Public Open House for Delco’s New Park Master Plan to be held January 14

Released: December 30, 2022

Delaware County Council, the County’s Planning Department, the County’s Office of Sustainability, and the County’s Parks and Recreation Department will hold a public Open House on January 14 to hear ideas and feedback from the community about the Master Plan for the new County park in Marple Township.

The County’s newest and largest park will be located on the former Don Guanella School site near Reed and Sproul Roads in Marple Township. The future park consists of 213 acres and is home to woodlands, wetlands, grassland, and many wildlife species. The creation of a park on the Don Guanella tract is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create an open and accessible public space that will provide immediate and ongoing economic, environmental, and quality of life benefits to the Delaware County community. The site is one of Delco’s largest forests.

“We are extremely excited about our new County park and we want to hear from residents from across the County about their ideas on how we can create a destination park and open space that will benefit all residents,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “The property is already a cherished regional destination for many residents and community engagement and input is important as we plan for this epic new park!”

Residents are invited to the Public Open House for Delco’s New Park Master Plan on Saturday January 14, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – noon at the Cardinal O’Hara High School Gym located at 1701 S. Sproul Road, Springfield, PA. A snow date is scheduled for February 4, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – noon at the Cardinal O’Hara High School Gym.

Residents can view displays about the park, ask the Delaware County Planning Department questions, and provide ideas, concerns, and suggestions. A children’s’ table will also be set up to hear what the youngest Delco residents would like to have in a new park.

In June 2021, the County announced its intention to acquire the 213-acre Don Guanella parcel after its development into housing and institutional use was unanimously rejected by the Marple Township Board of Commissioners and opposed by the Planning Commission. In March 2022, Delaware County Council approved and funded a proposal to create a plan to transform the property into the largest public park in the county. In September 2022, an Advisory Committee was formed to assist the County with the planning of the new park.

For questions or more information on the Open House, please contact the Delaware County Planning Department:
DelcoNewParkPlan@co.delaware.pa.us
610-891-5200