The Cynwyd Heritage Trail is a future two-mile recreational, multi-use paved trail running from Cynwyd Station to the Manayunk viaduct along an unused portion of the SEPTA’s R-6 tracks.

In 2008, the Township completed a master plan for the trail and greenway. The study was completed by Pennoni Associates and Township staff.

Actual design of the trail and greenway and Phase I construction, building the main trail from Cynwyd Station to Belmont Ave., will be completed in 2009 – 2010. Work will include:

• Grading, stormwater and erosion control and necessary permitting.
• Establishing basic links with trailheads at Barmouth Station and Bala Cynwyd Park.
• Providing emergency access and emergency notification elements.
• Installing safety fencing where necessary.
• Installing privacy screening along the trail where necessary.
• Building the trail using stone secured from the 131-151 Rock Hill Road project for the trail’s base.

Montgomery County Open Space funds will fund 80% of the estimated $1.3 million project.

Studio Bryan Hanes of Philadelphia, with support from Studio Gaea of Ardmore, has been contracted by the Township to design the trail. The design process will include a series of focus groups and community meetings. The goal is to ensure the trail and greenway is built to accommodate the many uses that it will receive, including walkers, joggers, and all levels of bike riders - from children on training wheels to experienced riders.

Meeting notices and links to studies, maps, images, etc. will be posted on this page.

Draft Master Plan

Draft Cynwyd Heritage Trail Plan - January 16, 2009 ( 21MB)
if you are having trouble viewing this file please contact
Chris Leswing, PP, AICP, Assistant Director of Planning, at (610) 645-6116

Presentations

This presentation, from the January 30th Informational Meeting, also includes details about the planned renovations to the historic Cynwyd Train Station.

Presentation from January 30, 2008 Public Meeting ( 26MB)

Proposed Master Plan (map of proposed trail, jpg 1.3MB)

Design Events

All design events will be held at the Conservatory at West Laurel Hill Cemetery on Belmont Avenue in Bala Cynwyd.

• Tuesday October 13th – Community Meeting – 6:30-9:00pm
• Sunday October 25th – Children’s Workshop – 12:00-3:00pm
• Sunday November 1st – Adult Workshop – 12:00-3:00pm
• Tuesday November 17th – Community Meeting – 6:30-8:00pm
• Tuesday January 26th – Community Meeting – 6:30-8:00pm

Trail Workdays (in 2009)

• March 21 and 22 (with the Lower Merion Boy Scouts)
• April 18 and 19 (with the Lower Merion Boy Scouts)
• May 16 and 17 (with the Lower Merion Boy Scouts)
• June 20 and 21
• September 12 and 13
• October 17 and 18
• November 14 and 15
• December 5 and 6

Slideshows

Main Line Life Slideshow from February 3, 2008 Walk

News Reports

February 12, 2008 WHYY 91 FM Report (listen to the mp3)

Internet

Visit the Cynwyd Heritage Trail website at www.cynwydheritagetrail.com

Visit the Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail website at www.cynwydtrail.org

Visit the Facebook page of the ‘Friends of the Cynwyd Trail,” at www.facebook.com for ongoing updates.

The Lower Merion Historical Society page highlighting the heritage of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail as well as the stabilization/restoration of Cynwyd Station. www.lowermerionhistory.org