Delco Woods Master Plan Unveiled

MARPLE TOWNSHIP, PA — The master plan for Delaware County's upcoming park was presented to the county council Wednesday after years of development and months of controversy.

Delco Woods, located at the former Don Guanella site in Marple Township, is the largest forest in the Delaware County park system, and it needs restoration and stewardship, according to the master plan.

With this project, nearly 90 percent of the forest and stream corridors would be preserved, and the ecological core and forest edges would be maintained.

Features of the park include a perimeter meadow that will filter pollutants from entering the stream and define the forest edge, a wetland boardwalk, hiking and mountain biking trails, a parkway entrance, a central bus stop, a dog park, activity mounds, a canopy trail, a community building, a rentable pavilion with restrooms and other amenities, a gathering pavilion and gathering greens, and much more.

There will be a 2.5 mile perimeter trail and .75 mile strolling loop in addition to the wetland boardwalk, mountain biking trails, and an interpretive trail that is to be determined.

As the county progresses in the park process, early action items for the development include implementing the Woodland Loop Trail, conducting a tree safety study, improving trail markings and signage at Delco Woods, improving security of buildings at Delco Woods, creating a stormwater management plan, and creating a memorandum of understanding with the BMX organization that has has planned, designed, constructed, and maintained the BMX track on the site for more than 20 years.

Park development is following a modular strategy, which will allow for the systematic accomplishment of different elements of the master plan.

Module A focuses on the community recreation hub, which will feature the great lawn gathering and event area, sports courts, playground, pavilions, restrooms, teen area, and green infrastructure. Module B will focus on meadows, community gardens, trails, natural play
area, and a water feature with flatwater fishing area. Module C's aim is towards a multistory celebration pavilion with restrooms, catering space, seating, and the tree canopy walk.

The master plan lists stakeholder engagement as a top priority as the park is developed.

Stakeholder engagement "underscores the importance of involving the community, local authorities, environmental experts, and other relevant stakeholders throughout the implementation process to garner support and advance implementation of the recommendations as resources become available," the master plan reads.

The public can view the entire Delco Woods Master Plan online here.

See related coverage below:

• Delco To Create Largest County-Owned Park At Don Guanella Site
• Delco Clashes Over Park, Mental Health Service Plans At Don Guanella
• Marple, County Officials Dedicated To Preserving Don Guanella Site
• Delco Council 'Squandered' Good Will Over Don Guanella, Group Says
• Residents Decry Delco's Mental Health Proposal On Don Guanella Land
• No Immigrant Housing Coming To Don Guanella Site: Delco Officials
• Delco Pulls Plug On Mental Health Facility At Don Guanella Property
• Marple Rezones Don Guanella To Open Space In Face Of Delaware County