Everyone had a chance to offer their vision of what Delaware County’s newest park in Marple should be. 

For 6-year-old Brendan Hayward, the future park at the former Don Quanella property should definitely have a water slide, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

He was one of hundreds that turned out Saturday at the Cardinal O’Hara High School gymnasium to give their park input to county officials.

 Those officials were pleased at the public response and promised many more opportunities to participate.

“We want true meaningful engagement. We’re thrilled with the turnout that we’ve gotten here today,” said Gina Burritt, director of the county Planning Department.

Delaware County Council began eminent domain proceedings in July 2021 to acquire 213 acres of the Marple property and turn it into the county’s largest park.

The county will develop several park concepts based on Saturday’s input, then reach out again to the community for feedback.

Ideas ran the gamut as different groups weighed in. Some want the forest on the land untouched. Others want more motorbike and bicycle paths, a skatepark, playgrounds, zip lines, off-leash dog trails, camping, and stormwater paddling.

Read more about community ideas for the new Marple park at the Daily Times.

Here’s a CBS Philadelphia news report on the community meeting.