An open house is taking place Saturday, Jan. 14, so the entire Delaware County community can offer ideas and feedback about the Master Plan for the new county park in Marple Township at the former Don Guanella School site near Reed and Sproul roads.

The meeting, organized by Delaware County Council, the County’s Planning Department, the County’s Office of Sustainability, and the County’s Parks and Recreation Department will take place 9 a.m. to noon at the Cardinal O’Hara High School gym, 1701 S. Sproul Road in Springfield.  A snow date at the same location will be Feb. 4.

The County’s newest and largest park covers 213 acres of the county’s largest forest. It is home to woodlands, wetlands, grassland, and many wildlife species.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will create an open accessible public space with immediate and ongoing economic, environmental, and quality-of-life benefits to the Delaware County community.

“The property is already a cherished regional destination for many residents and community engagement and input is important as we plan for this epic new park,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer.

Residents can view displays about the Marple county park, ask the Delaware County Planning Department questions, and provide ideas, concerns, and suggestions.

A children’s table will also be set up to hear what the youngest Delco residents would like to have in a new park.

In June 2021, the County announced it would be acquiring the 213-acre Don Guanella parcel after its development into housing and institutional use was unanimously rejected by the Marple Township Board of Commissioners and opposed by the Planning Commission.

In March 2022, Delaware County Council approved and funded a proposal to create a plan to transform the property into the largest public park in the county.

In September 2022, an Advisory Committee was formed to assist the County with the planning of the new park.

Find out more about this public meeting on the county’s new park at delcopa.gov.