PARK FRIENDS

Schools * Organizations * Businesses * Families * Neighbors * Individuals

WHAT CAN BE ADOPTED? 

Township parks * Natural areas * Public strips/Islands * Gardens * Flower beds * Trails (minimum of one mile) * Specific facility (tennis courts and playgrounds)

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

PARK FRIENDS  are asked to commit to maintain a park, facility or trail a minimum of four times during the course of one (1) year. Parks Division employees work with interested volunteers and groups to determine the type of work and commitment of the volunteers.

Those interested in planting a flower bed or garden will be asked to commit to its maintenance for a minimum of four times a year for three (3) years. Responsibility for purchasing and planting all plant material and vegetation would be on the volunteers.

TRAINING & ORIENTATION

Parks Division employees will provide training and orientation to all volunteers. Additional training may be necessary depending upon the level of work being conducted.

TOWNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

The Township will supply basic supplies, including trash bags, gloves, compost and screened mulch when available. Hand tools, such as rakes and shovels, may be available on a sign-out basis.  The Cynwyd Tool Trailer, is an enclosed trailer that is fully equipped with tools, supplies and safety equipment. It is available for approved PARK FRIENDS groups for projects and workdays involving groups with a minimum of twelve (12) volunteers.

SCHEDULING WORKDAYS

Workdays are scheduled in advance. Approved PARK FRIENDS can open their workdays to the general public. Upon completing a workday, volunteers submit a report to the Township.

RECOGNITION!! 

All PARK FRIENDS will be acknowledged on the Township’s PARK FRIENDS website.

Download a PARK FRIENDS Application.

For more information on the PARK FRIENDS program, call the Lower Merion Department of Parks & Recreation at 610-645-6220, email the Department at recreation@lowermerion.org.

Current Park Friends

Friends of Ashbridge Park – The mission of the Friends of Ashbridge Park (FoAP) is to preserve Ashbridge Memorial Park.   The Park was deeded, with detailed restrictions in 1940, by Emily Ashbridge to Lower Merion Township “for the express purpose of creating a public park for recreation to be and remain a park forever.  FoAP advocates for Ashbridge Memorial Park, works to help care for the grounds and arboretum, and generally supports the community with enjoying our amazing green space.

Cynwyd Heritage Trail - Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail  - The mission of the Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail (FOCHT) is to support the design, construction, maintenance and community involvement in the Trail. Information can be found by following the link to the website.

Contact:   info@cynwydtrail.org        

Cynwyd Station Park - Friends of Cynwyd Station Park - The mission of the Friends of Cynwyd Station Park is to restore the park to its former glory. Information can be found by following the link to the website.

Harriton Preserve - Friends of Harriton Preserve - The mission of The Friends of the Harriton Preserve (FHP) is to act as land stewards of the property and foster community involvement around its resources. Information can be found by following the link to the website.

Linwood Park - Friends of Linwood Park - The mission of Friends of Linwood Park (FoLP) is to support the development, maintenance and beneficial use of Linwood Park for residents of Lower Merion Township and beyond. Information can be found by following the link to the website.

Contact:    linwood.park@gmail.com        

Merion Botanical Park - Botanical Society of Lower Merion - The mission of the Botanical Society of Lower Merion stands for promoting native plants and raising interest in the science of Botany and nature in general. Information can be found by following the link to the website.

Contact:   botanicalsocietylm@gmail.com

Merion Gateway Park - Friends of Merion Gateway Park - The mission of the Friends of Merion Gateway Park is to enhance the use and enjoyment of common green space at 2 Merion Road, provide a safe and sustainable path to the Overbrook train station and design and maintain the space in a manner that minimizes the burdens on the Township and encourages social interaction, diversity, and community involvement. Information can be found by following the link to the website.

Penn Wynne Park - Friends of Penn Wynne Park - Friends of Penn Wynne Park are creating a more diverse ecosystem by removing dead and dying trees, removing invasive species, and planting large trees, understory trees, shrubs, pollinator plants, and ground cover.  Information can be found by following the link to the website.

Contact:   friendsofpwp@gmail.com

Rolling Hill Park & various parks - Lower Merion Conservancy - The mission of the Lower Merion Conservancy is to protect and enhance our quality of life by engaging residents in preserving open space, the natural environment, and the historic character of the community. Through education, advocacy ad research, we promote collective responsibility for these shared resources. Information can be found by following the link to the website.

Contact:   info@lmconservancy.org

Friends of West Mill Creek Park – The mission of the Friends of West Mill Creek Park is to enhance amenities for park users while preserving the park’s essentially wild nature, and to beautify the park with native plants that support wildlife. Information can be found by following the link to the website.

Friends of Shortridge Park - Since winter of 2022, a group of community members and neighbors have been gradually building a friends group that is committed to active maintenance and support of the park. The group works together to remove non-native, aggressive plants; plant large trees, understory trees, shrubs, pollinator plants, and ground cover; and coordinate volunteer events. Information can be found by following the link to the website.

Contact: shortridgeparkfriends@gmail.com

Friends of Wynnewood Valley Park – The Friends of Wynnewood Valley Park strives to be an inclusive and comprehensive group of residents who are committed to active park maintenance and support of the park including but not limited to advocacy, planning volunteer events, gardening, environmental education, and creating and sustaining partnerships with township personnel, community and civic groups, and local businesses to ensure the park is a valued natural resource for the Penn Wynne community.  Information can be found by following the link to the website.     

Contact:   friendsofwvp@gmail.com

GIFTS FOR PARKS

Did you grow up taking long walks through the woods in General Wayne Park? Was a certain park bench in Wynnewood Valley Park the favorite destination of a loved one? The Gifts for Parks program enables residents to support their favorite park or remember a loved one by donating funds to purchase, install or plant trees in a park. The Department of Parks & Recreation maintains a list of potential projects and amenities and we will work with interested benefactors to determine what could be most appropriate.

What is a Gift ?

A gift is a donation towards any of the following:

• Reforestation or restoration: Purchase and planting trees in the Township’s developed parks or natural areas consistent with the Township’s plans.

• Park & playground equipment: Purchase and installation of playground equipment, playground safety surfacing, tables, benches, water fountains, etc.

• Specific project: Renovation of a basketball or tennis court.

• Remembrance: Purchase and installation of a park amenity or improvement in remembrance of a loved one, a wedding or anniversary.

• General donation: Donation toward the operation and maintenance of a specific park or the general operation and maintenance of the Lower Merion Township park system.

All gifts are deductible for Federal income tax purposes, but we recommend that you consult with your tax advisor.

Recognition !!

Donations are recognized with an on site listing indicating the donors name, dedication and the and improvement provided.