Moorestown Approves $285K Bond Ordinance For Percheron Park

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Fifteen years after the seed for the idea was planted, Percheron Park came a stop closer to becoming a reality Monday night.

Moorestown Council unanimously approved a proposed bond ordinance that sets aside $285,000 and authorizes the borrowing of $270,750 in bonds or notes to be used for the construction of Percheron Park. The down payment would be $14,250.

Although council members said they were uneasy about the amount of money that was being authorized, they all agreed it would be a great thing for the community.

“I’m a believer of investing in beautiful spaces and art,” Moorestown Mayor Nicole Gillespie said. “I’m uneasy with the amount of the investment, but I’m hopeful for additional private investment.”

She said she believes it will pay dividends for the township in ways that are measured beyond dollars, but it will also be a community effort to maintain the park, which other members of council praised as a gathering place in the middle of town.

“I’ve walked by it for 10 years, and it’s an eyesore,” Councilman Jake Van Dyken said. “This is a good solution for that. People will congregate there. It’s a great location at the center of town. I question how many donations will come in after the park is complete. I’m hopeful, but there is some hesitancy.”

The Friends of Percheron Park, the driving force behind the project, have already raised more than $200,000 for the project over the last 10 years, Friends of Percheron Park President Kathy Logue said.

“We will continue to raise money,” Logue said. “The statue is half paid for now.”

The statue is of a Percheron, a horse originally from France. It first came to the United States thanks to Moorestown native son Edward Harris Jr., in the 19th Century. The statue honors Moorestown’s past. Read more here: Percherons Hold Place Of Honor In Moorestown History

In 2013, sculptor Joshua Koffman, who received worldwide acclaim and a blessing from Pope Francis, was commissioned to create the statue. He has created a 12" bronze model of the statue, which was first unveiled in 2014, Logue said previously.

Some residents spoke out against the cost, with one suggesting the statue was not needed at all.

“It’s a lot of money for a small space,” the resident wrote in an email.

In 2007, the township purchased the former gas station and auto repair shop at 1 High Street. This would become the destination for the statue, which was now in need of beautiful surroundings.

The idea of the Percheron Park project was born. The Friends of Percheron Park was incorporated in 2012, and fundraising for the project began.

That land acquisition cost $400,000, officials said Monday night. The design work cost between $20,000 and $29,000, with a remaining estimated cost of about $250,000.

Officials said they hope the cost can be offset somewhat by the continued fundraising, and the benefit of the park to the community.

“This park means a lot to a lot of people in town,” Councilman Quinton Law said. “I understand all the concerns, but I can really see this being a gem in our community.”

“The work of Kathy Logue and her committee has been wonderful,” resident and former councilman Greg Newcomer said. “This is such a positive thing.”

Donations can be made at www.percheronpark.org and at https://www.facebook.com/donate/536341237218226/.