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The Knight Park Board of Trustees is responsible for much of the capital improvement projects and maintenance of existing facilities throughout the park. Keeping Knight Park as an asset in the community is only possible through the generosity of donors. You can also volunteer your time to help. Click here to learn more! 

To make a donation, checks should be made payable and mailed to the following address:

Knight Park Trustees

PO Box 8731

Collingswood, NJ 08108.  

*Knight Park is a 501 (c) (3) public charity and all donations are tax deductible. 

PROJECTS FUNDED 

In addition to the ongoing cost of materials for planting and clean-ups, the following projects were made possible due to generous donations from friends of the park and residents.

RESTORATION OF THE KNIGHT PARK CLUBHOUSE (ONGOING)

In 1888, Richard T. Collings, park superintendent, commissioned Atlantic City builder Andrew Doughty to design and build a clubhouse in the park.  It was completed in time for the park’s dedication on August 18, 1888 and is the only structure remaining from the park’s original dedication.  It is likely that the house was originally used by the Collings family members and the park trustees for social functions.  In later years the house became a caretaker’s residence with the last caretaker retiring in 2011.  Throughout the years a lack of funds resulted in the serious deterioration of the house.  However, most of the original architectural features remain intact and have inspired many residents to become involved in restoring this piece of history.  Commissioner Joan Leonard, who spearheaded the restoration, obtained a commitment of $25,000 from Proud Neighbors of Collingswood, a non profit civic organization.  Individual donors have also come forward with monetary donations and volunteer hours.  The cost of the restoration, however, is estimated at $200,000, and additional funds and talents are needed for painting, window repair, floor refinishing, cupola rebuilding, porch restoration, landscaping and more.  When the Caretaker’s House is restored, the trustees plan to use the property as a source of income for the maintenance of the park. If you would like to contribute your time or talent, contact us at brennanber@aol.com.  

KNIGHT PARK PLAYGROUND MAKEOVER

The Knight Park Playground Improvement Committee has worked for years to raise funds for a new, safe, and fully accessible playground that encourages physical fitness and development, social interaction, cognitive growth, and imaginative play for children of all ages and abilities.

In the fall of 2008, the Borough Public Works Department and a group of volunteers assembled the playground in three days. Originally a hit among many families, the playground endured a second phase of construction in 2012.

PAVED WALKING PATH

The park is loved by walkers and runners who aim to exercise on its triangular perimeter, and while one side was paved with sidewalk, the other two were dirt pathways. In rainy weather, these two sides would inevitably become muddy, and, with the excessive tree roots and stones, everyday exercise became somewhat dangerous. Thanks to contributions, however, a macadam pathway was installed along the remaining perimeter, promoting a surplus of walkers and runners to once again enjoy the park.

KNIGHT PARK BRIDGE AND PAVILION RESTORATION

Only one footbridge remains from a series of bridges that used to connect the lakes. Since it is the last one standing, various restorations—including a new paint job, an enhancement of the structural integrity, and an addition of plants—have taken place thanks to a $5,000 grant from Proud Neighbors of Collingswood. These restorations not only beautified the area but also fortified the embankments at both sides of the bridge.

Thanks to an Open Space Grant from Camden County from the Open Space Fund, a group of volunteers, and an Eagle Scout Project, the Knight Park Pavilion was able to be restored with new flooring, a painted interior, a reparation of wainscoting, and an installation of new steps and handrails.

SOIL RETENTION/ROADWAY PAINTING

Since the Trustees operated in cooperation with the Collingswood Board of Education, there have been various improvements with regard to soil retention and roadway painting. The roadway was paved and marked to indicate where parking is allowed, the erosion of soil above and adjacent to the roadway has been contained, and the damage to the shoulder areas has been curtailed.