Recreation

In recent years there has been significant developments and improvements made to the areas parks and recreational facilities.

These improvements have included:

• Callahan Park playground equipment and pool improvements.
• Callahan Ice Rink renovation.
• Kessel Athletic Field improvements.
• Hanley Park renovation.

The Tuna Valley Trail System has been hailed by the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as an example for other communities planning trail systems. More than 35 miles of multi-purpose trails, which include the Community Parks Trail, have been constructed in the Bradford area. For more information and trail maps please visit the Tuna Valley Trail Association website at www.tunavalleytrail.com

The Community Parks Trail, completed in 2012, passes through the Kessel Athletic Complex and Callahan Park, and connects the McDowell Community Trail to the City’s downtown Historic District via the Pine Street Pedestrian Bridge. The recently renovated Hanley Park also connects to the Community Parks Trail. Improvements included new playground equipment and a new trail fitness area. The Hanley Park trail travels from Mechanic Street along the Tunungwant Creek, traverses through Hanley Park to Davis Street.

TVTA/Hanley Park Update:  The final connecting leg of the Community Parks Trail was completed in 2016.  The .4 mile trail connected Hanley Park to the 3.3 mile urban trail that now features the Kessel Athletic Complex and Callahan Park.  Trail users can access the new trail from Mechanic Street or Davis Street.  The new trail consists of a 6′ wide asphalt surface and is easy to walk or bike along the Tunungwant Creek.  At Hanley Park more than twenty three trees have been removed to make way for an open-space park with two new playgrounds for 2-5 year old and 5-12 year old children.  Another new feature of the park and trail is the addition of a new eight-station adult fitness area and eight balance & climbing fun center for children.  The $335,000 trail and playground improvement project is funded through grants from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCED Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program and Game Time secured by the City of Bradford; donations from the Blaisdell Foundation and the Tuna Valley Trail Association and in-kind services provided by the Office of Economic and Community Development and City of Bradford Parks Department.