Yes, restrooms are open from May through mid November (as weather permits) at Ashbridge Memorial Park, Bala Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, Flat Rock, General Wayne, Gladwyne, McMoran, Penn Wynne, Richie Ashburn Field, South Ardmore, Vernon V. Young and Wynnewood Valley Parks.
Can I barbecue in township parks?
Yes, you may bring your own Grill to the park, but all charcoal must be full extinguished and disposed of properly.
How do I learn about programs that are offered through LMT?
What forms of payment does the Parks and Recreation Department accept?
We accept cash, money order and checks payable to Treasurer, Township of Lower Merion. Credit Cards are also accepted in person and on-line (fees apply).
How can I reach other Recreation Program providers?
Click here for the list of additional recreation program providers.
Are there any outdoor swimming pools in the township?
Does Lower Merion Township have an indoor swimming pool?
Lower Merion Township does NOT have an indoor swimming pool, however, Lower Merion High School allows community use of their indoor pool. For more information, please contact 610-645-1889 or visit their Pool Information Page.
Who is required to obtain a permit for a picnic?
Groups of five persons or more desiring the use of picnic tables must obtain a permit.
How do I get a permit to use a Picnic Area or Field Space?
To obtain a permit for use of Picnic Areas and/or Field Space, Lower Merion residents must complete an Application for Use of Township Property (PDF). Please see Fee Schedule for appropriate fee. Payment must be received with the application to reserve the date, time and location.
Are there bathrooms available to permit holders?
Comfort stations and water fountains in Township parks will be opened in mid-April, once the threat of frost has passed and shut down in anticipation of the first threat of frost. Not all picnic areas have comfort stations.
Can I request a permit over the phone or via email?
Applications can be submitted via email, however, the date, time and location will not be reserved until payment is received.
What is the maximum amount of time I can request?
Permits are issued for up to 6 hours of time.
What time of day can I hold my event?
Parks are open sunrise and sunset, daily local time.
What indoor facilities are available for Birthday Parties?
The Belmont Hills Community Center is available to Lower Merion Township residents for birthday parties and bridal/baby showers. For pricing information, please refer to our Current Fee Schedule. No alcohol is permitted.
Can I have a moon bounce or other outside resource at my event?
You are permitted to make special arrangements at your event, however, you may be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance with Lower Merion Township listed as an additional insured.
Can I cancel my event and receive a refund?
Events may be canceled at any time, however refunds are accompanied by an Administration Fee.
What if it rains and I have to cancel my event?
Permit dates may be rescheduled at no additional charge if your event had to be cancelled due to inclement weather.
Can I change the date and time of my permit?
Permit Change Requests are accompanied by an Administration Fee.
What is offered at the Bala Gym?
The Bala Gym is located on Bala Avenue in Bala Cynwyd. The facility is mostly used for programming, such as gymnastics and basketball, however it can be used by outside groups. No food is permitted in the facility. To obtain a permit, Lower Merion Residents must complete an Application for Use of Township Property(PDF). Please See Fee Schedule for appropriate fee.
Are there any lighted tennis or basketball courts?
Vernon V. Young Park at Ardmore and Spring Avenues in Ardmore from April through mid November (dates are approximate).
Are there any street / roller hockey courts?
Yes, at Lewis Smith Park located on Mary Waters Ford Road behind Belmont Hills swimming pool. Open 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily.
Are there any public boat launches in the township?
Yes, at Flat Rock Park in Gladwyne. A permit is required to launch motorized boats, including personal watercraft (PWC) from the park’s boat launch. Go to the Flat Rock Park Boating Facilities page for more information or contact the Parks & Recreation Department office at 610-645-6220.
Are there any pickleball courts in the township?
Wynnewood Valley and Bala Avenue Parks have dedicated Pickleball Courts. For a list of other parks with Pickleball overlays, please visit our Township Parks page, which sorts by available amenities.
Which Parks allow dogs?
Please visit the Off Leash Dog Program page for Information regarding dogs and Lower Merion Township parks, including a list of parks where dogs are permitted.
Are dogs allowed off-leash in any parks?
An Off Leash Permit may be purchased to exercise dogs off-leash in designated areas of Rolling Hill Park in Gladwyne and West Mill Creek Park in Penn Valley. Go to the Off-Leash Dog Program page for more information or contact the Parks & Recreation Department office at 610-645-6220.
How can someone adopt a park or make a contribution to beautify a park?
The Park Friends Program provides residents, organizations, schools and businesses with a variety of ways to help protect and enhance the parks and to educate people about the importance of parks and open spaces. Call the Recreation Office for information about the program or visit the Park Friends Program page.