Delaware County’s newest and largest park now has a name—Delco Woods.

 The name was approved by Delaware County Council April 3 for the former 213-acre Don Guanella property in Marple after 518 names were submitted in a contest, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

A second action had mixed responses.  

Delaware County filed a use permit application Monday with Marple Township to use some of the existing Don Guanella buildings on the property for an office and to house those with mental illness, providing mental health services.

“I would like to go on record that I very strenuously disagree with this,” said Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaeffer. “Basically in my opinion, institutional government use of that property — in the middle of that property — is just wrong.”

Council members said the mental health facility will save live and help those with mental illness transition back to the community.

It was also noted that the facility is not in the middle of the park and could be cordoned off from the recreational area.

County Executive Director Barbara O’Malley said residential support for those with mental illness is one of the county’s most needed services.

Read more about the creation of the park and this newest development in the Daily Times.