Lower Merion Township Parks & Recreation Plan Implementation Plan

Goals Parks & Recreation Plan identified five goals. Each recommendation identifies with one or more of these goals. – Establish parks and recreation facilities and community destinations where residents can have fun, experience nature, socialize and exercise. – Conserve our natural resources by using best management practices in the parks for conservation, public education and partnerships.

Goals – Collaborate with Township planners on the redevelopment of the villages to ensure that public recreation facilities, opportunities and partnerships are incorporated into the improvements. – Engage citizens in recreation to enrich their lives. – Provide operational excellence and financial sustainability that will garner widespread public support for recreation.

Recommendations: Parks & Trails Township staff reviewed each of the recommendations and developed a proposed implementation plan. Parks & Trails – Includes previously identified projects that are in the CIP:  Athletic field improvements  Implementing the Bicycle & Pedestrian network  Completing the Cynwyd Heritage Trail

Parks & Trails – Includes projects and programs that need further study to determine their feasibility and potential cost.  Determine feasibility of a second baseball / softball field at Penn Wynne Park.  Complete Flat Rock Park Phase III- Hollow Rd. to the Flat Rock Dam and Harry Olsen Trail.  Update Rolling Hill Park master plan.  Complete natural areas master plan.

Parks & Trails  Update master plans for various developed parks focusing on: Safety standards Accessibility Park circulation Gathering spaces Environmental sustainability Athletic fields

Parks & Trails Many master plan updates can be completed by Township staff with some assistance from Township Engineer. Some larger planning projects will require consultants.

Parks & Trails Projects included in the 2013 – 2018 CIP in an omnibus project. As further planning is completed and costs identified, projects will be moved into separate projects and identified in out years of CIP. Grant funds / alternative funding will be sought whenever possible.

Indoor Recreation & Community Hubs Complete needs assessment of PALM and AACC. Work with planning staff to identify potential public / private opportunities for additional indoor as well as outdoor recreation spaces.

Recreation Collaborate with community sports and non-profit organizations: – Youth and adult sports groups – Lower Merion Conservancy – Riverbend – Bridlewild Trails Expand variety of programs to include health, wellness and nature based programs.

Management, Operations & Administration Improve operating efficiencies – Reconfigure administrative staff – Complete parks and recreation management plans – Implement online program registration and payment system Establish Volunteer program – Coordinate efforts of Friends groups, community service, County work release, school and non-profit groups.

Implementation Schedule Projects proposed to begin in 2013 and beyond, except: – Skinning Bala Cynwyd Park 90’ baseball field - $40,000 (Township & School District) – Replacing playground apparatus at Vernon Young Park - $51,000 (CDBG funded) Projects previously included in the CIP and reported to the Board.

Proposed 2013 Projects Parks & Trails – Planning  Township staff Develop Township-wide playground replacement program and schedule. Develop master plan process, framework and schedule for developed parks. Develop accessibility standards for park system. Map bike routes With BTA, develop process to map trails in Township’s natural areas.

Proposed 2013 Projects Parks & Trails – Planning  Township staff & Twp. Engineer Update South Ardmore Park master plan ( )  Township staff & Consultant Complete Connelly site master plan - $50,000 (80% DVRPC grant) – Construction  Complete trail extension over Manayunk Bridge - $3.2 million (Township & City of Philadelphia)

Proposed 2013 Projects Management, Administration & Operations – Township staff  Begin maintenance management and recreation program plans.  Establish Volunteer Program Organize Friends of Lower Merion Parks group.  Reconfigure administrative positions to Program Coordinators.  Implement online program registration.

Proposed 2013 Projects Management, Administration & Operations – Township staff  Revamp Park Security program.  Determine feasibility of Lower Merion Parks Foundation.  Develop Gifts catalog / gifts and donations policy for parks.

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