EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
How to read this plan
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
What is Open Space
What this Open Space Does
The Plan
The Process
The Strategy
The Vision
AUDIT OF 1995 OPEN SPACE PLAN
Introduction
Process
Mapping
Summary of Accomplishments & Gaps
in Achieving the 1995 Open Space Plan Goals
Evaluation of Accomplishments & Gaps
in Achieving the 1995 Open Space Plan Recommendations
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Historic Background
Regional Setting
Local Setting
Geography
Transportation Infrastructure
Land Use Analysis
Overview
Historical Land Use Pattern
Current Land Use Pattern
Land Use Summary
Demographic Analysis
Population Density
Population Composition by Age
Income
Age of Housing Inventory
Housing Types
Employment
Growth Projections
Status of Relevant Plans
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Community Survey
Stakeholder Forums
Goals and Objectives
INVENTORY OF EXISTING PROTECTED LANDS
Introduction
Public vs. Private Space
Permanently Protected Lands
Municipal Park Lands
Other Municipal Lands
Public School Lands
Other Protected Lands
Conservation Agreement, Deed Restricted Lands
Homeowner Protected Lands
Conservancy Lands
Temporarily Protected Lands
Residential Properties over 5 Acres
Other Properties over 5 Acres
Institutional Lands
Conclusion
INVENTORY OF POTENTIALLY VULNERABLE RESOURCES
Introduction
Vulnerable Resource Issues
Resource Conservation Protections
Resource Conservation Areas
Inventory of Potentially Vulnerable
Resources
Historic and Cultural Resources
Scenic Resources
Geology
Topography
Soils
Surface Waters
Vegetation and Wildlife
Protected Natural Resource Areas
Conservation Opportunities
Heritage Resource Conservation
POTENTIAL OPEN SPACE LINKAGES
Introduction
What are Open Space Linkages
Benefits of Open Space Linkages
Issues Regarding Open Space Linkages
Existing Township Trail Network
Regional Trail Network
Potential Trail Connections
EVALUATION OF RECREATIONAL RESOURCES
Introduction
Summary of Issues Impacting
the Township
Assessment of Parks and Recreation
Facilities
Recreation Trends in Lower Merion
Summary
ANALYSIS OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Introduction – What is
Green Infrastructure
Types of Green Infrastructure
Linkages
Enhancing Commercial Areas
Provide Green Relief in Underserved Residential Neighborhoods
Public Spaces
Parks and Recreational Areas
Shade Trees
Township-wide Community Greening Coordinator
Green Infrastructure and Montgomery
County Open Space Funds
EVALUATION OF OPEN SPACE NEEDS
Introduction
Methodology
Current Needs
Continuing Open Space Needs
RELATIONSHIP TO STATE, COUNTY AND ABUTTING MUNICIPAL PLANS
Pennsylvania
Growing Greener I & II (DCNR)
Schuylkill River Heritage Trail
Pennsylvania Greenways Action Plan
Delaware Valley Region
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
Darby Creek Watershed Conservation Plan
Greenspace Alliance Regional Open Space Report
Montgomery County Municipalities
West Conshohocken Borough
Conshohocken Borough
Montgomery County Green Fields
Green Towns Program
Montgomery County Schuylkill River Greenway Stewardship Study
Upper Merion Township
Narberth Borough
Whitemarsh Township
Delaware County Municipalities
Radnor Township
Haverford Township
City of Philadelphia
Philadelphia Planning Commission
Philadelphia – New River City
Schuylkill River Development Corporation
Manayunk Development Corporation
East Falls Development Corporation
City Avenue Special Services District
Green City Strategy
Fairmount Park Commission
RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Analysis in Light of Open Space Needs and
Goals
Realities
Inventories
Opportunities
Possibilities
Recommendations
New Playfields
Create an ‘Emerald Necklace’ of Linked Open Spaces
Schuylkill River Trail
Section 5
Section 4
Harry Olsen Trail
Section 2
Section 1
Township-Wide Pedestrian Bicycle
Network
Bridlewild Network
R-6 Rail to Trail
Rockland Avenue Bridge
Create new Open Spaces in Commercial
and Underserved Residential Neighborhoods
Preserve and Enhance the Greene Country
Towne
Gateways
Corridors
Streets
Nodes
Additional Green Infrastructure
Recommendations
Permanently Protect Institutions and
Large Properties over 5-Acres
Natural Resource Protection
Recreation Recommendations
Heritage Resource Protection
Recommended Ordinances or Methods to
Protect Open Space Other Than Through Investment
IMPLEMENTATION
Introduction
Partnerships
Schuylkill River Trail
Create an ‘Emerald Necklace’ of
Linked Open Spaces
Locate and Develop New Athletic Fields
Create New Open Spaces in Underserved Residential Areas
Create New Open Spaces in Commercial Areas
Green Infrastructure Enhancements
Establish a Multi-use Trail along the R-6 Line from Cynwyd Station
to Manayunk
Implement the Township-Wide Pedestrian Bicycle Plan
Heritage Resource Protection
Sources of Funding and Technical Assistance
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