Delco's Newest Park Needs Public Input

MARPLE, PA — Delaware County's newest park is in need of some community input.

The county is working to develop its newest and largest park on the former Don Guanella School site near, Reed and Sproul roads in Marple Township.

And community members are invited to share their thoughts on the park with county officials.

A public open house will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Cardinal O’Hara High School Gym, 1701 S. Sproul Road in Springfield.

A snow date is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Feb.4 at the Cardinal O’Hara High School Gym.

The public house is being hosted by Delaware County Council, the County’s Planning Department, the County’s Office of Sustainability, and the County’s Parks and Recreation Department.

The community is invited to share ideas and provide feedback about the Master Plan for the new park.

This new 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 about how to create the best possible park and open space that we can," 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 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.

Last September, 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 at DelcoNewParkPlan@co.delaware.pa.us or 610-891-5200.