Health - Bensalem Township

Local Tennis Enthusiast Plans to Revitalize Williamson Park Courts

Published

6 months ago

September 6, 2025

A citizen-led project to renovate Williamson Park’s tennis courts, believing it would be an excellent asset to the community, was proposed at August’s Morrisville Borough Council meeting.

Thomas Lagarde, joined by his wife, proposed that the current tennis courts at Williamson Park are unsafe at this time and renovating them would greatly benefit the borough.

Lagarde explains that tennis is one of his passions. It is an affordable and wonderful sport that provides socializing, develops confidence and keeps both the mind and body active and accessible for all ages.

He added that an international study showed the life expectancy of tennis players was almost 10 years longer than those who play various other sports.

He went on and explained that to his knowledge, Morrisville does not have free public courts in playable conditions at this time and is proposing to build four new courts in the same location which are located in the fenced area next to the southernmost basketball courts.

The citizen-led project would organize affordable tennis classes for everybody, Lagarde said.

Three local schools might use the courts, perhaps even the high school team. Overall, the park needs enhancement and this would help, Lagarde said.

The tennis enthusiast said he’s explored the potentiality of partnering with the US Tennis Association, whose mission is to promote tennis by improving accessibility.

They were approached and are fully supportive, said Lagarde. Also they’re ready to help with both the rebuilding and organizing programs once the courts are ready, he said.

The Lagardes consulted several contractors, three of whom assessed the site with them. They all agreed that a full tear down is required and rebuilding is necessary.

Some price quotes were provided and Lagarde presented the general numbers said, based on private wages, the total project cost for four courts with asphalt is approximately $440,000 US. This comes to about $110,000 per court.

There will be additional costs if the courts were made of concrete instead of asphalt. Concrete courts would cost more but offer greater durability. Also if the project is funded by public money instead of private, the USDA funds up to $35,000 per court, totaling $140,000 for four courts, according to the Lagardes.

“That’s a great opportunity that we should not miss out on. Lots of lots of money but leaves us with a gap of about $300,000.” “If we secured funding this year, we could have courts by June next year,” Lagarde said,.

Lagarde said pursuing corporate sponsorships and fundraising to close the $300,000 gap, also “respectfully asking the borough to consider contributing whether through funding, labor and/or materials for this important community asset.”

In conclusion, they are looking for motivated individuals to join them in this effort. Sponsors, donors, and anyone interested in helping bring this project to life are welcome, Lagarde said.

Council was receptive to the idea and appreciative of the couple “for taking on this initiative…..and thought it was something needed for Williamson Park.”

Members noted the potential added benefits such as tournaments that would bring visitors to the borough who may continue to shop, eat, spend money bringing outside dollars to the borough.

Editor’s Note: Publisher/Editor Jeff Bohen contributed to this report.

Related Topics:Local Tennis Enthusiast Plans to Revitalize Williamson Park Courts

Up Next

Lower Makefield Twp Police Reports: Mailbox Destroyed in Hit-and-Run, Forgery Investigation Launched and More!

Don't Miss

Players Come from Everywhere to Bristol Arcade!

Joanne Ames

Click to comment

Health - Bensalem Township

Tackle Spring Break Travel Prep with GIANT Pharmacists

Published

14 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Jeff Bohen

After a long winter, many people are now looking ahead to spring break travel. Whether your plans have you headed to the beach or traveling abroad, GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists are available as a resource with pre-travel health consultations and over-the-counter product suggestions.

“The same way you may enlist the expertise of a travel agent when booking your vacation, your local GIANT or MARTIN’S pharmacist also has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to ensuring you have the right vaccinations or health essentials ahead of your trip,” said Nick Koch, director of pharmacy and wellbeing, The GIANT Company. “From pre-health travel consultations to offering recommendations for the best sunscreens and first aid basics, don’t overlook the value that our team of pharmacists can bring to your vacation preparations.”

If your spring break plans have you traveling aboard, GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists can also get you adventure ready with a pre-travel health consultation approximately as soon as travel dates are confirmed and a minimum of one month before you leave. This includes vaccines, prescription referrals, and over-the-counter medications.

Vaccines^* include but are not limited to yellow fever vaccine (available at select locations), typhoid vaccine and cholera vaccine. Prescription referrals include malaria prevention, traveler’s diarrhea prevention and care, motion sickness prevention and altitude sickness prevention. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit https://giantfoodstores.com/pages/pharmacy-services.

GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists advise that any prescription medication should always be packed in one’s carry-on bag, never in checked luggage, and preferably in the original container with the prescription label affixed. Be sure to bring enough for your trip as well as extra should there be any travel delays.

Travelers are also encouraged to pack a small first aid kit for on-the-go use. This should include bandages of various sizes, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, tweezers and a thermometer. Be sure to add over the counter pain relievers, antacids, decongestants, hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes, too. Additional items may be needed based on one’s destination and weather.

Health - Bensalem Township

Still Winter: NWS Issues Tuesday Morning Winter Weather Advisory

Published

4 days ago

March 2, 2026

staff

March “comes in as lion” to the Lower Bucks area as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter weather advisory for Tuesday morning forecasting a mixed precipitation event making for possibly slippery road conditions.

The advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 3.

NWS says total snow accumulations less than one inch and ice accumulations around a light glaze in portions of southeast Pennsylvania and central, northern, and northwest New Jersey.

The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute, officials say, and motorists should plan on slippery road conditions. Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution while traveling.

Health - Bensalem Township

Bucks Issues “Code Blue” Until March 3rd Due to Forecasted Bitter Cold

Published

4 days ago

March 1, 2026

staff

Bucks County has issued a “Code Blue” declaration as bitter cold is set to return for the start of March.

Shelters in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks will be in operation nightly Sunday through Tuesday morning.

The following shelters have been activated for this Code Blue event:

Lower Bucks – ahtn.org
(3/1)
Calvary Baptist Church – Gym
250 Green Lane
Bristol, PA 19007
www.calvarybristol.org

(3/2)
Morrisville Presbyterian Church
771 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Morrisville, PA 19067
www.mpcusa.org

Please note the Lower Bucks shelter location changes Monday evening to Morrisville Presbyterian Church.

Guests are required to leave the shelters by 6:45 a.m. each day and may return in the evening

Upper Bucks – facebook.com/upperbuckscodeblue
Quakertown Masonic Lodge – First Floor
501 W. Broad Street
Quakertown, PA 18951

Central Bucks – co2ssh.org
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
301 N. Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
www.doylestownlutheran.org

Guests are required to leave the shelters by 6:45 a.m. each day and may return in the evening.

The Upper and Lower Bucks shelters will open at 8:30 p.m. The Central Bucks shelter opens at 7:30 p.m.

The county issues a “Code Blue” declaration when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees for two or more consecutive days. A “Code Blue” may be called amid higher temperatures, as consideration is also given to wind chill, precipitation and other circumstances.

Information about “Code Blue” openings is available Monday – Friday through the County’s Housing Link Helpline at 1-800-810-4434.