Since Delaware County adopted the County Open Space, Recreation, and Greenway Plan in April 2015, it has served as a guide and resource for countywide, multi-municipal, and municipal planning efforts for open space and recreation.

A recent report highlights some of the work the County has undertaken to address the main goals of the plan, which are to:

1. conserve open space and natural features
2. enhance their environmental and recreational uses
3. connect communities, cultural/historic resources, and natural features

The County is leading the development of a segment of the Darby Creek Trail in Upper Darby from Kent Park to the historic Swedish Cabin. The engineering team is finalizing design plans with construction expected to begin in late summer. The $700,000 construction project is funded by County and federal sources, and will last approximately eight months.

The County is pursuing the development of a signage manual and logo design for the Delaware County Parks System that will serve as a guide to unify the County parks and increase awareness of the recreational opportunities and services provided. This was a priority project identified in the County’s Open Space Plan, which showed that many residents did not differentiate county parks from municipal parks.

Additionally, the County, in a joint effort with Concord Township, applied for a grant to study feasibility of trail connections to Clayton County Park, as designated in the park’s long-range master plan. If awarded, this grant will help determine routes to increase trail access to and within the 148-acre park.