DOCSLIB.ORG

Cynwyd Heritage Trail Lower Merion Township

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Cynwyd Heritage Trail Lower Merion Township 2012 Land Development CYNWYD HeritaGE TRAIL Lower Merion Township The Cynwyd Heritage Trail, located in Lower Merion Planning Concept Township, received a 2012 Montgomery Award for an The Cynwyd Heritage Trail is approximately a 2-mile innovative planning concept, preservation of open space, multipurpose trail and linear park constructed along and outstanding collaboration. This successful project the former SEPTA Cynwyd regional rail line in Bala transformed an abandoned rail line into a contemporary Cynwyd. This innovative rails-to-trails project has linear park that connects the community with its heritage converted approximately 35 acres of vacant and and other natural and recreational resources. underutilized land into a popular linear park. The trail begins at the Cynwyd Station, the final stop on the active SEPTA regional rail Cynwyd line, and ends at Belmont Avenue near the Green Lane Bridge. Following a curvilinear alignment, the trail provides pedestrian and bike connections to neighborhoods, commercial areas, public parks, and institutional properties. The trail connects to 250 acres of existing public and private open space including Bala Park, Westminster Cemetery, and West Laurel Hill Cemetery. Completion of the trail was the first phase of a multiphase plan to connect this trail to the growing regional trail system. As future phases are completed, trail connections are proposed to the Schuylkill River Trail, Wissahickon Trail, East Coast Greenway, and other planned trail connections. Preliminary design is currently under way to utilize the Manayunk viaduct as a future connection to Manayunk and the Schuylkill River Trail. Design A key design feature of the trail is that it is actually two trails in one, offering multiple experiences for users. In addition to the paved trail, a secondary gravel trail diverges from the main trail, meandering along a wooded stream bank. Environmental sustainability was an important design component. Stormwater is captured and directed into swales along the trail, and check dams slow the water and encourage infiltration. Shallow basins, planted with native plants, function as rain gardens. The natural environment was restored by removing debris and invasive species and replanting with native plants. The design concept also included preserving the history of the site as a working rail line by transforming several historic features. These included redeveloping the abandoned Barmouth Station into an attractive trailhead with parking and preserving the historic Cynwyd Station, currently being renovated for adaptive reuse. Collaboration and Funding The creation and continued development of the trail has been an extraordinary collaborative effort and is the result of years of planning by the township and many public and private stakeholders. The initial trail concept was first proposed during the planning process for the township’s 2006 open space plan. The Cynwyd Heritage Trail Master Plan was adopted in 2009, and the trail was completed in 2011. This plan outlines a comprehensive long-range vision for the trail and strategies to guide future development. The process included many well-attended community meetings with input from hundreds of citizens, planning professionals, and volunteers. A key implementation strategy for the trail completion was the creation of The Friends of the Cynwyd Trail, a volunteer group that assists Lower Merion Township in advocating for the trail and helps with ongoing maintenance. The enthusiastic participation of this group and other volunteers has provided thousands of hours of volunteer labor and is essential to the success of this project. Lower Merion partnered with numerous government and nonprofit organizations, businesses, and civic and community groups in developing the trail. The township secured substantial funding for this multimillion dollar project from a variety of sources including the Montgomery County open space program, Preserve America, PECO, and the Pennsylvania Departments of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Cynwyd Heritage Trail is an exceptional example of a successful collaboration. This popular trail provides the community with a new enjoyable public open space for recreation and civic events, connects the community to its cultural heritage, and is an important future link in the regional trail system. Location Owner/Developer 2.5-mile trail and linear park along the former SEPTA Lower Merion Township Cynwyd regional rail line in Bala Cynwyd 75 East Lancaster Avenue Lower Merion Township Ardmore, PA 19003 Montgomery County Engineer Project Data Pennoni Associates Land Use One Drexel Plaza Open Space/Recreation 3001 Market Street, Second Floor Philadelphia, PA 19104 Tract Size 35 acres (trail length - approx 2 miles) connecting to 250 acres of adjacent public/private open space Landscape Architect Studio Bryan Hanes Key Features 340 North12th Street, Suite 421 Philadelphia, PA 19107 • Extensive collaboration • Open space preservation • Innovative planning process • Environmental sustainability The annual Montgomery Awards recognize the best in planning and design and revitalization in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The program acknowledges the high-quality work and commitment of communities, organizations, and professionals. www.planning.montcopa.org/MontgomeryAwards Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Joshua D. Shapiro, Chair • Leslie S. Richards, Vice Chair • Bruce L. Castor, Jr., Commissioner MCPC Montgomery County Planning Commission, P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311 • www.planning.montcopa.org .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ardmore and Gladwyne to Independence Mall
    A June 19, 2011®SEPT 44ective Eff Ardmore and Gladwyne to Independence Mall via Schuylkill Expressway Customer Service 215-580-7800 TDD/TTY 215-580-7853 www.septa.org Ridg y Rd 76 Oak Hill e A verl Roxborough a Apartments v W v 52 Henr Oakw ood y A ough A Oakw T v Gladwyne Dr er ood v xbor k Rd Ro ut La GreenMan Laa aln k Roc w Ha k Rd W 52 verington A yunk A Blac gys For Le d RighteRd r Hollo Roxborough Rd Flat Roc Sc d Rd huylkill Expwy Manayunk v Memorial Hospital s Mill Rd Conshohoc Penn Main St oungs For s La Y Valley d Rd 76 Shur 65 ken State Rd gys For Belmont Hills Ha Wissahickon Westminster Transportation Righter 52 Conshohoc Cemetery Center Mill v 1 Creek Rd s Mill Rd 125 R Limited 124 Old Gulph Rd Belmont A West Laurel v ken State Rd W 38 oodbine A eekda Hill Cemetery wr A W y Ser v Cherr Gypsy La yn Ma vice 1 y La Br v Glenn Rd Montgomer Br CYNWYD River v Meeting House La yn Ma Lower y Av STATION Bala City A Park Merion Iona A wr A Limited StopsCynwyd S. C. v Paoli/ H. S. ynnedale A v Thorndale Suburban W v v Bala A son A d A Square or Old Lancaster Rd Line NARBERTH v 40 v verf ument Rd Ander Ha Ford Rd BALA ken Mon 103 Rd Coulter WYNNEWOOD Windsor A STATION Conshohoc Llanfair ARDMORE Av STATION NARBERTH Merion 52nd Av STATION Ardmore STATION St Wynnewood W West Park 106 ynne 1 105 S.
    [Show full text]
  • Geospatial Analysis: Commuters Access to Transportation Options
    Advocacy Sustainability Partnerships Fort Washington Office Park Transportation Demand Management Plan Geospatial Analysis: Commuters Access to Transportation Options Prepared by GVF GVF July 2017 Contents Executive Summary and Key Findings ........................................................................................................... 2 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 6 Methodology ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Sources ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 ArcMap Geocoding and Data Analysis .................................................................................................. 6 Travel Times Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 7 Data Collection .......................................................................................................................................... 7 1. Employee Commuter Survey Results ................................................................................................ 7 2. Office Park Companies Outreach Results ......................................................................................... 7 3. Office Park
    [Show full text]
  • Main Line Neighborhood Guide©
    Jennifer LeBow’s Main Line Neighborhood Guide© Jennifer LeBow’s Main Line Neighborhood Guide What areas does the Main Line include? Depending on whom you ask, the Main Line always includes the “lower Main Line,”, which is comprised of Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Haverford, Merion, Narberth, Penn Valley and Wynnewood. You may notice my guide has a little more information on the lower (eastern) Main Line as that’s where I grew up and where I chose to raise my own family, so it’s my “stomping grounds”. The upper Main Line lies directly to the west and includes Villanova, Radnor, Wayne, Devon, Berwyn, Paoli and Malvern. I know the neighborhoods, the schools, the shopping areas, the historically significant (or sometimes just quirky and interesting) places and buildings, the shortcuts (you’ll need to know these) and the important places to know about that guide books would never mention. Think of me as your resource for whatever you’re trying to find, from a reliable plumber to where to get your dog groomed. Click here for the Wikipedia description of the Main Line. Copyright Jennifer LeBow, jenniferlebow.com, [email protected], 610.308.5973 1 What does “The Main Line” refer to? The map shows the train stations, (circled in red along the Paoli local line) Villanova (left) and Overbrook (right) which is the last stop before down-town Philadelphia). While it takes about 35 minutes (in no traffic) to drive from Wayne to Overbrook, the train takes 25 minutes. Total distance is about 9 miles. There are also 5 stations just west of Wayne.
    [Show full text]
  • A Visual Assessment of Land Conservation Priorities for Viewsheds Along the Circuit Trails
    Protecting Significant Views Along The Circuit: A Visual Assessment of Land Conservation Priorities for Viewsheds Along The Circuit Trails Appalachian Mountain Club Presenters: Cathy Poppenwimer Mark Zakutansky Patricia McCloskey, AICP Photos: Montco Planning Commission Circuit Trails Visual Assessment Project Project Purpose ❑ Analyze Circuit Trails in suburban and rural areas to identify potential conservation land in a trail’s viewshed ❑ Viewshed: the area visible from a specific location along a trail ❑ Using GIS, develop a visual assessment and rank priority conservation areas ❑ Results can be used to conserve land with high scenic values to nearby trails ❑ Protect a quality trail experience and conserve important natural resources Photo: Montco Planning Commission The Circuit Circuit Trails Selected for the Study Trail ID Trail ID Trail ID No. PA Trails No. PA Trails No. NJ Trails 1 Baxter Trail 13 Pennypack Trail 25 Gloucester Township Trail 2 Big Woods Trail 14 Perkiomen Trail 26 Johnson Trolley Line Trail 3 Brandywine Trail 15 Power Line Trail 27 Kinkora Trail 4 Chester Creek Trail 16 Radnor Trail 28 Lawrence Hopewell Trail 5 Chester Valley Trail 17 Route 202 Parkway Trail 29 Monroe Township Bike Path 6 Cross County Trail 18 Schuykill River Trail 30 Pemberton Rail Trail 7 Cynwyd Heritage Trail 19 Skippack Trail 8 D&L Trail 20 Solebury Route 202 Trail 9 Darby Creek Trail 21 Struble Trail 10 East Branch Perkiomen Trail 22 Uwchlan Trail 11 Neshaminy Creek Trail 23 Wissahickon Trail 12 Pennsy Trail 24 Delaware & Raritan Canal Trail Study Methodology: A Visual Assessment of Individual Circuit Trails Viewshed Analysis ❑ Viewshed ❑ An area visible from a specific location ❑ Excludes areas beyond the horizon or obstructed by terrain and other features (e.g., buildings, trees).
    [Show full text]
  • 2746 [email protected]
    PENNSYLVANIA BIRDS Seasonal Editors Journal of the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology Daniel Brauning Michael Fialkovich Volume 27 Number 4 August - November 2013 Greg Grove Geoff Malosh Geoff Malosh, Editor-in-chief 450 Amherst Avenue Department Editors Moon Township, PA 15108-2654 Book Reviews (412) 735-3128 [email protected] Gene Wilhelm, Ph.D. 513 Kelly Blvd. http://www.pabirds.org Slippery Rock, PA 16057-1145 (724) 794-2434 [email protected] CBC Report Nick Bolgiano 711 W. Foster Ave. State College, PA 16801 Contents (814) 234-2746 [email protected] 185 Editorial Hawk Watch Reports Laurie Goodrich 186 Red-shouldered Hawks in Pennsylvania's Christmas Bird Count and Winter Raptor Keith Bildstein 410 Summer Valley Rd. .. Survey Greg Grove and Nick Bolgiano Orwigsburg, PA 17961 190 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Bartram's Garden, Philadelphia County (570) 943-3411 [email protected] .. David Allen [email protected] 191 Autumn Raptor Migration Summary 2013. Laurie Goodrich PAMC 197 Book Reviews.. Gene Wilhelm Franklin Haas 2469 Hammertown Road The Warbler Guide Narvon, PA 17555 [email protected] Birds of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific Birds of North America and Greenland John Fedak 26 Race Street 199 Pennsylvania Bird Lists Report – 2013. Peter Robinson Bradford, PA 16701 [email protected] 210 Summary of the Season.. Geoff Malosh Pennsylvania Birdlists 214 Birds of Note – August to November 2013 Peter Robinson 217 Photographic Highlights P. O. Box 482 Hanover, PA 17331 221 Local Notes [email protected] Data Technician In Focus … Inside Back Cover Wendy Jo Shemansky 41 Walkertown Hill Rd. 209 Suggestions to Contributors Daisytown, PA 15427 [email protected] Publication Manager Franklin Haas 2469 Hammertown Rd.
    [Show full text]
  • The Circuit Trails 2016 Annual Report Updated May 2017 2016 in Review
    The Circuit Trails 2016 Annual Report Updated May 2017 2016 In Review 2016 was an exciting year for the Circuit Trails. The Circuit Trails Coalition officially launched a new website and branding for the trail network in April. Two new bridges over the Schuylkill River opened to pedestrians and bicycles. The Coalition also launched a new grassroots campaign to galvanize support for the Circuit Trails on a local level. The region built nearly 11 miles of Circuit Trails and raised $19 million in new funding. Highlights 2016 was a year for connections on the Circuit Trails. Two bridges opened across the Schuylkill River. In Valley Forge, the old Betzwood Bridge—renamed Sullivan’s Bridge for the Revolutionary War general who built a wooden bridge across the Schuylkill River—opened in August. The old Betzwood Bridge was closed in 1993 and removed in 1995. For 12 years, cyclists were detoured to an undersized four-foot boardwalk attached to the side of the Route 422 Bridge. Sullivan’s Bridge is a welcome addition to the Schuylkill River Trail, establishing a safe and well-designed connection between the Schuylkill River Trail and Valley Forge National Historical Park. In Manayunk, the Pencoyd Bridge opened in October, providing access to the beautiful West Laurel Hill Cemetery and the Cynwyd Heritage Trail. Cyclists and pedestrians can now make a loop using the Manayunk Bridge upstream and the Pencoyd Bridge downstream. The Pencoyd Bridge rehabilitation project—led by O’Neill Properties’ residential development—links the new apartment complex to Main Street and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) Wissahickon Transfer Center for buses and trains.
    [Show full text]
  • Alternatives to Business on I-76: SEPTA Rail Feeder Bus Study
    Alternative, to lu,e, on 1·76: SEPTA Rail reedel lUI Study Technical memorandum April 2009 The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is dedicated to uniting the region's elected officials, planning professionals and the public with a common vision of making a great region even greater. Shaping the way we live, work and play, DVRPC builds consensus on improving transportation, promoting smart growth, protecting the environment and enhancing the economy. We serve a diverse region of nine counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer in New Jersey. DVRPC is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Greater Philadelphia Region - leading the way to a better future. Our logo is adapted from the official DVRPC seal, and is designed as a stylized image of the Delaware Valley. The outer ring symbolizes the region as a whole while the diagonal bar signifies the Delaware River. The two adjoining crescents represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. DVRPC is funded by a variety of funding sources including federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Pennsylvania and New Jersey departments of transportation, as well as by DVRPC's state and local member governments. This report was primarily funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The authors, however, are solely responsible for its findings and conclusions, which may not represent the official views or policies of the funding agencies. DVRPC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities.
    [Show full text]
  • Garnet Valley Greenway Feasibility Study Concord Township Delaware County, PA 2020
    Garnet Valley Greenway Feasibility Study Concord Township Delaware County, PA 2020 Garnet Valley Greenway Feasibility Study 2020 Prepared by: Prepared for: Pennoni Concord Township One South Church Street, 2nd Floor 43 Thornton Road West Chester, PA 19382 Glen Mills, PA 19342 Garnet Valley Greenway Feasibility Study Acknowledgments Concord Township Council Garnet Valley Greenway Dominic A. Pileggi, President Steering Committee John J. Gillespie, Co-Vice President John Crossan – Concord Township Council John Crossan, Co-Vice President Michael Harding Amanda Serock – Concord Township Manager Thomas Mahoney Paul Padien – Township resident Colleen Morrone George Crossin – Fox Hill Farm Dana Rankin Bob Sanderson - Garnet Valley School District Marc Manfre – Delaware County Parks and Recreation Steve Beckley - Delaware County Planning Department Township Manager Amanda Serock This study is financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Octoraro Greenway Feasibility Study Garnet Valley Greenway Feasibility Study Table of Contents Chapter 1: Background…………………………..…… 1 Chapter 2: Existing Resources …………………..... 11 Chapter 3: Greenway Recommendations …….. 19 Chapter 4: Design Guidelines ………………….….. 37 Chapter 5: Greenway Impacts………………..…… 51 Chapter 6: Implementation………………….…...…59 Appendix A: Proposed Greenway Plans……….…….…73
    [Show full text]
  • Centennial District TROLLEY SERVICE CONCEPT EVALUATION
    Centennial District TROLLEY SERVICE CONCEPT EVALUATION OCTOBER 2019 MD dDELAWARE VALLEY DVR PC's vision for the Greater Philadelphia Region is a prosperous, innovative, equitable, e'J.,JffPC resilient, and sustainable region that increases PLANNING COMMISSION mobility choices by investing in a safe and modern transportation system; that protects and preserves our natural resources while creating healthy communities; and that fosters greater opportunities for all. DVRPC's mission is to achieve this vision by convening the widest array of partners to inform and facilitate data-driven decision-making. We are engaged across the region, and strive to be leaders and innovators, exploring new ideas and creating best practices. TITLE VI COMPLIANCE / DVRPC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 7964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 7987, Executive Order 72898 on Environmental Justice, and related nondiscrimination mandates in all programs and activities. DVRPC's website, www.dvrpc.org, may be translated into multiple languages. Publications and other public documents can usually be made available in alternative languages and formats, if requested. DVRPC's public meetings are always held in ADA-accessible facilities, and held in transit-accessible locations whenever possible. Translation, interpretation, or other auxiliary services can be provided to individuals who submit a request at least seven days prior to a public meeting. Translation and interpretation services for DVRPC's projects, products, and planning processes are available, generally free of charge, by calling (275) 592-7800. All requests will be accommodated to the greatest extent possible. Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice by DVRPC under Title VI has a right to file a formal complaint.
    [Show full text]
  • State Transportation Commission 2015 Twelve Year Program Development Regional Results of the Survey and Public Feedback From
    State Transportation Commission 2015 Twelve Year Program Development Regional results of the survey and public feedback from August thru November 2013 Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Version 01-2014 Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission MPO Total Visitors 730 Mobility Concerns Traffic congestion is growing and resources are limited to build additional capacity. As a result, transportation agencies are exploring ways to manage demand, operate efficiently, and improve capacity. Using a scale of 1-5, for each mobility concern, please rank how important each mobility concern is to you, with one being ‘Not Important’ and 5 being ‘Very Important’. Passenger Ridership on the Keystone Corridor has doubled since 2000 making it !mtrak’s fourth-busiest route in the Rail nation. Rail infrastructure improvements are critical to timely service. Responded With an Average Rank of 4.35 Congestion Relieve traffic congestion by addressing bottlenecks and other traffic relief measures. Responded With an Average Rank of 4.26 Transit Implementing new technologies improves service. Responded With an Average Rank of 4.15 Signals Modernization of traffic signals streamlines traffic flow and reduces fuel costs for motorists. Responded With an Average Rank of 4.07 Incident This legislation would allow for the safe, quick clearance of traffic incidents from the roadway. Responded With an Average Rank of 3.59 Freight Rail $500 billion in goods and services travel through PA each year. That investment would grow with upgrades to accommodate intermodal changes such as emerging needs from the natural gas industry and double- stack train access to our ports. Responded With an Average Rank of 3.53 Real T ime This involves the use of dynamic message signs, PennDOT’s 511P!.com system and social media.
    [Show full text]
  • Township of Lower Merion
    TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MERION MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012 Prepared by the Department of Finance TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MERION, PENNSYLVANIA Table of Contents Page Introductory Section: Letter of Transmittal i Certificate of Achievement xvi Organizational Chart xvii Board of Commissioners xviii Executive Officials and Staff xix Financial Section: Independent Auditors’ Report 1 Management’s Discussion and Analysis 3 Basic Financial Statements: Government-wide Financial Statements: Statement of Net Position 19 Statement of Activities 20 Fund Financial Statements: Balance Sheet – Governmental Funds 21 Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balances (Deficit) – Governmental Funds 22 Reconciliation of the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balances (Deficit) of Governmental Funds to the Statement of Activities 23 Statement of Net Assets – Proprietary Funds 24 Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Fund Net Position – Proprietary Funds 25 Statement of Cash Flows – Proprietary Funds 26 Statement of Fiduciary Net Position – Fiduciary Funds 28 Statement of Changes in Fiduciary Net Position – Fiduciary Funds 29 Notes to Basic Financial Statements 30 Required Supplementary Information: Schedule of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balances – Budget and Actual (Budget Basis) – General Fund 66 Notes to Required Supplementary Information 67 Schedule of Funding Progress and Contributions from the Employer and Other Contributing
    [Show full text]
  • Background Info for HARB Re Cross County Trail Bridge
    Background Information on Feasibility Study for Cross County Trail Bridge Crossing of Germantown Pike • The Montgomery County Planning Commission is working in partnership with a consultant team led by Gilmore & Associates and joined by Campbell Thomas & Co. to carry out this feasibility study. It is being funded by a Regional Trails Program grant from Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). • A 2015 feasibility study prepared by Campbell Thomas & Co. for Plymouth Township recommended that the safest means of continuing the Cross County Trail across the intersection of Chemical Road and Germantown Pike (where it currently ends) would be to construct a trail bridge. • This study aims to come up with a preferred alignment for the trail bridge with conceptual level plans and a preliminary cost estimate. • When complete, the Cross County Trail will be about 17 miles long and stretch from the western side of the county to the eastern side. It is a primary trail in the county-wide trail system and will provide a connection between the Schuylkill River Trail and the Pennypack Trail. It is also a part of the regional Circuit Trails network, which now covers 300 miles and will cover 800 miles eventually. • A 3-mile section of the Cross County Trail between the Schuylkill River Trail and the intersection of Chemical Road and Germantown Pike is complete. Segments in Upper Dublin are complete. Currently the county is also studying the section from Upper Dublin through Upper Moreland to Pennypack Trail. Sections through Erdenheim Farm are nearing construction. The county just received funding to complete an advanced feasibility study looking at two sections: from Germantown Pike to Joshua Road; and between Skippack Pike to the Fort Washington SEPTA station.
    [Show full text]