bridge
oh that is sad. i bet is was a great place to stroll at one time. looks like nature is reclaiming it.
that bridge is in sad shape. but I see that the park is not haunted.
’tis a shame. Looks like it was well cared for at one point.
This is just another tragic case of no money to restore and preserve the treasures of old. It is rally sad. As you know, I see it all the time here where I live. This one was beautiful in its day, and it is still beautiful in the fact that it has survived this long without any care…It is in such a scenic area. Too bad, but I am so glad you finally found it and photographed it for all of us to enjoy.
Did they build a new bridge?
what a shame that the bridge and park have deteriorated so much, so sad
Great shots of a beautiful bridge.
Nice photo Wayne. The old bridge has lots of character.
[...] found this nice flower poking out of the leaves while roaming around the remnants of Funk’s Park. I converted it to monochrome and selectively colorized the flower. I really like how this [...]
Very charming series, Wayne. Funk park is kind of funky! The old stone bridge has seen better days, hasn’t it. I look forward to seeing more of Chalfont!
Sharon
[...] view of the waterfall at Funk’s (Forrest) park. I used a 4X Neutral Density filter to reduce the light and get the motion [...]