Sesame Place Water Tower To Be Demolished

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The iconic Oxford Valley Water Tank, which has stood off of Interstate 295 for almost three decades, could be demolished in the near future.

Also known to Bucks County residents and visitors as the Sesame Tank, the fate of the colorful landmark could soon be decided, as the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority has approved bidding for the demolition of the tower, according to the Bucks County Courier Times.

While the tower has become synonymous with travelers' arrival into Bucks County and to the popular Sesame Place theme park, it has not been used for its intended purpose for five years. That, combined with the upkeep and decaying siding, has made the tower useless to the township.

Brian Dries, a spokesperson for the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, told the Bucks County Courier Times that the tank's purpose was superseded by two other water tanks near Neshaminy High School.

He also told the Courier Times that the upkeep of the tower was supposed to have been overseen by Sesame Place. When asked if the park wanted to buy the tower outright, they declined.

The tank has served as a massive advertisement for Sesame Place, which has been in operation since 1980. The idea to decorate the tank for the park was made a reality in 1993 and has made the tank an unofficial landmark in the Bucks County area.