Smith Drive Park Is Coming to Hampden Township — And It's Going to Be Worth the Wait

If you've driven down Smith Drive lately, you may have noticed some activity at the 5885 Smith Drive site near Signal Hill Drive. That's not a coincidence — construction is officially underway on what will become one of Hampden Township's most ambitious parks projects in recent memory.

Here's everything you need to know about the future Smith Drive Park.

A Long Time in the Making

This park didn't happen overnight. Back in March 2022, the Board of Commissioners approved a contract with YSM Landscape Architects to develop a Recreation Master Plan for the site. From there, the Township did something refreshingly community-driven: they actually asked residents what they wanted.

A study committee of residents was established to help guide the process, and three public meetings were held throughout 2022 — in July, August, and November — giving Hampden Township residents multiple chances to weigh in. The result was a master plan that reflects what the community actually asked for.

That master plan was officially approved by the Board of Commissioners at their December 1, 2022 meeting, along with a contract to move into construction documents and the bidding phase.

The Groundbreaking

The shovels finally hit the ground in August 2025. On August 27, the Hampden Township Board of Commissioners, staff, and project partners gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for Phase One of the three-phase Smith Drive Park project. The Township called it a "major step forward in expanding recreational opportunities" for residents.

What's Being Built — Phase by Phase

The park will be developed in three phases across the 18-acre site. Here's what's planned:

Phase One (Under Construction Now)

Phase One includes eight pickleball courts, two basketball courts with a terraced viewing area and lights, walking trails, green space, playgrounds, and several pavilions — along with the site development needed to support the phases that follow. The master plan also shows a youth play area, a small pavilion, a park kiosk, a misting post, accessible bleacher seating, fitness equipment, and a 0.7-mile accessible paved loop trail.

Phase Two

Phase Two will bring a 1.3-acre small dog park and a 1.9-acre large dog park — both enclosed and designed for dogs of different sizes. The master plan shows shade structures, a seating plaza, park kiosks, and native pollinator meadows surrounding both dog areas.

Phase Three

Phase Three will include a 115-space parking lot and a multi-purpose field with bleacher seating and bench seating, along with restroom and storage facilities. The master plan shows the multi-purpose field measuring 360' x 225' — large enough for youth and adult sports use.

The Funding Behind It

Big parks take real money. Hampden Township received a $250,000 state grant to support the development of Smith Drive Park, covering basketball courts, pickleball courts, pavilions, pedestrian walkways, an access drive, landscaping, and signage. That grant helped make Phase One possible.

What Makes This Park Special

Beyond the individual amenities, what stands out about the Smith Drive Park master plan is the attention to detail in how the space was designed:

• Accessibility is built in — accessible parking, pavement markings, bench seating, and a fully accessible paved loop trail throughout the park

• Nature isn't an afterthought — native pollinator meadows and native tree plantings are woven throughout the design

• The dog parks are serious — two separate enclosed areas totaling over 3 acres, with shade structures and seating for owners

• The pickleball setup is legit — eight lighted courts, which is a significant addition for the growing number of pickleball players in the area

What This Means for the Hampden Township Community

Hampden Township already has a strong parks and recreation system, but Smith Drive Park fills a real gap. This is a destination park — one that will serve families with young kids, dog owners, athletes, casual walkers, and anyone who wants more outdoor space close to home.

The three-phase approach means it won't all happen at once, but Phase One is already taking shape. If you're in the market for a home in the area, this is exactly the kind of long-term community investment that makes Hampden Township a great place to put down roots.

Stay tuned to hampdentownshipliving.com for updates as construction progresses.

Sources: Hampden Township official website, ABC27 News, Cumberland County