Butler Township & Preston Park
Today Preston Park retains the Preston's vision of a 100-acre English garden woodland; a place for the public to enjoy nature.
Donated to Butler Township in 2008, and known to the Preston's as ‘The Frith’, it features unique vegetation, fields of well-maintained prairie grass, ponds, an abundance of wildlife, two pedestrian bridges, an arboretum of different species of pine trees, several recognized (2004) state champion trees and 50 acres of second-generation forest. Tree shaded picnic tables, gently sloped, well-marked trails, and a dog-friendly trail await visitors. Notable points of interest - the Geography Lesson, the Hacienda, the Iron Gates, and the Coppices - have a story to tell and must be seen to be appreciated. In December, 2012 Preston Park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as Preston Laboratories.
Springtime brings a burst of color to Preston Park as the rhododendron and wild flowers emerge from their dormant winter. Near the flagpole, the wisteria, an invasive thick vine-like plant, creates a wall of “purple haze” for visitors to enjoy. Summer’s hot humid days are easier to endure in the shade of the park’s many trees. Western Pennsylvania’s fall colors are spectacular as the park presents a contrast between the green of its many evergreens and fall’s oranges, yellows, and reds. Winter offers cross-country skiing and sledding on the lawn.
Enjoy your visit and “Let Nature Surround You”.