BUTLER TWP — Plans to build a road in Preston Park to connect to the existing road and loop through the park were approved Tuesday by the township planning commission.

The planning commission approved the township's land development plan containing the park road, and the plan will be forwarded to the township commissioners for final consideration.

The new road would begin at an old iron gate near the border of the park property on South Eberhart Road and extend about a quarter-mile to the circular driveway at the end of the existing road. Tom Knights, township manager, explained in his presentation to the township planning commission that the existing road is the current park access road.

Traffic would be one-way, entering the park from the new road and exiting by the existing road.

Knights said the Preston family bought the two-door gate in Ohio and had it shipped to the property in 1955 with the intention of using it as the entrance for a new driveway to a family home, but neither was built.

The gate will have to be widened to accommodate the road. It will be there for display and will be not be operational, he said.

A concrete block restroom building will be constructed near the circular driveway and the existing road will be widened to provide parking for buses and visitors.

Commission members said the plan improves safety and represents a major improvement at the park.

The planning commission made its approval contingent upon the township obtaining permits for sewer, and erosion and sedimentation.