County to Hold Forums On Open Space Thursday

MEDIA–During last week's council meeting, the Delaware County Council announced that it would be holding two public forums in an effort to get public opinion on the proposed Open Space Plan.

The two open public forums will discuss Delaware County’s proposed Open Space, Recreation, and Greenway Plan, also known as the Open Space Plan.

The plan will address the parks and recreation in the county, including municipal, public and private land and trails, a Delaware County Council press release stated, adding that the Delaware County Planning Department is leading “this three-year effort.” A grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is being used to fund the effort.

The scope of work features a three-part strategy:

• Comprehensive Open Space Plan: A background and vision for all open spaces, parks, and recreation in the county

• County Parks Supplement: A policy plan for the Delaware County parks system and county-owned open spaces

• County Greenway Plan: Prepared in two phases — East (Darby Creek watershed, completed in 2010) and West (for other areas of the county, prepared as part of this current effort

The planning process will include extensive public participation, which will involve working with a task force, convening focus group meetings and general outreach.

“The purpose of these meetings and overall outreach efforts is to gather information from the public concerning open space and parks, so that the plan reflects the needs, concerns and desires of Delaware County residents,” stated Steven Beckley, Delaware County Senior Environmental Planner.

“One aspect of the plan will be an evaluation of the county’s park system, including existing conditions and future direction. As part of that effort, DCPD will examine six of the highest priority major parks: Rose Tree, Smedley, Clayton, Glen Providence, Kent and Upland. They will utilize a landscape architect to assist with proposed site development drawings,” the press release stated.

The forums will take place Thursday, Feb. 23, with one session from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Springfield Township Building on 50 Powell Rd., Springfield, and the second one from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the County Council Meeting Room, Delaware County Government Center.

To learn more about the Open Space Plan please go here.