Aldan Borough Parks, Recreation & Open Space Comprehensive Plan

HOME IS WHERE THE PARK IS!

ALDAN BOROUGH PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DECEMBER 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION

II. PARK DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

IV. GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Executive Summary

04

Acknowledgments

07

Five Points Park (Veteran’s Park)

50

Goals

08

School Fields

58

Inventory & Analysis

10

Historical Park

66

Community Engagement Overview

28

Hopely Athletic Complex

74

Triangle Park (Mayor Jack Edmundson Park)

82

Jeffrey Road Park

90

Swim Club Park

98

Darby Creek and Lobbs Run Land

106

I. OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS Park Improvement Phasing

32

Park Names and Wayfinding

34

Greenway Development

36

Connectivity

38

Climate Adaptation

40

Biodiversity

42

III. MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS Existing Park Maintenance

116

Maintenance Comparisons

118

Overall Considerations

118

Maintenance Tasks

120

Volunteerism

127

Specific Parks

128

Grants for Maintenance

129

Grant Funding Opportunities

132

APPENDICES Appendix A: Survey 1 Results

142

Appendix B: Survey 2 Results

149

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Borough of Aldan is a unique community with a small-town feel and an urban context. With a strong sense of community and civic pride, it’s the people of Aldan who make its public space a success – helping to enhance, program, and activate park spaces throughout the year.

The Aldan Borough Parks, Recreation & Open Space Comprehensive Plan was developed during a sevenmonth planning process, and driven by the voices of the community. Aldan residents and visitors provided 520 responses to community surveys, as well as other feedback and insights contributed during public meetings, pop-up events, and in-person site visits.

Spanning just .587 square miles, Aldan is home to 4,422 residents – all of whom live within a ten-minute walk of a public park. Within a connected, walkable community, Aldan residents have access to seven existing community parks in the Borough, as well as a potential new passive park and greenway at Darby Creek and Lobbs Run that was studied in this planning process.

The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Comprehensive Plan was undertaken in 2023, and made possible with support from the Delco Green Ways Grant Program.

The master plan’s overarching goals included: • Play & Recreation: Enhance recreational use, as well as opportunities for children and families.

• Utilization & Programming: Provide amenities and site elements that enhance park experience for all.

• Ecology: Conserve open space while providing ecological function and beautification.

4

• Community & Connectivity: Create safe, accessible, and connected parks that function as a collective system • Feasibility: Create a clear and realistic path forward.

The master plan articulates a vision for the future of Aldan’s parks, providing a map for the community and officials to make improvements in the future. The improvements are intended to be pursued through grantfunding efforts, allowing the Borough to bring projects to life as funding allows.

The plan, led by planners and landscape architects at Omnes, includes concepts for park improvements ranging from small amenities like seating and planting to larger recreational assets that enhance the Borough’s park portfolio. Key improvements for parks include: • Conceptualizing Five Points Park (Veteran’s Park) and Triangle Park (Mayor Edmundson Park) as gateways for the Borough, including signage and civic gardens • Enhancing Hopely Athletic Complex with a fitness loop and enhanced amenities for sports and recreation.

• Improving the function of School Fields and Historical Park with expanded amenities, new play areas, and a community dog park.

• Conceiving of Jeffrey Road Park as an ecological asset and passive park, introducing lowmaintenance native trees and plants.

• Expanding the trail at Swim Club Park into a greenway path, with the potential to connect Lobbs Run to Darby Creek.

• Establishing a new passive park and greenway within the Borough-owned land at the confluence of Darby Creek & Lobbs Run, with the potential to link to Hoffman Park in Lansdowne.

In addition to recommendations for park-specific improvements, the plan also includes recommendations for the Borough-wide park system, including: • Establishing uniform names and signage for each park to help users navigate the system, as well as providing a Borough-wide park map.

• Encouraging landowners to complete gaps in Aldan’s sidewalk network in order to improve walkability to and from parks.

• Exploring the potential for enhanced crosswalks at busy intersections, promoting safety and access to parks – particularly for children and the elderly.

• Taking opportunities to enhance biodiversity and ecological impact with native plants and rain gardens.

• Implementing sustainable maintenance practices that enhance safety and ecological function in the face of climate change.

The master plan defines a vision for parks that can be brought to life in both the long and short terms, with immediate changes helping build momentum and enthusiasm. The future trajectory of Aldan’s parks will not be defined solely by the recommendations in this plan, but instead by the ingenuity, collaboration, and vision of its residents.

Aldan, Pennsylvania December 2023

5

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

VETERAN’S PARK (FIVE POINTS) DARBY CREEK & LOBBS RUN

JEFFREY ROAD PARK

SWIM CLUB PARK & GREENWAY

TRIANGLE PARK (JACK EDMUNDSON) SCHOOL FIELDS

HISTORICAL PARK

6

PROJECT SCHEDULE

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING PUBLIC MEETING

JULY 4 POP-UP EVENT KICKOFF MEETING 5/11

PUBLIC MTG NO. 1 6/26

SITE VISIT 5/22

7 MAY

14 MAY

21 MAY

28 MAY

4 JUN

“GRANT BUCKS“ VOTING

DESIGN CHARRETTE

SURVEY NO 1

11 JUN

18 J UN

25 JUN

2 J UL

9 JUL

PUBLIC MTG NO. 2 9/18

16 JUL

23 JUL

30 JUL

6 AUG

13 AUG

20 AUG

27 AUG

PUBLIC MTG NO. 3 9/16

PUBLIC MTG NO. 4 12/20

SURVEY NO 2

3 SEP

10 SEP

17 SEP

24 SEP

1 OCT

8 OCT

15 OCT

22 OCT

29 OCT

5 N OV

12 N OV

19 N OV

26 N OV

3 DEC

10 DEC

17 DEC

INVENTORY + ANALYSIS PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION FINAL REPORT

100%

100%

INVENTORY +

50%

ANALYSIS

PLANNING

100% PLANNING

IMPLEMENTATION

100%

50% REPORT

REPORT

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

7

THE ALDAN COMMUNITY Residents of Aldan Borough have been integral team members in the development of the Aldan Mini Municipal Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan, completed in December 2023. Community members made their voices heard throughout the planning process – including 520 parks survey responses across two public surveys – to directly inform this plan and help shape the future of Aldan’s parks for years to come.

Aldan Borough extends thanks to the many individuals and institutions who made valuable contributions to the plan through their input, ideas, volunteerism, and dedication to quality public space.

THE STEERING COMMITTEE

PLANNING CONSULTANTS

KEY PERSON INTERVIEWS

A steering committee worked directly with the Omnes planning team to provide resources, feedback, and guidance throughout the planning process. The members of the Steering Committee included:

The plan was led by Aldan Borough in partnership with Omnes, a landscape architecture, planning, and art studio based in Easton, Pennsylvania. The team included:

Key person interviews were integral to capturing diverse perspectives to inform the plan. Among the interviewees were community leaders whose insights enriched the planning process significantly.

• Matt Baumgartner, Aldan Borough • Sue Borders, Aldan Borough • Dana Brown, Aldan Borough • Michael Ceci, Aldan Borough Mayor • Daniel Comley, Aldan Borough • Heather Gill, Kelly Engineers and Surveyors • Dan Procoppio, Aldan Borough Council President • Matt Schoettle, Aldan Youth Club President • Scott Walker, Aldan Borough Council Member & Aldan Youth Club VP • John White, Aldan Borough Manager

• Laura Stedenfeld, Principal • Sheila M. Fuentes, Director • Emily Hahn-Van Wagoner, Sr. Landscape Designer • Carson Fisk-Vittori, Landscape Designer • Sara Harmon, Landscape Designer

• Kate Blunt, Aldan Annual 4th of July Celebration • Sandy Durso, Aldan Boosters Civic Association • Herb Hays, Aldan Town Watch Association • Peggy Rankin, Aldan Historical Commission & Trolley Stop Museum • Matt Schoettle, Aldan Youth Club President • Dr. Dawnee Watson-Bouie, Principal, Aldan Elementary School • Mark Wilson, Boy Scouts Aldan Troup 2

8

PROJECT GOALS SUMMARY OF GOALS Goals defined by the Aldan Mini-Grant RFP, the Delaware County Open Space Master Plan, and the project Steering Committee drove the development of this Master Plan. Grouped by category of concern, these goals served as “lenses” of focus to inform work and methodology throughout the project.

PLAY & RECREATION GOALS • • • • •

Identify more usable recreation space for sports fields and playground equipment Increase park safety and usability for spectators at sports fields Evaluate and improve playground and park usage Enhance recreational use Expand opportunities for children and families

UTILIZATION & PROGRAMMING GOALS • • • • • •

Consider how park edges can be utilized / offer additional amenities Consider other recreational park uses Evaluate utilization of park system as a whole Better utilize existing park spaces Expand park areas, as well as usership/ utilization Consider providing amenities for pet owners

9

1.

2.

3.

COMMUNITY & CONNECTIVITY GOALS

ECOLOGICAL GOALS • • • • • •

Native plantings, increased tree canopy, stormwater management, and BMP’s Enhance environmental use Conserve open space and natural features Increase tree cover and improve local ecologies Provide beautification through native plants Integrate stormwater management through green infrastructure

• • • • •

FEASIBILITY GOALS

Create safe, accessible and connected parks Improve pedestrian and bicycle access to parks and playgrounds Connect communities, their cultural resources, and natural features Provide space for community gathering and connection (eg. community gardens) Create engagement through collective community spaces

•

Develop cost and phasing options with a clear and realistic path forward

ALDAN BOROUGH MINI-GRANT RFP GOALS DELAWARE CO. OPEN SPACE, RECREATION & GREENWAY PLAN GOALS ALDAN BOROUGH PARKS PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE GOALS

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS C L I F TO N H E I G H TS

EXISTING PARK SYSTEM: 8 COMMUNITY PARKS

HOPELY ATHLETIC HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

COMPLEX

TRIANGLE PARK (MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK)

U P P E R JEFFREY ROAD PARK DARBY 8 BOROUGH PARKS INCLUDED IN MASTER PLAN 1 NON-BOROUGH PARK NOT INCLUDED IN PLAN SURROUNDING PARKS WOODED AREAS RECREATION AREAS UNDEVELOPED LAND TRAILS SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL STOP SEPTA BUS STOP TROLLEY STOP 5’ CONTOURS

TRIANGLE PARK (MAYOR JEFFREY ROAD PARK JACK EDMUNDSON PARK)

LANSDOWNE

FIVE POINTS (VETERAN’S PARK) ALDAN DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND

SCHOOL FIELDS

SWIM CLUB PARK

HISTORICAL PARK

UPPER DARBY

0’ 95’ 190’

380’

NORTH

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

12

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS SUMMARY

REGIONAL CONTEXT

This “Inventory and Analysis” section provides an overview of Aldan’s socio-ecological landscape and its regional context, exploring key facets such as ecosystems, streams, floodplains, and the Borough’s small town feel within in a larger urban setting. Aldan’s land use is predominantly residential in nature, interspersed with commercial spaces. The existing park system is catalogued and analyzed, along with an assessment of the area’s assets and demographic characteristics. These insights reveal a well-connected community with great potential for strengthening the vibrancy of Aldan through enhanced ecology and connectivity.

• Geographical Area: Aldan has a small town feel with a big city context. The Borough spans approximately 0.587 square miles, is a borough located just outside Philadelphia.

• Environmental Context: Aldan is framed to the north by Darby Creek, which offers a series of parks and open spaces along its banks. The borough is situated within the Darby-Cobbs Watershed, a subwatershed of the Delaware River Watershed.

• Transportation Accessibility: The borough offers convenient accessibility via trolley, rail lines, and multiple bus routes, facilitating easy commuting within and beyond the area.

• Transportation Hubs: Aldan has proximity to key transport hubs like the Philadelphia International Airport and the I-95 corridor.

• Recreational Opportunities: Surrounding Aldan are larger recreational areas such as Tinicum Marsh, Fairmount Park, and Cobbs Creek Parklands.

• Cultural Landscape: Along the southern border, Aldan is bordered by a series of three significant cemeteries.

13

Regional context aerial with surrounding parks highlighted in green, trails shown in orange, and small watershed boundaries shown in blue.

0’

1500’

3000’

NORTH

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

14

ALDAN’S DEMOGRAPHICS • 4,244 Residents within .587 square miles

POPULATION

• Median age of 44.4 years

4,244

• Nearly balanced gender breakdown 85 and over

18

78

80-84

5

43

75-79

4

65

70-74

113

93

65-69

125

81

60-64

192

205

55-59

136

305

50-54

139

128

45-49

226

117

40-44

78

102

35-39

177

230

30-34

85

117

25-29

126

189

20-24

49

67

15-19

39

71

10 to 1 4

257

127

5 to 9

134

48

under 5

135

110

• Anticipated to maintain a stable growth of -5% to +5% through to 2045 • A racially diverse community, with the highest number of residents identifying as either “White Alone” or “Black or African American”

median age 44. 4

48.7% Male

RACE AND ETHNICITY 2 | American Indian or Alaska Native 129 | Some Other Race 194 | Asian Alone 196 | Hispanic or Latino 197 | Two or More Races 1,592 | Black or African American

Female 51.3%

PROJECTED GROWTH

STABLE -5% to +5% Estimated Population Change, 2015-2045

2,130 | White Alone Data Sources: US Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census & 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables; Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, County and Municipal-Level Population Forecasts, 2015-2045: Analytical Data Report 022 (July 2016).

15

SOCIOECONOMIC DATA • Average income in Aldan is just below the average for Delaware County • Aldan’s poverty rate is below that of Delaware County overall

INCOME

EDUCATION

$75,469

25.5%

Median Household Income

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher

National Average: $69,717

National Average: 35%

POVERTY RATE

DISABILITY RATE

• More than one quarter of the residents have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher • 80% of residents in Aldan own their homes, and 50% of homes fall in the $150,000–$199,999 cost range • Just under 5% of the housing stock is vacant and there are a total of 1,805 housing units within Aldan

$ 6.2% National Average: 12.8%

8.2% Ambulatory difficulty 7.3% Cognitive difficulty

14.2%

3.7% Independent living difficulty 2.8% Vision difficulty 1.3% Self-care difficulty 0.9% Hearing difficulty

National Average: 13%

Data Sources: US Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census & 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables.

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

16

LAND USE: A COMMUNITY OF HOMES • Aldan Borough is predominantly comprised of residential parcels.

• A small commercial pocket is located in the western corner of the borough.

• Because of this makeup, the borough is known as a “Community of Homes.”

• Within the residential areas are several recreational and park spaces.

• Most of the land within the borough is already developed, with only a small pocket of undeveloped residential land located near the Providence Village shopping center (4 Bonsall Street).

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONAL RECREATION / PARKS RESIDENTIAL TRANSPORTATION UNDEVELOPED UTILITY WATER WOODED

Land use within Aldan Borough and the surrounding communities.

Data Source: Delaware County Planning Department.

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

17

ZONING DISTRICTS AND USE REGULATIONS R1 - Residence Single family homes with lowest densities Minimum Lot Area (SF)

Max Building Coverage

Max Building Height (Feet)

Impervious Surface Cover

SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED

10,000

30%

32

40%

ANY OTHER USE

10,000

30%

32

30%

R2 - Residence Single family homes with low densities Minimum Lot Area (SF)

Max Building Coverage

Max Building Height (Feet)

Impervious Surface Cover

SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED

6,000

30%

32

40%

ANY OTHER USE

8,000

40%

32

50%

R3 - Residence Orderly development of single-family, semidetached dwellings (twins) at medium density.

Minimum Lot Area (SF)

Max Building Coverage

Max Building Height (Feet)

Impervious Surface Cover

SINGLE-FAMILY SEMIDETACHED

4,000

40%

32

50%

SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED

6,000

30%

32

40%

ANY OTHER USE

8,000

40%

32

50%

R4 - Residence The most dense living environment in the borough for a wide variety of affordable housing choices SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED (TOWNHOUSE) SINGLE-FAMILY SEMIDETACHED

Minimum Lot Area (SF)

Max Building Coverage

Max Building Height (Feet)

Impervious Surface Cover

3,000

50%

32

70%

4,000

40%

32

50%

SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED

6,000

30%

32

40%

MOBILE HOME PARK

3,000

30%

12

40%

MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS, APARTMENTS

3,000

70%

32

80%

ANY OTHER USE

8,000

40%

32

50%

BUS - Business District Convenience commercial uses, businesses, services, and other appropriate uses ALL USES

Minimum Lot Area (SF)

Max Building Coverage

Max Building Height (Feet)

Impervious Surface Cover

5,000

50%

35

75%

IND - Industrial District Manufacture and assembly operations & other industrially related establishments ALL USES

Minimum Lot Area (SF)

Max Building Coverage

Max Building Height (Feet)

Impervious Surface Cover

20,000

50%

35

60%

Zoning and potential historic districts as outlined in the Delaware County Planning Department’s Four Borough Comprehensive Plan (2005).

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

18

STREAMS AND FLOODPLAINS DARBY CREEK • Darby Creek flows along the northern tip of Aldan, adjacent to the Lobbs Run and Darby Creek park land. The creek serves as a significant natural feature in the region providing scenic beauty and recreational opportunities within Delaware County.

The corridor supports various wildlife species, contributing to the local ecosystem’s biodiversity. As an asset within the park system, Darby Creek offers opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking along its banks, or enjoying nature trails.

RB DA

Y C

REE

K

DA RB Y C REE K

LOBBS RUN

LOBBS RUN • Lobbs Run is a small tributary of Darby Creek, flowing through the northeastern portion of Aldan Borough. A steep bank to the western edge of Lobbs Run protects the nearby residences from flooding. This portion of land was studied as a potential public park space during the master plan.

• Continuing east, a shallower slope allows flood waters to extend roughly halfway into the Swim Club Park property. Swim Club Park provides an opportunity for residents to access the stream during normal flow conditions.

WATERSHED BOUNDARIES .2% ANNUAL FLOOD HAZARD (500-YEAR FLOOD) .1% ANNUAL FLOOD HAZARD (100-YEAR FLOOD) SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA, REGULATORY FLOODWAY STREAM OR CREEK

FEMA flood mapping for Darby Creek, Lobbs Run, Pusey Run, and Hermesprota Creek.

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

19

ECOLOGY TREE EQUITY • The bulk of Aldan Borough is developed land with an urban tree canopy. Tree Equity Scores are calculated to align the number of trees with the number of residents in a given area to ensure there are enough trees to benefit all residents.

ECOSYSTEMS & SUPPORTING AREAS • The Pennsylvania National Heritage Program provides useful ecological footprints for planning, identifying areas that maintain vital ecological processes or secondary habitat. Aldan has many forested riparian corridors that are classified as Central Oak-Pine Forest Macrogroup, and the supporting area surrounding these zones have potential to support ecological impact and water quality. Additionally, one small pocket of Swamp and Wet Hardwood Forest Macrogroup is located along Darby Creek in the northeast corner of the borough.

93

Tree Equ it y

74

Tre e Equit y

Cano py Cover Go al: 4 0% Cu rrent Cano py Cover: 30%

C an opy C ove r G oal: 40% C urre n t C an opy C ove r: 17%

• These ecological areas should be preserved and protected to maintain functional ecologies.

The master plan also explored extension and preservation of the urban tree canopy.

TREE EQUITY QUADRANTS SUPPORTING AREA DEVELOPED

91

Tre e Equit y C an opy C ove r G oal: 40% C urre n t C an opy C ove r: 24%

88

Tree Equ it y Cano py Cover Go al: 4 0% Cu rrent Cano py Cover: 19%

AGRICULTURE CENTRAL OAK-PINE FOREST SWAMP AND WET HARDWOOD FOREST

Data Sources: Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, Pennsylvania Conservation Explorer; Tree Equity Score obtained May 5, 2023 from Tree Equity Score, https://www.treeequityscore.org/.

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

20

CONNECTIVITY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION • Aldan is a well-networked setting that has multimodal transportation amenities, linking it to surrounding boroughs, Philadelphia, and the greater Delaware Valley region.

• A central trolley line stops along Woodlawn Avenue including Clifton-Aldan Station, Providence Road Station, and Magnolia Avenue Station within the borough limits. Daily average ridership is 3,888, with 90% on-time trips. The service span is 4:30am2:00am. There are 132 weekday trips and 70 weekend-day trips.

• Aldan has SEPTA bus routes along Oak Avenue including the Oak Avenue and Secane Road stop, Oak Avenue and Providence Road stop, Oak Lane and Maple Avenue stop, and the Oak Avenue and Magnolia Avenue stop.

132 weekday trips 70 weekend day trips

• Aldan is serviced by the SEPTA Regional Rail line.

Clifton-Aldan Station and Primos Station fall within the borough and Gladstone Station falls just outside of the borough limits

ROAD NETWORK • Major roads in Aldan Borough include W Providence Road, Clifton Avenue and Springfield Road. Many of the other streets in Aldan are narrow, local roads.

REGIONAL RAIL STOP

R

SEPTA BUS STOP SEPTA TROLLEY STOP

Public transit within Aldan borough and the immediate surroundings.

Data Source: SEPTA Service Planning Department, SEPTA Route Statistics 2020.

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

21

BICYCLISTS & PEDESTRIANS BIKE AMENITIES • Aldan has no known dedicated bike lanes, sharrows, or bike share locations. Most of the roads in the borough are low-volume streets, with bicyclists (especially children) utilizing the sidewalks for use.

• The Four Borough Comprehensive Plan indicates Clifton Avenue, Springfield Avenue, and Providence Road as locations for proposed bike routes that would be designated via ‘Share the Road’ signage; however, that recommendation does not include any sharrows or on-street striping.

Pe24.4 ak 6 c at ar 7 As / M 15 an mi d 4 ns PM.

• A potential multi-use trail connector along Lobbs Run could connect to the Darby Creek trail network as indicated within the Four Borough Comprehensive Plan.

10.41 cars / 15 mins.

Peak at 8 AM and 5 PM

REGIONAL TRAILS • Aldan does not have a series of nature trails or passive parks, aside from the short trail along Lobbs Run or the fitness loop at the elementary school.

32.88 cars / 15 mins.

Peak at 7 AM and 5 PM

BIKEABLE TRAIL BIKE FRIENDLY ROAD PROPOSED BIKE ROUTES - FOUR BOROUGH PLAN BICYCLISTS BALTIMORE PIKE ROUTE POTENTIAL MULTI USE TRAIL - FOUR BOROUGH PLAN EXISTING MULTI-USE TRAIL

Existing and planned bike routes as indicated within the Delaware County Planning Department’s Four Borough Comprehensive Plan (2005).

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

22

WALKABILITY PARK ACCESS AND DISTRIBUTION • 100% of Aldan Borough is within a ten-minute walk of a public open space, fulfilling the goals of a national initiative by the Trust for Public Land: the “Ten-Minute Walk” program.

• The bulk of park spaces are located in the northern half of the borough, with the only gaps in the park system occurring in the southeastern corner of borough. However, homes at the southeastern edge are within a ten-minute walk of the Eden and Mount Zion Memorial Cemeteries, as well as Collingdale Park just outside of the borough.

• All of the existing park spaces in Aldan are also within a five minute walk of an adjacent park, as shown in the diagram at right. A five-minute walk is often used as the standard distance that a pedestrian will walk before choosing to drive instead. Based on average walking speed, a five-minute walk is the equivalent to about a 1/4 mile or 1,320 feet.

FIVE-MINUTE WALKING ROUTE FROM PARKS

The blue polygons represent a five-minute walking distance from each park entrance.

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

23

SIDEWALK NETWORK SIDEWALK GAPS • The majority of Aldan Borough is connected by sidewalks on both sides of the street, with a few gaps that prevent walkability. The installation and maintenance of sidewalks is the responsibility of land owners, not the borough, so completion of sidewalk gaps can only be recommended by the borough.

• Sidewalk gaps that impact access to parks and shopping amenities are present surrounding the Providence Village Shopping Center and along access routes for School Fields and Hopely Athletic Complex. Additional gaps in the network are located within the neighborhoods along Aldan’s eastern border.

SIDEWALK ON BOTH SIDES SIDEWALK ON ONE SIDE ONLY NO SIDEWALK

Map of Aldan Borough outlining sidewalk gaps and connectivity.

Data Source: Delaware County Planning Department.

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

24

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS CATALOGUE OF ASSETS & USAGE 17 ACRES OF PARKS

PARK

% RESPONDENTS WHO

% RESPONDENTS WHO

SIZE

HAVE EVER VISITED PARK*

REGULARLY VISIT PARK*

VETERAN’S PARK / FIVE POINTS PARK

0.2 ACRES

49.7%

SCHOOL FIELDS (Largest + Most Visited)

4.5 ACRES

93.6% (305 resp.)

79.3%

HISTORICAL PARK

0.7 ACRES

56.1%

24.7%

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

3.5 ACRES

72.1%

53.3%

MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK / TRIANGLE PARK

0.6 ACRES

JEFFREY ROAD PARK

0.5 ACRES

SWIM CLUB PARK

DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND

(162 resp.)

(183 resp.)

(235 resp.)

41.1%

9%

(27 resp.)

(238 resp.)

(74 resp.)

(160 resp.)

9%

(134 resp.)

(27 resp.)

16%

1.7%

3.5 ACRES

59.2%

18.7%

3.5 ACRES

28.2%

(52 resp.)

(193 resp.)

(92 resp.)

(5 resp.)

(56 resp.)

4.7%

(14 resp.)

*Parks & Recreation Survey 1 (June 19–July 22, 2023)

25

PARK LAND BENCHMARKING • Aldan is a walkable community, with 100% of residents having access to a park within a ten-minute walk of their home. The national average for a tenminute walk to a park is 72%, which means Aldan exceeds the current national baseline for walkability.

WALKABILTY

ACREAGE

100%

16

Residents within a ten-minute walk of a park

Acres of park per 4,000 residents

National Average: 72%

National Average: 43.2 acres

• While other park systems have more park acreage per resident, Aldan has four times the average amount of parks per resident. This means that Aldan is a small community with ample community parks.

• Aldan is a playful place, with 3.5x the national average of playgrounds per resident.

per 4,000 residents**

RESIDENTS PER PARK

PLAY

530.5

3.5X

Residents per park

More playgrounds per resident (four total)

National Average: 2,287**

National Average: 1 playground per 3,759 residents**

**Data Source: National Recreation and Park Association, 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review.

26

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

Veteran's Park

Jeffrey Road Park

Swim Club Park

Darby Creek & Lobbs Run Land

Park, Sports Sports Field Field

Triangle Park

Facility Type

Historical Park

Facilities

School Fields

• This chart profiles the type of programming and amenities present in each park space to help understand the level of service provided to the community. The amount of programmable space makes evident which parks have more dense, active, recreation in contrast to those that are passive.

Hopely Athletic Complex

PARK LAND CATALOGUE

Park

Park

Park

Park

Park

Natural Area

Basketball courts

Sport

no

no

no

no

no

no

yes

no

Tennis courts (outdoor only)

Sport

no

yes*

no

no

no

no

no

no

Diamond fields: baseball - youth

Sport

yes

yes

no

no

no

no

no

no

Diamond fields: softball fields - adult

Sport

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

Rectangular fields: multi-purpose

Sport

no

yes

no

no

no

no

no

no

Diamond fields: softball, youth

Sport

yes

yes

no

no

no

no

no

no

Multi-use courts - basketball, volleyball

Sport

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

Skate park

Sport

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

Playgrounds

Leisure

yes

yes

yes

no

no

no

yes

no

Dog park

Leisure

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

Swimming pools (outdoor only)

Leisure

no

no

no

no

no

no

yes*

no

Community gardens

Leisure

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

Historic resources

Leisure

no

no

yes

no

no

no

no

no

Trails

Leisure

no

yes

no

no

no

no

yes

no

Restrooms

Amenities

yes

yes

no

no

no

no

no

no

Benches/Seating

Amenities

yes

yes

yes

yes

yes

no

no

no

Picnic Tables

Amenities

yes

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

Kiosk

Amenities

no

no

yes

no

no

no

no

no

Shade structure (gazebo, pavilion, etc)

Amenities

yes

no

yes

no

no

no

no

no

ADA Accessible

Amenities

yes

no

yes

no

no

no

yes

no

Lighting

Amenities

yes

no

yes

no

no

no

no

no

Gathering space

Amenities

yes

no

yes

yes

yes

no

yes

no

Overlooks

Amenities

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

no

TOTAL

10

7

8

2

2

0

6

0

* Indicates facility in need of repair

27

PARK LAND CATALOGUE • Each year, the Trust for Public Land compiles park data* across the nation’s 100 most populous cities, which represent about 20% of the U.S. Population.

This data was used to compile the summary at right that compare’s Aldan Borough’s existing park amenities and facilities against the national benchmark.

• The data shown in green denotes a “surplus” of amenities and facilities, where Aldan Borough exceeds the national benchmarks. The data in red denotes a “deficiency” of amenities and facilities, where Aldan Borough could look to add additional amenities.

• There is a surplus of tennis courts at School Fields, which informed exploration of alternative uses of the extra tennis courts in that park.

• While there is a surplus of play areas in Aldan Borough according to this data, the play areas serve differing areas and populations, so the planning team elected to not recommend removal of any functional and well-used play areas.

Activity Min. Residents per Amenity*

Min. Benchmark for Aldan Based on Data*

Existing in Aldan

Delta

Locations

Baseball Diamond Fields

2018

2.10

2

-0.10

Hopely Athletic Complex

Multipurpose Fields

2454

1.73

1

-0.73

School Fields

Pickleball

1701

2.50

0

-2.50

Tennis

4879

0.87

4

+3.13

Volleyball

5488

0.77

0

-0.77

Basketball

568

7.47

3

-4.47

Community Garden Plot

246

17.25

0

-17.25

Cooling Centers

11244

0.38

1

+0.62

Dog Parks

17512

0.24

0

-0.24

Drinking Fountains

1264

3.36

0

-3.36

1490

2.85

4

+1.15

Recreation & Senior Centers

8477

0.50

1

+0.50

Hopely Athletic Complex

Restrooms

1664

2.55

1

-1.55

Hopely Athletic Complex

Skate Parks

30399

0.14

0

-0.14

Splash Pads

7971

0.53

0

-0.53

Swimming Pools

9289

0.46

1

+0.54

Disco Golf

46607

0.09

0

-0.09

Trails

1070

3.97

0

-3.97

Walking Loops

3918

1.08

1

-0.08

Fitness Zones

5259

0.81

0

-0.81

Playgrounds

School Fields Swim Club Hopely Athletic Complex

School Fields (2), Hopely Athletic Complex, Swim Club Park

Swim Club

School Fields

AMENITY BELOW BENCHMARK STANDARD AMENITY ABOVE BENCHMARK STANDARD

*Data Source: The Trust for Public Land, 2023 ParkServe Amenities and Facilities Web Data Tables: City Park Facts.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW METHODOLOGY This community-driven master plan centers residents’ voices and ambitions to inform the future of parks under the purview of Aldan Borough. In prioritizing equitable, inclusive, accessible, and quality public parks for all residents, the public engagement process sought feedback from people of all backgrounds and experiences to define a collective vision. Engagement activities were publicized through social media, emailers, newsletters, and yard signs. An inclusive and interactive approach to engagement yielded a collaborative planning process with many voices shaping the plan.

SURVEYS Public engagement for the planning process centered on two community surveys that sought residents’ feedback about parks and recreation opportunities in Aldan.

Parks Survey 1 sought initial input about the state of parks and recreation in Aldan, and a subsequent Parks Survey 2 asked for residents’ feedback about specific design concepts developed for each borough park. A total of 512 responses was received across both surveys, with Survey 1 garnering 331 responses and Survey 2 receiving 181 responses. Park-specific survey response data is included in individual park sections found in Chapter II of this document. All other survey results are included in the Appendix at the end of the report.

STEERING COMMITTEE & KEY PEOPLE Throughout the project process, the planning team held 11 Steering Committee meetings with community and parks leadership to coordinate efforts, discuss process, and show progress over the seven-month planning period. These included virtual and in-person meetings, including an in-person charrette at the beginning of the park design process. The planning team also interviewed 7 “key people” representing community and civic

28

organizations in the Borough.

IMMERSIVE COMMUNITY VISITS The planning team visited Aldan multiple times over the planning period for site visits, meetings, and public events. This deepened the team’s relationships with the community and culture of Aldan.

PUBLIC MEETINGS Three public meetings, plus a final public Council Presentation, were held throughout the process. These meetings provided residents opportunities to learn about the plan, take the project surveys, ask questions, and engage in discussions with the planning team.

Public Meeting 3 also included an interactive activity, where community members weighed in on future park implementation & prioritization by allocating “Grant Bucks” to their preferred parks.

+ eering Committee Site Visit with the St Planning Team,

Public meetings were held in-person at McBlain Community Center and virtually via Zoom (except Public Meeting 1, which was held only via Zoom due to inclement weather) on the following dates: • Public Meeting 1: June 26, 2023 • Public Meeting 2: September 18, 2023 • Public Meeting 3: November 16, 2023 • Public Council Presentation: December 20, 2023 JULY 4TH POP-UP EVENT The planning team also held a Pop-Up community engagement event to promote the project and solicit public feedback at Aldan’s July 4th Celebration.

Residents had the opportunity to take Survey 1 and to take part in a “Dot Voting” activity weighing in about what they wanted to see in each of Aldan’s parks.

Dot Voting results can be found in the individual park sections found in Chapter II of this document.

Public Meeting 2 & Survey 2 Launch September18, 2023

29

Public Meeting 1 June 26, 2023

Survey 2 3 vember 2, 202 o -N 8 r1 e b m te Sep sidents] (82% Aldan Re s e ns o sp Re 1 18

Survey 1 June 19-July 22, 2023 331 Responses (85% Aldan Residents]

Public Meeting 3 “Grant Bucks” Voting November 16, 2023

Up blic Engagement PopJuly 4th Celebration Pu July 4, 2023 s 584 Dot Vote Response Park] [73 Average Votes per

Public Council Presentation December 20, 2023

Dot -Voti ng a t A l d a n’s A n n u al Ju ly 4 t h Ce le b ra t io n

I. OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS

32

PARK IMPROVEMENT PHASING A PHASED APPROACH Implementing a phased approach for park development allows for feasible short-term improvements that can significantly benefit the community in the initial stages while reserving longer-term, intricate projects for later phases.

PARK PRIORITIZATION There are some considerations for park phasing that will inform which parks are selected for initial prioritization.

Some of these considerations were vocalized by the Steering Committee, while others were discussed at public meetings.

• Phase three revitalizes Veteran’s Park as a landmark entry to Aldan, and improves Hopely Athletic Complex, which is well-used by youth.

ALDAN DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND

5

• The enhancement of School Fields in phase one improves this highly utilized and visible park to provide immediate improvements of recreational and communal spaces for residents.

• Darby Creek & Lobbs Run is prioritized second, based on enthusiasm from the community for the creation of this natural greenway area, which currently is not offered in Aldan.

2

FIVE POINTS (VETERAN’S PARK)

3

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

SCHOOL FIELDS

4 JEFFREY ROAD PARK

8

6

1

SWIM CLUB PARK

HISTORICAL PARK

7 TRIANGLE PARK (MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK)

• Phases four, five and six introduce improvements for Swim Club Park, Mayor Jack Edmundson Park, and Historical Park, which each have some complexity in their coordination requirements as well as the extent of design improvements.

• Jeffrey Road Park is the lowest priority according to community feedback. It will be a natural area that is more passive in use and will rely on coordination with neighbors and volunteers.

Map of Aldan Borough highlighting order of phasing for park improvement implementation.

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

33

SCHOOL FIELDS

S

ARK AN P ALD

DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN

KS C U TB

N

GRA

The prioritization order shown here is based on community feedback from 13 participants during the Public Meeting 3, in which the planning team hosted a “Grant Bucks” park prioritization exercise. Each participant was given six “grant bucks” to allocate to the parks they most wanted to see improved.

FIVE POINTS PARK (VETERANS PARK)

19 VOTES

GRANT BUCKS

COMPLEX

ALDAN PARKS

GRANT BUCKS

MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON (TRIANGLE PARK)

15 VOTES

13 VOTES

ALDAN PARKS

GRANT BUCKS

HISTORICAL PARK

5 8 VOTES

GRANT BUCKS

2 VOTES

ALDAN PARKS

GRANT BUCKS

JEFFREY ROAD PARK

8

7 ALDAN PARKS

ALDAN PARKS

GRANT BUCKS

SWIM CLUB PARK (ALDAN PARK)

4 (TIED)

6 7 VOTES

2 ALDAN PARKS

HOPELY ATHLETIC

3 (TIED) 13 VOTES

1

ALDAN PARKS

GRANT BUCKS

1 VOTE

ALDAN PARKS

GRANT BUCKS

34

PARK NAMES AND WAYFINDING RECOMMENDATIONS PARK NAMES There are a multiple names used for some individual parks in Aldan, which can be confusing to those who are not familiar with all the different usages. Public confusion also exists about Veteran’s Park, since a Veterans Memorial is actually located within Historical Park, and Veteran’s Park itself is known by many residents as “Five Points.” Clarifying the names of all parks visitors to more easily navigate the park system. It is recommended that the Borough make an updated map with correct park names available on the its website; the Borough should also report map/name edits to third-party mapping apps such as Google Maps.

OUTREACH + BRANDING Establishing a distinct and cohesive brand identity for parks and related activities will allow residents to easily recognize and connect with various events and programs.

This would unify promotional materials, signage, and communication channels. The Borough should continue to build social media presence, and use it as a place to let the community know of events, initiatives, and volunteer opportunities within the park system.

PARK WAYFINDING Specific park signs recommendations are outlined in the design recommendations, and serve as crucial wayfinding tools, amplifying visibility and guiding visitors to these recreational areas – some of which (such as Jeffrey Road Park) are currently unknown by many residents to be Aldan parks. The Borough should offer a comprehensive park system map to provide a visual guide to the layout, amenities, and attractions within the parks.

Aldan Parks Name Variations

Recommended Name

Signage Recommendations

Five Points Park

New lighted park sign with new name; Underpass “Welcome To / Leaving Aldan” signage

SCHOOL FIELDS

School Fields

Dog park rules signage; Update with newly branded signage as needed

HISTORICAL PARK

Historical Park

Update with newly branded signage as needed

Hopely Athletic Complex

Update with newly branded signage as needed

Triangle Park

New lighted park sign with new name

Jeffrey Road Park

Update with newly branded signage as needed

Swim Club Park

Update with newly branded signage as needed

Darby Creek and Lobbs Run Greenway

New park signage at each trail head

VETERAN’S PARK / FIVE POINTS PARK

ALDAN PARK / SHISLER PARK / HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK / TRIANGLE PARK JEFFREY ROAD PARK / ALDAN BOROUGH PARK

SWIM CLUB PARK / ALDAN PARK

DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND

35

RECOMMENDATION EXAMPLES FIVE POINTS PARK (VETERAN’S PARK) Five Points Park’s wayfinding recommendations will help to establish the park as a visible and welcoming gateway into the borough. The recommendations include three key elements: a new lighted park sign identifying it as “Five Points Park,” an iconic sculpture serving as a landmark, and proposed SEPTA underpass sign welcoming people to and from Aldan Borough. These additions aim to elevate the park’s identity, create a memorable entrance, and reinforce a strong sense of community pride.

TRIANGLE PARK (MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK) Design recommendations for Triangle Park will help to establish it as a visible and aesthetically pleasing green space within the borough. The proposed wider entry path will provide a more inviting entrance, complemented by updated park name signage, while the addition of civic gardens will enhance the park’s beauty and visibility.

Existing conditions view of Five Points Park (Veteran’s Park).

Conceptual rendering of proposed signage and iconic sculpture at Five Points Park (Veteran’s Park).

View of existing Mayor Jack Edmundson Park (Triangle Park) signage.

Conceptual rendering of proposed signage and entryway at Triangle Park.

36

GREENWAY DEVELOPMENT CREATE & RESTORE GREENWAYS OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESTORATION Wooded and riparian areas along the Darby Creek and Lobbs Run that traverse Swim Club Park and Darby and Lobbs Run land stand as crucial ecological assets.

These expansive spaces serve as vital habitats for diverse wildlife, contributing significantly to biodiversity while also functioning as essential green stormwater infrastructure. However, existing conditions reveal invasive species encroachment, erosion, and debris accumulation.

MAP KEY

ECOLOGICAL RECOMMENDATIONS The master plan proposes to rejuvenate these areas as designated “Greenways,” reinstating their health and ecosystem function. This restoration not only enhances their ecological and hydrological significance but also elevates their recreational potential. Riparian forest buffers are integral components of the greenway areas, playing a pivotal role in the functionality of these ecological systems. These consist of wooded areas along water ways that act as a protective barrier, filtering pollutants and moderating floodwaters. Aldan has introduced a new ordinance mandating that new riparian buffers maintain a distance of fifteen feet from the regulatory floodway line, however a larger buffer is recommended to maximize ecosystem health.

MAINTENANCE IS KEY Maintenance of these areas is critical to achieving longterm ecosystem health as well as recreational enjoyment.

The maintenance of Greenways and Riparian Buffers is included in Chapter III.

BOUNDARIES ALDAN BOROUGH PARKS PERIMETER ALDAN BOROUGH BOUNDARIES

TRAILS EXISTING MULTI-USE TRAIL BIKE FRIENDLY ROAD POTENTIAL MULTI USE TRAIL - FOUR BOROUGH PLAN PROPOSED TRAILS

NATURAL FEATURES STREAM OR CREEK RECREATION / PARKS WOODED

37

GREENWAYS AND TRAILS

Y CRE

EK

C on n ec t to Other Par ks + Tra il Systems Adding a bridge over Darby Creek can allow for a connection to Hoffman Creek and the Darby Creek trail system

LOBBS

RUN

P roposed Tra ils + Br i dges The master plan proposes new trails and bridges within the Darby Creek and Lobbs Run Land

LANSDOWNE

K

DA

LOBBS

RB

HOFFMAN PARK

Y

CR

EE

DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND

DA

Po t e n t i a l M ul ti Us e Tra i l Con n ec tor Indicated within the 2005 Four Borough Comprehensive Plan by Delaware County

RBY

CR

EEK

DARB

RUN

SWIM CLUB PARK

The plan recommends formalizing trails and pathways into a comprehensive greenway, helping to solidify goals stated in the Delaware County Planning Department’s Four Borough Comprehensive Plan (2005).

0’ 480’ 960’

1920’

NORTH

38

CONNECTIVITY RECOMMENDATIONS SIDEWALKS AND CROSSWALKS • Constructing missing sidewalk and crosswalk connections adjacent to parks should be prioritized to ensure safe access to parks, as indicated in the diagram on the following page. Because this responsibility rests with landowners, this is a suggested recommendation that cannot be enforced

by Aldan Borough.

• There are multiple recommendations for installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (commonly referred to as blinking crosswalk signals). These are sited at connections to parks located adjacent to busy roads, with the goal of enhancing pedestrian access. These signals would require PennDOT approval and funding, so this item is a long-term recommendation that has significant challenges toward implementation. For the parks that include these recommendations, see table below.

BLINKING CROSSWALK

ALDAN PARKS

RECOMMEND-

✔ ✔ ✔ ED:

VETERAN’S PARK / FIVE POINTS PARK SCHOOL FIELDS HISTORICAL PARK HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK / TRIANGLE PARK JEFFREY ROAD PARK /ALDAN BOROUGH PARK SWIM CLUB PARK / ALDAN PARK DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND

✔

REGIONAL TRAILS • The plan has a recommended multi-use greenway along Lobbs Run that could connect to the Darby Creek trail network. This was an initiative that was indicated within the 2005 Four Borough Comprehensive Plan by the Delaware County Planning Department. This proposed greenway has potential to be grant-funded, restoring the forested riparian corridor while extending multi-modal use. It will require planning, permitting, and multi-agency review, so this is a longer-term recommendation.

• The greenway plan at Darby Creek is also a longterm recommendation, but should be considered for its ability to enhance connectivity to parks and an extensive trail network on the opposite side, thereby expanding access to adjacent communities BIKE AMENITIES • The 2005 Four Borough Comprehensive Plan by the Delaware County Planning Department indicates Clifton Avenue, Springfield Avenue and Providence Road as locations for proposed bike routes that would be designated via ‘Share the Road’ signage but not with street striping. These recommendations should be integrated into Aldan’s connectivity plan for future public space improvements.

39

RECOMMENDATIONS FIVE POINTS PARK (VETERAN’S PARK)

1

SCHOOL FIELDS

2

HISTORICAL PARK

3

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

4

TRIANGLE PARK (MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK)

5

JEFFREY ROAD PARK

6

SWIM CLUB PARK

7

DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND

8

Incre a se Ped estria n Co nnec tivit y Fill in priority sidewalks and crosswalks that connect to Aldan’s parks

Cre at e New Trai l s + A c c e ss Es t abl i s h a G re e nway Create trails within the Darby The trail shown in purple is Creek and Lobbs Run Land indicated within the 2005 that allow for access forests, Four Borough Comprehensive waterways, and adjacent Plan and should be assessed park land for use as a public greenway

8

1

PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS

7

4

FIVE-MIN WALKING ROUTE FROM PARKS POTENTIAL MULTI-USE TRAILS

2

TRAILS EXISTING SIDEWALKS PRIORITY SIDEWALK GAPS

6

SIDEWALK GAPS

5

3

ONE-SIDE CROSSWALK GAPS PRIORITY CROSSWALK GAPS EXISTING CROSSWALKS

PUBLIC TRANSIT SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL STOP

R

SEPTA BUS STOP TROLLEY STOP

BIKING CONNECTIONS BALTIMORE PIKE BIKE ROUTE BIKE FRIENDLY ROADS PROPOSED BIKE ROUTES BIKE TRAILS

Proposed and existing connections to Aldan’s parks.

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

40

CLIMATE ADAPTATION METHODOLOGY The planning team utilized information from climate related tools, relying on data from the First Street Foundation and Tree Equity Score to develop preliminary analysis and recommendations related to climate.

FLOODING + CREEKS Extreme flooding is not considered to be a major risk in Aldan, however increased precipitation has correlated in localized flooding during storm events such as on roadways and adjacent to waterways. The mapping opposite includes regulatory FEMA flood mapping for Darby Creek, Lobbs Run, Pusey Run and Hermesprota Creek.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Utilize Green Infrastructure such as the EPA’s Stormwater Best Management Practices to reduce localized flooding – including rain gardens that are detailed in Chapter III. Rain barrels are another helpful green infrastructural tool that can double as flood mitigation from a building and a resource for watering plants.

• Restore riparian buffers along Darby Creek and Lobbs Run; these are critical buffers that can provide stormwater management benefits if restored and designed properly.

• Consider reducing impervious surfaces such as asphalt and concrete, which increase stormwater runoff, and implement permeable paving areas where new paving is needed.

WIND + TROPICAL STORMS Average maximum wind speeds in Aldan have increased over the past 30 years, putting 89% of residential properties at risk, based on preliminary analysis through the First Street Foundation. Storm winds can damage buildings as well as utilities, roads, and emergency services. The most severe wind event in Aldan was Hurricane Irene in 2011, which impacted 1,606 properties in Delaware County.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Assess the Borough’s trees for any dying or weak trees or limbs that could cause future damage, and replace any trees that are removed. Consider planting wind-breaks with a combination of trees and shrubs in highly vulnerable areas. Incorporate these considerations into a future Urban Forest Plan (see Chapter III, 4.1.1. “Urban Trees”).

• Utilize materials and building systems that have been tested for wind resistance to help reduce damage.

EXTREME HEAT Aldan is experiencing longer and hotter heat waves with increased overall temperatures. Heat trends are primarily influenced by the location and elevation of a place, but other factors in the urban landscape can exacerbate heat – such as an abundance of pavement and low tree canopy coverage. This effect is known as heat island effect, and it impacts both human and ecological health. According to Tree Equity Score, Aldan’s Tree Canopy scored an average of 90% Tree Equity, with the southwest portion of the borough rated as a “low priority” for improvement, and the northeast portion rated as a “moderate” area for improvement.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Create an Urban Forest Plan through collaboration with an Arborist and/or Forester to make a long-term plan for maintaining a strong urban canopy, and for improving it’s function and health in the future (see Chapter III, 4.1.1. “Urban Trees”).

• Create areas of respite such as safe shady areas in parks, greenways, and accessible paths near waterways like Darby Creek and Lobbs Run. These areas will be naturally cooler during hot days and should be protected and maintained for community enjoyment.

• Plan for reducing the heat island effect through the combination of increased tree canopy, reduced impervious areas, and the use of light-colored, highly-reflective pavement in areas where pavement is a necessity.

PLANT HARDINESS ZONE 7B As per the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Mapping updated in 2023, Aldan is currently designated as Zone 7B. Hardiness zones indicate which types of plants are suitable for planting in a specific region and must be referenced when selecting plant species. Plant hardiness zones are undergoing a significant shift at a rate of approximately 13 miles per decade. As zones continue to shift, it is important to anticipate future changes in hardiness zones and choose plant species that may adapt well to potential shifts in Aldan’s climate.

41

CLIMATE ANALYSIS MAP FIVE POINTS PARK (VETERAN’S PARK)

1

SCHOOL FIELDS

2

HISTORICAL PARK

3

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

4

TRIANGLE PARK (MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK)

5

JEFFREY ROAD PARK

6

SWIM CLUB PARK

7

DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND

8

Re s t ore + Prot e c t Ri pari an Buf fe rs

Incre a se Perme a b ilit y + Ca no py Cover

Park land within the floodplain can act as critical green infrastructure if the ecological function is restored

Impervious surfaces and dark-colored paving can increase flood and heat risks

Canopy Cove r

Ca no py Cover

G oal: 40% C urre n t : 17%

Go al: 4 0% Cu rrent : 2 0%

5’ CONTOURS

8 7

1

ALDAN BOROUGH PARKS PERIMETER

4 2

IMPERVIOUS SURFACES BUILDINGS AND PAVEMENT WITHIN ALDAN

6

5

3

FLOOD HAZARDS .2% ANNUAL FLOOD HAZARD (500-YEAR FLOOD) .1% ANNUAL FLOOD HAZARD (100-YEAR FLOOD) SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA, REGULATORY FLOODWAY

FOREST SYSTEMS TREE EQUITY QUADRANTS

Ca no py Cover

G oal: 40% C urre n t : 24%

Canopy Cove r

Goal: 4 0% Cu rrent : 19%

CENTRAL OAK-PINE FOREST SWAMP AND WET HARDWOOD FOREST

Data Sources: Tree Equity Score obtained May 5, 2023 from Tree Equity Score, https://www. treeequityscore.org/; ecosystem mapping obtained from Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, Pennsylvania Conservation Explorer; flood mapping data is from FEMA.

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

42

BIODIVERSITY ECOLOGICAL IMPACT Private land is a key player in enhancing the larger health and function of Aldan’s landscape. 92% of the land in Aldan consists of privately-owned or inaccessible green space. This means that the parks in Aldan only represent a tiny fraction of the landscape within the borough.

92% PRIVATELY OWNED + INACCESSIBLE GREEN SPACE

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Aldan’s residents can utilize the resources within the “toolkit” provided in this section to learn about enhancing their own properties.

• Aldan parks should set an example for enhancing the ecological health and beauty of green space in Aldan through techniques such as rewilding and planting native species. See Chapter III 4.1. for more info.

• Volunteer maintenance opportunities in parks can double as a way to provide education to the community. See Chapter III 5. for more info.

8%

PUBLIC GREEN SPACE*

*Providence Park is a privately-owned park that is included here.

43

BIODIVERSITY TOOLKIT Aldan’s residents can play a big part in enhancing the health, vibrancy, and beauty of the overall landscape ecology of the borough. By implementing practices that enhance and protect local biodiversity, Aldan residents’ yards can positively impact habitat and create beautiful spaces for all.

INCREASE BIODIVERSITY + HABITAT • Native flower meadows and trees provide food and shelter for insects and birds, and reduce the need for pesticides.

PROTECT WATER HEALTH • Native flower meadows and trees are more effective at absorbing stormwater and preventing polluted runoff and flooding.

CELEBRATE NATURAL BEAUTY • Planting native flower meadows and trees creates beauty that celebrates the local natural landscape of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic.

CHEMICAL FREE • Pesticide-free practices and avoiding nitrogen additives helps to preserve pollinator health and ecological function, and plays a key role in preventing the degradation of water quality.

YARD BIODIVERSITY TOOLKIT MA JOR DECLINES IN POLLINATOR HABITAT AND THE CHANGING CLIMATE REQUIRES DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO MANAGING OUR YARDS

44

BIODIVERSITY TECHNIQUES MEADOWS VS. LAWNS Turf grass has shallow roots and serves very little ecological function. Grass fertilizer runs off into streams when it rains. Instead, residents should utilize native perennial plants and trees. They attract pollinators, enhance soil health, store carbon, filter runoff, and aid in erosion prevention while also adding natural beauty.

YARD BIODIVERSITY TOOLKIT RETHINKING THE LAWN Converting areas of lawn to native plants or even planting a native container garden can help pollinators and enhance ecosystem function.

LAWN CONVERSION Converting lawn into native plants or meadows Increases biodiversity and natural beauty, while demonstrating good land stewardship. It also reduces mowing time, fertilizer runoff, and pollution. Many commercial fertilizers used to treat lawns have chemicals that are known to negatively impact human health and safety, as well as harm critical pollinators.

LOW MAINTENANCE Native meadows and woodlands are drought tolerant when established, requiring very little water and minimal maintenance with proper planning and implementation.

Once established, most perennials only require spring cleanup to clear dead leaves and flowers that have overwintered.

CUES FOR CARE Using native plants can become a great learning opportunity and chance to connect with your community.

By posting signs about gardening techniques, Aldan can engage residents as stewards for native landscapes.

While turf grass has it’s place in recreation, it serves very little ecological function.

Low-profile plants like Clover and Thyme offer a happy medium for stepable landscapes, with longer roots and less mowing.

45

HELPFUL RESOURCES Lawn Conversion • PA Dept .of Conservation and Natural Resources: Lawn Conversion Assistance • www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/Water/LawnConversion Native Plants, Pollinators + Habitat • Home Grown National Park: Start a New Habitat • www.homegrownnationalpark.org • Bee City USA: Connecting Communities and Pollinators • beecityusa.org • Audubon: Bird-Friendly Habitat Recognition Program • pa.audubon.org/conservation/bird-friendly-habitatrecognition-program

Talking to Neighbors • PennState Extension: Suggestions for talking with neighbors about your Meadow or Woodland planting • extension.psu.edu/neighborly-natural-landscaping-inresidential-areas

Apply for Free Trees • Pennsylvania Horticultural Society: Apply for community trees for a street, park, yard etc.

• phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/get-a-tree

PRIVATELY-OWNED AND INACCESSIBLE GREEN SPACE PUBLIC GREEN SPACE PRIVATELY-OWNED PUBLIC GREEN SPACE

Map of public vs. private green space, illustrating the impact that private lawn owners can have on the biodiversity of Aldan.

0’ 240’ 480’

960’

NORTH

Dot -Voti ng a t A l d a n’s A n n u al Ju ly 4 t h Ce le b ra t io n

II. PARK DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

48

PARK DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS INTRODUCTION This chapter includes recommendations for each Aldan Borough park, including the seven existing parks as well as the Darby Creek & Lobbs Run Land area. Each park section is organized into four parts: Existing Conditions, Community Feedback, Design Recommendations & Phasing, and Maintenance Considerations.

CONTENTS & ORGANIZATION • Existing Conditions: Overview of existing site conditions including site elements, programming, and plan drawing that highlights challenges and needs, assets and opportunities.

• Community Feedback: Park-specific public feedback and project survey results gathered during the planning process.

• Design Recommendations and Phasing: A proposed plan drawing, individual design recommendations, phasing, and cost estimate.

Additional considerations are also included.

• Maintenance Considerations: Existing and proposed maintenance considerations for tasks associated with the proposed park design.

COST ESTIMATE NOTES High-level cost estimates are provided for each proposed park element. These are meant to be references to aid in the preparation of grant applications. Please note that these numbers reflect estimated cost at the time of the report in 2023. Estimates should be re-evaluated and updated for escalation in subsequent years.

49

FIVE POINTS PARK (VETERAN’S PARK)

SCHOOL FIELDS

HISTORICAL PARK

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

JACK EDMUNDSON PARK (TRIANGLE PARK)

JEFFREY ROAD PARK

SWIM CLUB PARK (ALDAN PARK)

DARBY CREEK & LOBBS RUN

THE PARKS SUMMARY

FIVE POINTS PARK (VETERAN’S PARK)

50

EXISTING CONDITIONS PARK OVERVIEW • Size: .2 acres • Cross streets: Springfield Rd. & Woodlawn Ave. • Primarily open lawn • Some visitors were noted shortcutting across the corner • Trolley stop with shelter located at southern edge of park • Medium-sized street trees in good health • Backdrop of mature evergreens at southern edge of park • Acts as a gateway to Aldan

SITE ELEMENTS • Trolley stop shelter • Entry sign • Two (2) benches • Park dedication plaque

A View from the sidewalk looking in toward the park.

PROGRAMMING • Sitting park • Transit station stop

B View from within the park, looking out toward the intersection and the northern border of Aldan Borough.

51

Opportunity for entering/leaving Aldan signage at SEPTA underpass

W

M

Y AR

LA

N

VE DA

.

Opportunity for sculpture or monumental threshold to Aldan

PENNSYLVANIA AVE

A Users cut across lawn & cause erosion

* SIGN Lawn has no ecological value

Named “Veteran’s Park” but memorial is not located here

Open area with great visibility

LAWN

*

B

TROLLEY STOP

BENCH HEDGE

RI NG

N

SP FIE RO AD

CHALLENGE / NEED

LD

*

THRESHOLD

O

W

Mature trees

E AV

N CLIFTO N AVE

N

WO

A DL

Walkable location

ASSET / OPPORTUNITY 0’ 10’ 20’

40’

NORTH

Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey

FIVE POINTS PARK (VETERAN’S PARK)

52

Q1 Rate the draft design concept for Veteran's Park (als Points), on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Answered: 181

SUMMARY The community engagement for Veteran’s Park, also known as Five Points Park, indicated a strong preference for Pollinator/Rain Gardens (48%), followed by interest in Flags + Veteran’s Memorial (32%) and Sculptural Entry to Aldan (20%).

4.3

JULY 4TH POP-UP: DOT-VOTING RESULTS*

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT RATINGS**

RATE THE DRAFT DESIGN CONCEPT FOR Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey

average rating

WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT TO SEE IN THIS PARK? 60 TOTAL VOTES

VETERAN’S PARK (ALSO KNOWN AS FIVE POINTS), ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5 STARS.

Surve

Q1 Rate the draft design concept for Veteran's Park (also known ⭐ Points), ⭐⭐ on⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ TOTAL a scale of 1 to 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars.

S

Survey 2 revealed high satisfaction with the draft design concept, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Sample comments reflected diverse opinions, advocating for a new sign with gardens, benches, and easy maintenance, while expressing concerns about the quantity of benches and emphasizing the use of locallynative trees and landscaping. Suggestions for a flashing pedestrian signal and emphasis on creating an inviting entrance to Aldan were also noted.

Skipped: 8

Sculptural entry to Aldan

Flags + Veteran’s Memorial

12 VOTES

19 VOTES

20%

32%

1.10% 2

29 VOTES

23.76%

Skipped:438

55.25% 100

181

average rating

48% ⭐ ⭐⭐ 1.10% 2

17.13%

31181 Answered:

4.3

Pollinator / Rain Gardens

S

2.76% 5

2.76% 5

⭐⭐⭐ 17.13% 31

181 TOTAL RESPONSES ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 23.76% 43

55.25% 100

Design updates in response to public comments incorporated a flashing crosswalk signal and a reduction in the number of benches, aiming to address concerns while maintaining the park’s appeal and functionality.

This park tied for 3rd place in the Grant Bucks park prioritization exercise, tying with Hopely Athletic Complex, and indicating it’s position as a high priority for the community.

1 / 23

TOTAL 181

WEIGHTED A

53

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT FEEDBACK - SELECTED COMMENTS**

“GRANT BUCKS”: PRIORITY RANKING***

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE DRAFT CONCEPT DESIGN FOR FIVE POINTS PARK.

FIVE POINTS WAS RANKED 3RD (OF 8), TIED WITH HOPELY COMPLEX, IN THE “GRANT BUCKS” PARK PRIORITIZATION EXERCISE.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE DESIGN? WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? • “New sign with gardens would be nice. Sculpture not needed, but perhaps a bench or two

is. Should be open and easy to maintain.”

AL

G

DA N

R

• “There are too many benches included in such a small area.”

13

• “Make sure to use all locally-native trees and other landscaping!”

AN

VOTES

• “Need flashing pedestrian signal.”

PA R

KS

T

B UC

K

S

#3 TIED

• “It would rarely be visited, so just make it look nice with seasonal flowers as people drive

by.”

• “I suggest keeping this ‘park’ simple, so that it is easily maintained at a low cost to the

taxpayers. I would not line the outside perimeter of any park, creating a ‘not as safe’ hidden zone if the middle. Just grass and a sign.”

• “I like the new layout, and the idea of adding a welcome to Aldan sign.”

• “Five Points should be a big welcome to Aldan.”

*Parks & Recreation Pop-Up Dot Voting Activity (July 4, 2023) **Parks & Recreation Survey 2 (Sept. 18–Nov. 2, 2023) ***Public Meeting 3: Grant Bucks Park Prioritization Voting Activity (Nov. 16, 2023)

54

FIVE POINTS PARK (VETERAN’S PARK) DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS AND PHASING

W

11

12

*

M

Y AR

LA

N

VE DA

.

4

5

6 7 ’

5 10

10

8 9 TROLLEY STOP

1

E AV

FIE

CIVIC PERENNIAL GARDEN

PAVED PATH PERMEABLE PAVING/ STONE FINES

AD

PROPOSED TREE

LAWN

RO

EXISTING TREE

LD

SIGNAGE/SCULPTURE

NG

PROPOSED ELEMENT

RI

N

2

SP

*

THRESHOLD

O

W

3

N CLIFTO N AVE

N

WO

A DL

*

EX. 5’ CONTOURS BENCH

0’ 10’ 20’

40’

NORTH

55

PHASING FRAMEWORK: Short-Term Mid-Term

RECOMMENDATIONS

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

1• Prune / thin existing arborvitae hedge

• Consider renaming as “Five Points Park” or

2• Add water access for future gardens

Long-Term Complex / Requires multi-agency coordination or permitting

3• Keep existing lawn for future lawn

pockets and add litter bin 4• Iconic entry signage

PHASED COST ESTIMATE

5• Paved connection between crosswalks

1

$5,000

6• Small flowering trees that fit under

2

$8,500

3

$800

4

$10,000

5

$3,450

6

$200

7

$30,575

8

$10,715

9

$8,000

10

TBD

11

TBD

12

TBD

overhead wires 7• Pervious paving or stonefines path 8• Community-maintained native “civic”

gardens and overseeded lawn 9• New benches • Sculpture by local artist with lighting 10 11• “Entering / Leaving Aldan” signage at

underpass 12• Flashing pedestrian crosswalk signals

“Veteran’s Park at Five Points” • Discuss gardens with the Aldan Garden

Club and Aldan Boosters • Consider a rain barrel at the trolley stop

to collect run off that can be used to water future gardens

FIVE POINTS PARK (VETERAN’S PARK)

56

PERSPECTIVE RENDERING OF PROPOSED DESIGN

Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations for Veteran’s Park (Five Points).

Existing cond

itions view.

Summer ‘19

57

MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS • The design for Five Points Park introduces new paving, planting, and seating that surrounds a sculptural element. Another key feature of the park is signage that is monumental in nature and can be seen from surrounding streets. The proposed design has low-maintenance planting and paving, and is not expected to add significantly to maintenance needs of the park.

Task

Existing Maintenance

Lawn Care

✔

Urban Tree Care Snow Removal

Perennial Gardens / Meadows

Sculpture & Underpass Signage

✔ ✔

Notes

Lawn mowing, occasional reseeding/ fertilization

Existing sidewalks at site perimeter are cared for as part of Borough’s snow removal contract

Proposed Maintenance

✔

REDUCED

✔ ✔ ✔

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

✔

Notes Mowing of the park will be reduced due to the addition of native planting beds. The smaller lawn area should continue to be mowed. See Ch. III, 4.1.8.

New street and park trees. See Ch. III, 4.1.1.

The interior path need not be shoveled for major snowstorms.

Individual Perennial Planting. See Ch. III, 4.1.6.

Maintenance will be dependent on the type of art installed.

Yearly cleaning and inspection for safety and repair is recommended at minimum.

58

SCHOOL FIELDS (DUFFY AND VOLUNTEERS FIELDS) EXISTING CONDITIONS PARK OVERVIEW • Size: 4.5 acres • Cross Streets: N. Woodlawn Ave. & W. Wayne Ave.

SITE ELEMENTS • Baseball diamond • Three tennis courts • One soccer / multi-purpose field • ADA-accessible playground • Monkey bar play area • Two junior basketball courts with removable hoops • Walking track • Concession / storage sheds • Signage • Port-a-potty

A Tennis courts in need of repair within a generously-sized, fenced-in area. A water spigot is located outside the fence to the right.

B A walking loop / track forms the border of the park with a central soccer field, storage shed, and concessions stand. The elementary school’s play equipment is visible in the background.

59

N CLIFTON AVE

Walking loop to be expanded to allow for passing on track

MERION AVE

Tennis courts underutilized & in disrepair

Seasonal port-a-potty

Seating not shaded

*

STORAGE SHED TENNIS COURTS

DUFFY FIELD

*

VOLUNTEERS FIELD

PLAY EQUIPMENT

SOCCER FIELD Community uses court as fenced dog run

A

Field well-utilized by students and youth

WALKING TRACK

*

*

No crosswalks

N WOODLAWN AVE

SHISLER AVE

*

THRESHOLD

One (of two) outdoor b-ball courts in Aldan ADA-accessible play

Lawn at field edge has no ecological value

B

CHALLENGE / NEED

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mature trees

*

No crosswalks

W WAYNE AVE

Signage not legible

REMOVABLE BASKETBALL HOOPS

CONCESSIONS STAND

ASSET / OPPORTUNITY 0’ 20’ 40’

80’

NORTH

Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey

60

SCHOOL FIELDS (DUFFY AND VOLUNTEERS FIELDS)

Q3 Rate the draft design concept for the recreation fie Elementary, on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Answered: 174

SUMMARY Initial feedback for School Fields reflects diverse preferences, with a substantial 63.6% in favor of introducing a Dog Park/Dog Run and pickleball courts tied with Pollinator/Rain Gardens at 36.3% each. Regarding the existing tennis courts, it was revealed that the majority of the community (68%) do not use these courts. Survey #2 rated the draft design concept with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Comments emphasized the need to prioritize the area’s appearance, suggesting simplified benches and placement, advocating for enhanced safety measures like crosswalk blinking signals, and expressing appreciation for the planned dog parks and ADA accessibility features. However, concerns were raised about the maintenance of dog parks, and potential disturbances between dogs and tennis players. Design updates included the addition of a planted buffer between the small dog park and tennis courts to obstruct views, and a reduction in the number of benches in response to community feedback. It should be noted that this park ranked first in the Grant Bucks park prioritization exercise indicating that it is a very high priority for the community.

Skipped: 15

4.1

JULY 4TH POP-UP: DOT-VOTING RESULTS*

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT RATINGS**

RATE THE DRAFT DESIGN CONCEPT average FOR rating WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT TO SEE INAldan THIS Parks: Design Concepts Survey THE RECREATION FIELDS NEAR ALDAN PARK? 77 TOTAL VOTES ELEMENTARY, ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5 STARS.

SurveyMon

Q3 Rate the⭐draft design the recreation Ald ⭐⭐ concept ⭐⭐⭐ for⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐fields near TOTAL Elementary, on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

S 3.45% 4.02% 17.82% 26.44% 48.28% 6

Dog Park 33 VOTES

43%

Pickleball Courts

Pollinator / Rain Gardens

22 VOTES

22 VOTES

28.5%

⭐

46 Skipped: 15

84

174

average rating

⭐⭐ 3.45% 6

31 Answered: 174

4.1

28.5%

S

7

4.02% 7

⭐⭐⭐ 17.82% 31

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 174 TOTAL RESPONSES 26.44% 46

TOTAL

48.28% 84

3 / 23

3 / 23

174

WEIGHTED AVERA

61

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT FEEDBACK - SELECTED COMMENTS**

“GRANT BUCKS”: PRIORITY RANKING***

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE DRAFT CONCEPT DESIGN FOR THE RECREATION FIELDS NEAR ALDAN ELEMENTARY.

SCHOOL FIELDS WAS RANKED 1ST (OF 8) IN THE “GRANT BUCKS” PARK PRIORITIZATION EXERCISE.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE DESIGN? WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? • “Prioritize this area! It’s very visible and should look nice all the time.”

• “Put the benches and shade here.”

AL

G

DA N

R

• “Do not see the need for dog parks since most dog owners in town have fenced yards. Who

will be maintaining these areas?”

19

AN

VOTES

• “Add TALKING crosswalk blinking signals at the Woodlawn Ave. & Providence Rd.

PA R

KS

T

B UC

K

S

#1

intersections in addition to those mentioned in this plan for safe passage of children as well as dog walkers. Please add lighting.”

• “Love the addition of the dog parks and the ADA accessibility additions.”

• “Please save the old ash tree on the Woodlawn Ave side of the tennis courts. It’s probably

the last in Aldan. ” • “Separate the dog park and tennis with some kind of wall so the dogs don’t see the balls

and go crazy all the time.”

• “Would prefer to see more space devoted to tennis/pickle ball courts rather than a majority

of the space being used for dog parks, and we have a dog.”

*Parks & Recreation Pop-Up Dot Voting Activity (July 4, 2023) **Parks & Recreation Survey 2 (Sept. 18–Nov. 2, 2023) ***Public Meeting 3: Grant Bucks Park Prioritization Voting Activity (Nov. 16, 2023)

62

SCHOOL FIELDS (DUFFY AND VOLUNTEERS FIELD) DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS AND PHASING

N CLIFTON AVE

1

6

MERION AVE

6

3

2

3

5 10

4 8

*

11

DUFFY FIELD

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

6 120’

SOCCER FIELDS

9

12 0

’

VOLUNTEERS FIELD

*

N WOODLAWN AVE

*

SHISLER AVE

12

*

*

THRESHOLD

PROPOSED ELEMENT

EXISTING TREE

SIGNALS

PROPOSED TREE

SEATING

LAWN POLLINATOR / RAIN GARDEN SYNTHETIC TURF

6

W WAYNE AVE

115’

*

7

PROPOSED SIDEWALK STONE FINES

EX. 5’ CONTOURS PROPOSED 1’ CONTOURS

SPORTS/PLAY

(HIGH LEVEL)

0’ 20’ 40’

80’

NORTH

63

RECOMMENDATIONS

PHASING FRAMEWORK: Short-Term

1• Fill in sidewalk network gaps

Mid-Term

2• Walking loop to be expanded

Long-Term

to allow for passing on track (inprogress, not included in estimate)

Complex / Requires multi-agency coordination or permitting

3• Fitness equipment stations alongside

track PHASED COST ESTIMATE

4• Berm with seating, park benches, litter

bins, seeded lawn

1

$31,080

2

N/A

3

$45,475

4

$19,027

6• ADA path connections

5

$33,598

6

$49,320

7• Shaded buffer with meadow plantings

7

$16,785

8 9 10 11 12

+ +

5• Combination tennis / pickleball court

8• Small dog park area 9• Large dog park area

$56,352

• Expanded play area with swings 10

$27,408

• Flexible lawn space, potential gaga 11

TBD

ball play area

ADDITIONAL OVERALL COSTS:

Demolition & Site Preparation

$ 4,727

Demolition & Site Preparation

$38,069

Demolition & Site Preparation

$13,295

Site Preparation

$1,088

• Crosswalk with blinking signal at 12

trolley intersection

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS • • • • • • •

Consider utilizing key fob program for entry at dog parks Consider creating a “Friends Group” to help maintain dog park Add markings for distances and or games along walking path Consider shrub hedge or fencing for balls between courts and dog park Consider field lights Preserve and protect mature existing Ash tree near SW corner Consider the addition of a composting toilet

64

SCHOOL FIELDS (DUFFY AND VOLUNTEERS FIELD) PERSPECTIVE RENDERING OF PROPOSED DESIGN

Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations at School Fields.

Existing cond

itions view.

Summer ‘23

65

MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS • The design for School Fields introduces new paving, planting, and seating; refurbished tennis/pickleball court and a dog park with separate sections for large and small dogs. The proposed design has low-maintenance meadow planting and durable paving, which are not expected to add significantly to maintenance needs of the park.

Task

Existing Maintenance

Lawn Care

✔

Urban Tree Care Snow Removal Athletic Turf

Sports Courts

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Perennial Gardens / Meadows

Notes Lawn mowing, occasional reseeding/ fertilization

Existing sidewalks and track at site perimeter are cared for as part of Borough’s snow removal contract.

Proposed Maintenance

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Dog Park

Play Equipment

• The highest maintenance introduction is the dog park, which will require careful consideration based on the materials selected for use and the amount of use expected. The proposed plan includes key FOB access for the dog park, helping to ensure that the dogs using the spaces are registered and vaccinated.

This also promotes a higher level of maintenance by responsible dog owners.

✔

✔ ✔

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Notes Mowing of the park will be reduced due to the addition of native planting beds. The smaller lawn area should continue to be mowed. See Ch. III, 4.1.8.

Tree care is included in the existing annual maintenance contract. See Ch. III, 4.1.1.

New sidewalks will also need to be shoveled, but will be part of Borough’s contract.

See Ch. III, 4.3.1.

One Tennis court to remain with new portable pickleball nets to be maintained and stored. See Ch. III, 4.3.2.

Dog park with one section for small dogs and one for large dogs. See Ch. III, 4.4.1.

Consider creating a “Friends Group” to help maintain dog park, See Ch. III, 5.2.1.

Any new play equipment to be maintained by William Penn School District.

Seeded Meadow Buffers. See Ch. III, 4.1.6.

HISTORICAL PARK

66

EXISTING CONDITIONS PARK OVERVIEW • Size: .7 acres • Cross Streets: Providence Rd. & Woodlawn Ave., across from Municipal Building

SITE ELEMENTS • Trolley Stop Museum • Veterans Memorial • Clock tower & sitting area • Gazebo • Play equipment

PROGRAMMING • July 4th Parade

A View looking toward the clock tower and Veterans Memorial with the historic Trolley Museum in the background. Mature trees provide shade, and manicured shrubs line the walkways.

B View from Clifton Avenue looking across the park. The gazebo and Municipal Building are in the background, and the elementary school borders the left side of the image.

67

ALDAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

N WOODLAWN AVE

*

Outdated play equipment; not ADA accessible

* B

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAY AREAS

Seating not shaded

CLOCK TOWER

*

TROLLEY STOP MUSEUM

OPEN LAWN

FUTURE MUNICIPAL BUILDING EXPANSION

ALDAN MUNICIPAL BUILDING

*

VETERAN’S MEMORIAL GAZEBO

A W PROVIDENCE ROAD

*

THRESHOLD

CHALLENGE / NEED

ASSET / OPPORTUNITY 0’ 10’ 20’

40’

NORTH

Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey

68

HISTORICAL PARK

Q5 Rate the draft design concept for the recreation field Park, on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Answered: 165

SUMMARY The community engagement for Historical Park emphasized a strong desire for a new ADA Accessible Play Area, as indicated by 57% of respondents, followed by interest in Basketball Courts (24%) and Pollinator/Rain Gardens (19%).

Survey #2 indicated support for the draft design concept, with a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. The community expressed overall positivity towards the addition of planting and gardens. However, concerns were raised about potential safety issues due to new trees obstructing views.

The design team took these concerns into consideration and updated the design to include a reduction in the number of proposed trees to maintain clear sight lines.

Additional plan changes included a flashing pedestrian crosswalk, and a simplified bench arrangement.

Skipped: 24

4.2

JULY 4TH POP-UP: DOT-VOTING RESULTS*

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT RATINGS**

RATE THE DRAFT DESIGN CONCEPT average FOR rating WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT TO SEE IN THIS HISTORICAL PARK, ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5 Parks: Design Concepts Survey PARK? 86 TOTAL Aldan VOTES STARS.

SurveyMon

⭐ design ⭐⭐ concept ⭐⭐⭐ for ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ TOTAL Q5 Rate the draft the recreation fields near Hist S 3.64% 3.03% 11.52% 29.09% 52.73% Park, on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

6 5 19 48 87 165 Answered: 165

Basketball Courts

New ADA Accessible Play Area

21 VOTES

49 VOTES

24%

57%

4.2

Pollinator / Rain Gardens 16 VOTES

19%

⭐

S

average rating

⭐⭐ 3.64% 6

Skipped: 24

3.03% 5

⭐⭐⭐ 11.52% 19

165 TOTAL RESPONSES ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 29.09% 48

TOTAL

52.73% 87

This park ranked second to last in the Grant Bucks park prioritization exercise, indicating it’s position as a low priority for the community.

5 / 23

165

WEIGHTED AVERA

69

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT FEEDBACK - SELECTED COMMENTS**

“GRANT BUCKS”: PRIORITY RANKING***

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE DRAFT CONCEPT DESIGN FOR HISTORICAL PARK.

HISTORICAL PARK WAS RANKED 7TH (OF 8) IN THE “GRANT BUCKS” PARK PRIORITIZATION EXERCISE.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE DESIGN? WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? • “I don’t think there should be trees blocking the view of the pick up area. If you are in the

playground you want to be able to see cars arriving & leaving.”

AL

G

DA N

R

• “I like that it seems greener.”

2

• “Add basketball for kids.”

AN

VOTES

• “I like the reduction of lawn/increase in riparian buffer.”

PA R

KS

T

B UC

K

S

#7

• “This should be treated like a town center.”

• “Keep in mind blind spots created with bushes and trees. Blind spots make management and

patrolling more difficult. Open spaces with clear visibility deter crime.”

• “Sensory garden is a great idea!”

• “Why not use this space to grow food for the community? Can we make water accessible

for getting the plants started, especially if the municipal building is being expanded as this plan suggests? Where does the runoff from the school roof discharge? It doesn’t seem like there are enough rain gardens to accommodate the existing school roof.”

*Parks & Recreation Pop-Up Dot Voting Activity (July 4, 2023) **Parks & Recreation Survey 2 (Sept. 18–Nov. 2, 2023) ***Public Meeting 3: Grant Bucks Park Prioritization Voting Activity (Nov. 16, 2023)

70

HISTORICAL PARK DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS AND PHASING

ALDAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

* N WOODLAWN AVE

10 8

1

13 0

’

6 7 4 13 0

’

FUTURE MUNICIPAL BUILDING EXPANSION

9

11 VETERAN’S MEMORIAL

13

3

130’

*

*

2 5

CLOCK TOWER

130’

TROLLEY STOP MUSEUM

ALDAN MUNICIPAL BUILDING

GAZEBO

12

W PROVIDENCE ROAD

*

THRESHOLD

PROPOSED ELEMENT

EXISTING TREE PROPOSED TREE

MOWN PATH/LAWN POLLINATOR GARDEN WINTER GARDEN RAIN GARDEN

CONCRETE SIDEWALK STONE FINES/ MULCH

EX. 5’ CONTOURS GAMES/PLAY FURNITURE

0’ 10’ 20’

40’

NORTH

71

RECOMMENDATIONS

PHASING FRAMEWORK: Short-Term

1• Open lawn for school pick-up / drop-

Mid-Term

off & community events

Long-Term

2• Add more lights and winter interest

Complex / Requires multi-agency coordination or permitting

plants around Christmas tree 3• Rain garden for runoff from new

building PHASED COST ESTIMATE 1

N/A

2

$1,700

3

$5,000

4

$4,000

5

$29,650

6

$38,464

7

$15,200

8 9

+

4• Sensory garden 5• Picnic area and access sidewalks 6• Activated play court with painted

games 7• New benches and litter bins 8• New ADA-accessible natural play

area with custom-built trolleyinspired play element, seeded lawn in demolished play area

$237,870

10

$5,000

11

$1,103

12

$5,900

13

TBD

9• Learning garden pockets 10 • Outdoor classroom 11 • Meadow/ pollinator gardens

ADDITIONAL OVERALL COSTS:

Demolition & Site Preparation

$4,905

Demolition & Site Preparation Demolition & Site Preparation

$3,190 $16,706

• Additional trees along street and in 12

park 13 • Flashing pedestrian crosswalk crossing

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS • Add lighting in play areas for public events

at night • Fill in sidewalk gaps to the east • Consider a rain barrel adjacent to the

school to collect run off that can be used to water future gardens

HISTORICAL PARK

72

PERSPECTIVE RENDERING OF PROPOSED DESIGN

Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations at Historical Park.

Existing cond

itions view.

Summer ‘23

73

MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS • The proposed Historical Park design introduces new elements with associated maintenance requirements including rain gardens, meadows, and additional winter interest plants and trees, as well as play areas, seating, learning pockets, and an outdoor classroom.

Although the proposed design incorporates increased programming and therefore maintenance needs, it utilizes low-maintenance planting & materials and reduces the amount of lawn that will need mowing.

Task

Lawn Care

Urban Tree Care Snow Removal Seasonal/Holiday Play Equipment Perennial Gardens / Meadows

Rain Garden

Existing Maintenance

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Notes

Lawn mowing, occasional reseeding/ fertilization

Proposed Maintenance

✔

REDUCED

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Notes Regular upkeep of open lawn, used for school pick-up/dropoff & community events. Mowing of the park will be reduced due to the addition of native planting beds. The smaller lawn area should continue to be mowed. See Ch. III, 4.1.8.

Tree care is included in the existing annual maintenance contract. See Ch. III, 4.1.1.

New municipal building sidewalks will need to be shoveled, but will be part of Borough’s existing snow removal contract.

Additional lighting should be added to Aldan’s Christmas Tree, but will not require additional maintenance.

Any new play equipment to be maintained by William Penn School District.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Seeded meadows, winter interest plants. See Ch. III, 4.1.6.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

See Ch. III, 4.1.7.

✔

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

74

EXISTING CONDITIONS PARK OVERVIEW • Size: 3.5 acres • Cross Streets: Carr Memorial Field located at end of Bonsall Ave.; Schwenke Field located at end of N. Sycamore Ave.

SITE ELEMENTS • McBlain Community Center • Parking Lot • Baseball field diamond • T-ball field diamond • Play area • Gazebo • Picnic area (by play) • Picnic grove (under trees) • Picnic area (by Community Center) • Walking path

A View of the picnic grove adjacent to Carr Field. Mature trees provide a shady setting tucked off to the side of the activity of the sports fields.

PROGRAMMING • July 4th Celebration

B View of Carr Field with play area in the background.

PRISCILLA LN

75

Back of field feels disconnected & less safe next to industrial lot

MERION AVE

* Path not connected to rest of the park

Confusing parking configuration

LAWN

PLAY AREA SCHWENKE FIELD

PICNIC AREA GAZEBO

Narrow street entry

Blocks views across park

CARR FIELD

Disconnected path system / intersection with drive aisle

PARKING

*

SHISLER AVE

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY

B AMERICAN LEGION

* BONSALL AVE

* N SYCAMORE AVE

Charming historic scoreboard

COMMUNITY CENTER

A PICNIC AREA

Updated community facility with multipurpose use

Shaded picnic grove with mature trees

W WAYNE AVE

*

THRESHOLD

CHALLENGE / NEED

ASSET / OPPORTUNITY 0’ 20’ 40’

80’

NORTH

Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey

76

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

Q7 Rate the draft design concept for Hopely Athletic Com of 1 to 5 stars.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Answered: 161

SUMMARY The community engagement for the Hopely Athletic Complex showed a considerable demand for basketball courts, with 57.6% in favor, 15.5% against, and 26.9% undecided. In the Dot Voting exercise, Water Play emerged as the most desired feature (54%), followed by Pollinator/Rain Gardens (26%) and Basketball Courts (20%).

Survey #2 revealed a high satisfaction level with the draft design concept, receiving 4.3 out of 5 stars. Community members expressed excitement about the proposed pathways, gardens, and plaza games while appreciating the inclusion of rain gardens. However, concerns were raised about the splash pad, leading to design updates that replaced it with alternative games like shuffleboard and ping pong in the plaza areas. Additionally, adjustments were made to the number of proposed trees to ensure optimal sight lines within the complex, reflecting community preferences and concerns for a safe recreational space.

Skipped: 28

4.3

JULY 4TH POP-UP: DOT-VOTING RESULTS*

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT RATINGS**

RATE THE DRAFT DESIGN CONCEPT average FOR rating WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT TO SEE IN THIS HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX, ON A SCALE OF Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey PARK? 93 TOTAL VOTES 1 TO 5 STARS.

SurveyMon

⭐ design ⭐⭐ concept ⭐⭐⭐ for ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ TOTAL Q7 Rate the draft Hopely Athletic Complex, on a 3.11% 1.24% 13.04% 31.06% 51.55% S of 1 to 5 stars.

5 2 21 50 83 161 Answered: 161

Basketball Courts

19 VOTES

50 VOTES

20%

54%

4.3

Pollinator / Rain Gardens

Water Play

average rating

24 VOTES

26% ⭐ S

3.11% 5

Skipped: 28

⭐⭐ 1.24% 2

⭐⭐⭐ 13.04% 21

161 TOTAL RESPONSES ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 31.06% 50

TOTAL

51.55% 83

This park tied in 3rd place Grant Bucks park prioritization exercise, tying with Five Points Park (Veteran’s Park), and indicating it’s position as a high priority for the community.

7 / 23

161

WEIGHTED AVERA

77

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT FEEDBACK - SELECTED COMMENTS**

“GRANT BUCKS”: PRIORITY RANKING***

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE DRAFT CONCEPT DESIGN FOR HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX.

HOPELY COMPLEX WAS RANKED 3RD (OF 8), TIED WITH FIVE POINTS, IN THE “GRANT BUCKS” PARK PRIORITIZATION EXERCISE.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE DESIGN? WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? • “I actually feel a little emotional, this would be a welcome and beautiful improvement. Love

the dog path, rainwater garden, plaza with games especially.”

AL

G

DA N

R

• “Not a fan of the splash pad.”

13

• “Do not bring back basketball courts. I played there almost everyday as a kid. It was

AN

VOTES

amazing. But as I grew older, it only attracted people from out of town, trash, and foul language.”

PA R

KS

T

B UC

K

S

#3 TIED

• “No to splash pad. Yes to dog walking loop. Is there a plan to put a pond next to the

playground? That is strange. The borough need to remove the no dogs law for it to be dog friendly.”

• “I like the increased pathways and the way it incorporates some of the current “wasted”

space better.”

• “I do not like the idea of the Splash Pad. I know in several other locations this has not ended

well.”

• “Especially love the rain garden section.”

*Parks & Recreation Pop-Up Dot Voting Activity (July 4, 2023) **Parks & Recreation Survey 2 (Sept. 18–Nov. 2, 2023) ***Public Meeting 3: Grant Bucks Park Prioritization Voting Activity (Nov. 16, 2023)

78

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX PRISCILLA LN

DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS AND PHASING

MERION AVE

* 1

125’

2

125’

EX PLAY AREA

9

8

’ 125

*

CARR FIELD

7

SCHWENKE FIELD

GAZEBO

10 3

’ 125

SHISLER AVE

5

*

BONSALL AVE

N SYCAMORE AVE

4

125’

6

W WAYNE AVE

*

THRESHOLD

PROPOSED ELEMENT

EXISTING TREE

EX. 5’ CONTOURS

PROPOSED TREE

MOWN PATH/LAWN POLLINATOR GARDEN RAIN GARDEN

CONCRETE SIDEWALK ASPHALT SURFACE EX. ASPHALT

PAVERS GAMES/PLAY

0’ 20’ 40’ STONE FINES/ MULCH

80’

NORTH

79

RECOMMENDATIONS

PHASING FRAMEWORK: Short-Term

1 • Dog-friendly walking loop

Mid-Term

2 • Planted buffers with trees and meadow

Long-Term

3 • Improved batting cage (in-progress) • Path connection and striping to 4

designate path behind Carr Field PHASED COST ESTIMATE

5 • New benches and litter bins

1

$86,400

• 6 Natural play structure to activate

2

$19,704

3

N/A

4

$7,847

5

$15,500

6

$30,000

7

$221,300

8

$20,000

9

$119,472

10

$159,220

grove • Expanded play areas with winding 7

path and custom-built natural play pockets nested within pollinator gardens 8 • Rain garden for stormwater

management with bridge connection 9 • Combined parking / basketball

Demolition & Site Preparation

$53,785

area with painted court and portable basketball hoops

Demolition & Site Preparation

$20,234

10 • Flexible community plaza with games

ADDITIONAL OVERALL COSTS:

(four square, gaga ball, shuffleboard, ping pong, cornhole, etc.)

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS • Consider a splash pad or other water

element in the future to act as a cool area of respite during heat waves • Consider permeable asphalt or paving

system for new parking area

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

80

PERSPECTIVE RENDERING OF PROPOSED DESIGN

Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations at Hopely Athletic Complex.

Existing cond

itions view.

Summer ‘23

81

MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS • The proposed design for Hopely Athletic Complex introduces new elements with associated maintenance requirements including a dog-friendly walking loop and winding pathways, planted buffers with trees and meadows, a rain garden, additional seating and play areas and elements, a plaza, and a portable basketball area. Although the proposed design incorporates increased programming and therefore maintenance needs, it utilizes lowmaintenance planting and materials and reduces the amount of lawn that will need mowing.

Task

Existing Maintenance

Lawn Care

✔

Notes Lawn mowing, occasional reseeding/ fertilization

Proposed Maintenance

✔

REDUCED

Notes Mowing of the park will be reduced due to the addition of native planting beds. The smaller lawn area should continue to be mowed. See Ch. III, 4.1.8.

Urban Tree Care

✔

✔

Snow Removal

✔

✔

New sidewalks at the park edges will need to be shoveled, but will be part of the Borough’s existing snow removal contract.

Play Equipment

✔

✔ ✔ ✔

Expanded play areas with rubber surface, See Ch. III, Section 4.4.3.3.; Natural Play structures, See Ch. III, Section 4.4.3.4.; Portable Basketball hoops, See Ch. III, 4.3.2.

Boardwalks & Platforms Perennial Gardens / Meadows

Rain Garden

Tree care is included in existing annual maintenance contract.

See Ch. III, 4.1.1.

Boardwalk crossing over rain garden. See Ch. III, 4.2.3.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Seeded meadow buffers. See Ch. III, 4.1.6.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Within expanded play area. See Ch. III, 4.1.7.

✔

82

MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK (TRIANGLE PARK) EXISTING CONDITIONS PARK OVERVIEW • Size: .6 acres • Cross Streets: W. Providence Rd. at Ridley Ave.

SITE ELEMENTS • Bench • Little Free Library • Open lawn • Mature trees

A View of elevated lawn with street trees around perimeter.

B Open lawn with street trees. Traffic along Providence Road rushes past at a loud volume.

83

No crosswalks

Visible threshold into the Borough

*

PARK SIGN

Walkable streets

A

Berm at edge helps to separate from busy road

Traffic is noisy & incompatible with active recreation

RIDLEY AVE

W

LAWN

PR

OV

Flat open area with full sun

ID

EN

CE

RO

AD No crosswalks

BENCH LITTLE FREE LIBRARY

*

LITTER BIN

B

No crosswalks

*

PROVIDENCE PLACE

*

THRESHOLD

CHALLENGE / NEED

ASSET / OPPORTUNITY 0’ 10’ 20’

40’

NORTH

Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey

84

MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK (TRIANGLE PARK)

Q9 Rate the draft design concept for Mayor Jack Edm (Triangle Park), on a scale of 1 to 5 stars

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Answered: 159

SUMMARY Community feedback for Mayor Jack Edmundson Park, known as Triangle Park, conveyed a strong interest in Performance/Movie Nights (58%), with notable support for Pollinator/Rain Gardens (26%) indicated in the July 4th Dot-Voting survey.

The draft design concept was rated of 3.8 out of 5 stars in Survey #2, yet concerns arose regarding the potential overabundance of programming, particularly movie nights, prompting a desire for a more passive park atmosphere. Additionally, community members noted the issue of dying trees within the park, prompting a change in the plan replace the trees along W. Providence Road.

JULY 4TH POP-UP: DOT-VOTING RESULTS*

3.8

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT RATINGS**

RATE THE DRAFT DESIGN CONCEPT average FOR rating WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT TO SEE IN THIS TRIANGLE PARK, ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5 Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey PARK? 70 TOTAL VOTES STARS.

SurveyMo

⭐ draft ⭐⭐ TOTAL P Q9 Rate the design⭐⭐⭐ concept⭐⭐⭐⭐ for Mayor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jack Edmundson S 5.66% 5.66% 25.79% 29.56% 33.33% (Triangle Park), on a scale of47 1 to 5 stars.

9 9 41 53 159 Answered: 159

Sculptural Entry to Aldan

Performance / Movie Nights

11 VOTES

41 VOTES

16%

58%

18 VOTES

26%

⭐

average rating

⭐⭐ 5.66% 9

Skipped: 30

3.8

Pollinator / Rain Gardens

S

The design team made additional updates to the plan by simplifying the bench arrangement and quantity, adjusting the berm height to maintain visibility, and simplifying the math material by switching from stonefines paving to mown paths. Furthermore, a rain garden was strategically added along Providence Rd. to mitigate known flooding issues.

Skipped: 30

5.66% 9

⭐⭐⭐ 25.79% 41

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

159 TOTAL RESPONSES 29.56% 47

TOTAL

33.33% 53

This park attained 7votes in the Grant Bucks park prioritization exercise, indicating it’s position as a medium priority for the community.

9 / 23

159

WEIGHTED AVER

85

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT FEEDBACK - SELECTED COMMENTS**

“GRANT BUCKS”: PRIORITY RANKING***

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE DRAFT CONCEPT DESIGN FOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK (TRIANGLE PARK). WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE DESIGN? WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

TRIANGLE PARK WAS RANKED 6TH (OF 8) IN THE “GRANT BUCKS” PARK PRIORITIZATION EXERCISE.

• “This is too close to the residents around the park. The park should be left to the imagination

to play ball, Frisbee, catch, etc.”

•

AL

G

DA N

R

“I don’t think this is a good place for a movie night unless it gets made much more secluded.”

7

AN

VOTES

• “This is a heavy traffic area with limited parking. Crosswalks are definitely needed.

PA R

KS

T

B UC

K

S

#6

However, putting a stage or screen area here does not make sense for those same reasons.

Just an open space with a new sign and garden around it would be nice.”

• “Most of the trees in this triangle are near death. This area could use drought resistant trees

and plantings. Water could be a problem here.”

• “I like the traffic calming and crosswalks, and the reduction in lawn.”

• “Because of where the park is, I like the idea of just adding flowers and other trees.”

• “Crosswalks definitely needed and some gardens would be nice and add color to the

space. However, do not think this is a good area for a stage or movie screen. Parking is limited and traffic is heavy in this area.”

*Parks & Recreation Pop-Up Dot Voting Activity (July 4, 2023) **Parks & Recreation Survey 2 (Sept. 18–Nov. 2, 2023) ***Public Meeting 3: Grant Bucks Park Prioritization Voting Activity (Nov. 16, 2023)

86

MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK (TRIANGLE PARK) DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS AND PHASING

11 10

*

1

3 ’

0 13

4 7 5

6

PR

OV

ID

130’

RIDLEY AVE

W

EN

CE

RO

9

AD

2

10 12 13 0

’

7 8

*

*

PROVIDENCE PLACE

*

THRESHOLD

PROPOSED ELEMENT

EXISTING TREE

SIGNAGE

PROPOSED TREE

MOWN PATH/LAWN CIVIC PERENNIAL GARDEN RAIN GARDEN

CONCRETE SIDEWALK EXISTING PATH PROPOSED BENCH

EX. 5’ CONTOURS 0’ 10’ 20’ PROPOSED 1’ CONTOURS (HIGH LEVEL)

40’

NORTH

87

PHASING FRAMEWORK: Short-Term Mid-Term

RECOMMENDATIONS 1 • Update park signage and lighting 2 • Open lawn pocket

Long-Term Complex / Requires multi-agency coordination or permitting

• Tree removed for larger entry and 3

dying trees • 2’ tall berm with planted garden to 4

PHASED COST ESTIMATE

separate from busy road but maintain visibility

1

$10,000

2

N/A

3

$7,500

4

$6,000

5

$8,235

6

$45,680

7

$9,100

8

$1,000

8 • Relocated Little Free Library

9

$800

10

9 • Additional park trees

TBD

11

TBD

• Painted crosswalks 10

12

TBD

11 • Flashing pedestrian crosswalk crossing

• Green gutter rain garden along 5

Providence Rd. • Civic perennial gardens with winding 6

paths 7 • Additional seating and litter bins

• Traffic-slowing bumpout / shortened 12

crosswalk

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS • Discuss gardens with the Aldan Garden

Club and Aldan Boosters • Rename as Triangle Park • Drought tolerant trees and perennials

should be selected here since there is no water hook up or structure to connect a rain barrel

88

MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK (TRIANGLE PARK) PERSPECTIVE RENDERING OF PROPOSED DESIGN

Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations at Mayor Jack Edmundson Park.

Existing cond

itions view.

Summer ‘23.

89

MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS • The proposed design for Triangle Park introduces new elements with associated maintenance requirements including a planted berm, rain garden, and civic perennial gardens, mown paths, seating, and litter bins. The design utilizes low-maintenance planting and materials, and reduces the amount of lawn that will need mowing; it is not expected to add significantly to maintenance needs in the park.

Task

Existing Maintenance

Lawn Care

✔

Urban Tree Care

✔

Perennial Gardens / Meadows

Rain Gardens

Notes

Lawn mowing, occasional reseeding/ fertilization

Proposed Maintenance

✔

REDUCED

✔ ✔

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

✔

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Notes Lawn pocket and mown paths. Mowing of the park will be reduced due to the addition of native planting beds. The smaller lawn area should continue to be mowed. See Ch. III, 4.1.8.

Tree care is included in the existing annual maintenance contract. See Ch. III, 4.1.1.

Winding Civic Gardens, planted berm. See Ch. III, 4.1.6.

Rain garden along Providence Road including bumpout. See Ch. III, 4.1.7.

90

JEFFREY ROAD PARK (ALDAN BOROUGH PARK) EXISTING CONDITIONS PARK OVERVIEW • Size: .5 acres • Cross Streets: Jeffrey Rd. & W. Providence Road • Open lawn area, relatively flat with a few mature trees • Adjacent to parking lot at the apartment complex

SITE ELEMENTS • Open lawn • Mature trees

A View of lawn with mature trees and hedgerow at Jeffrey Road Park, with parking and apartments to the left.

B View of lawn with mature trees and hedgerow with apartments to the right.

91

Private drive

JEFFREY ROAD

Private drive

*

PARK RULES SIGN

APARTMENTS

LE AL SS

Mature trees

CE

Flat open area with full sun

AC

HEDGEROW

Y

A

LAWN

B

*

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

CE OV

ID

EN

Remote access

W

PR

No dedicated parking / access

RO

AD

HEDGEROW

*

THRESHOLD

CHALLENGE / NEED

ASSET / OPPORTUNITY 0’ 10’ 20’

40’

NORTH

Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey

92

JEFFREY ROAD PARK (ALDAN BOROUGH PARK)

Q11 Rate the draft design concept for Jeffrey Road Par to 5 stars.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Answered: 157

Skipped: 32

3.9

SUMMARY

JULY 4TH POP-UP: DOT-VOTING RESULTS*

A notable interest in Community Gardens (43%) emerged, closely followed by interest in a Dog Park (31%) and Pollinator/Rain Gardens (26%) based on the July 4th Dot-Voting survey.

RATE THE DRAFT DESIGN CONCEPT average FOR rating WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT TO SEE IN THIS JEFFREY ROAD PARK, ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5 PARK? Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey 87 TOTAL VOTES STARS.

The draft design concept received a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, signifying general approval. However, Survey 2 voiced concerns about potentially excessive programming, emphasizing a preference for a more passive, low-maintenance park. Issues around parking, proximity to residential areas concerning more active park elements, and gathering spaces were highlighted.

To address these concerns, significant design updates were made, simplifying the approach by focusing solely on introducing new planting including low maintenance seeded meadows and edible shrubs and trees. The revised approach eliminated elements such as paving, furniture, and play elements to align more closely with the community’s desire for a less intense, nature-focused park.

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT RATINGS**

⭐

⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

SurveyMon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

TOTAL

TOTAL

WEIGHTED AVERA

Q11 Rate Sthe draft design concept for Jeffrey Road Park, on a scal 8.92% 5.10% 15.92% 26.11% 43.95% 14 8 69 157 to 255 stars. 41 Answered: 157

Community Gardens 37 VOTES

43%

Dog Park

Pollinator / Rain Gardens

27 VOTES

23 VOTES

31%

26%

⭐

S

3.9

average rating

⭐⭐ 8.92% 14

Skipped: 32

5.10% 8

⭐⭐⭐ 15.92% 25

157 TOTAL RESPONSES ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 26.11% 41

43.95% 69

This park ranked last in priority during the “Grant Bucks” voting exercise.

11 / 23

157

93

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT FEEDBACK - SELECTED COMMENTS**

“GRANT BUCKS”: PRIORITY RANKING***

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE DRAFT CONCEPT DESIGN FOR JEFFREY ROAD PARK.

JEFFREY ROAD PARK WAS RANKED 8TH (OF 8) IN THE “GRANT BUCKS” PARK PRIORITIZATION EXERCISE.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE DESIGN? WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? •

•

“I am a little concerned because we park our cars back there. With all that extra activity make me a little concerned about temptation of mischief being done to my car and property.”

AL

G

1

“Extremely cool. Didn’t even know this park existed. Sensory lawn and trees/bushes excellent ideas.”

VOTE

•

“Is this even a park?”

•

“There should be no sidewalks or paths that need to be shoveled. There are too many bushes to be groomed. The park is very dark at night and this has caused previous problems because there are no lights to deter late-night hangouts. This is a great field for playing ball, Frisbee, etc. ”

•

“This is such a small area with limited access and parking. It does not make sense to encourage gatherings in this space.”

•

“This again is a nice idea but water access to a park with new plants and trees is a problem.

I had no idea there was a park here or how to get to it until I recently sought it out from your maps.”

•

“I think there is too much going on for the area.”

DA N

R

AN

PA R

KS

T

B UC

K

S

#8

*Parks & Recreation Pop-Up Dot Voting Activity (July 4, 2023) **Parks & Recreation Survey 2 (Sept. 18–Nov. 2, 2023) ***Public Meeting 3: Grant Bucks Park Prioritization Voting Activity (Nov. 16, 2023)

94

JEFFREY ROAD PARK (ALDAN BOROUGH PARK) DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS AND PHASING

JEFFREY ROAD

* 7

APARTMENTS

3

130’

5 130 ’

1

4

2

A

E CC

SS

L AL

EY

6

W

PR

OV

ID

EN

CE

RO

AD

*

*

THRESHOLD

PROPOSED ELEMENT PARK SIGN + RULES

EXISTING TREE PROPOSED TREE

EDIBLE/USEFUL SHRUBS

MOWN PATH / LAWN POLLINATOR GARDEN

EX. 5’ CONTOURS 0’ 10’ 20’

40’

NORTH

95

PHASING FRAMEWORK:

RECOMMENDATIONS

Short-Term

1 • Fruit trees and guilds (permaculture

Mid-Term

companion planting technique) • Fruit and nut trees added to existing 2

PHASED COST ESTIMATE 1

+ 2 +

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS • Coordinate with adjacent properties on

access • Add rain barrels to apartments or

hedgerow

pavilion (no water access currently)

• Berry hedge 3

• Discuss gardens with Aldan Garden

4 • Community-maintained pollinator /

habitat meadow 5 • Mown paths / lawn areas

3

$2,135

6 • New park signage with information

4

$7,766

5

N/A

about pollinator garden and fruiting perennials

6

$1,000

7

$500

7 • Electrical connection

Club and Aldan Boosters • Stress free zone! Utilize sensory play/

plants, habitat for birdwatching

96

JEFFREY ROAD PARK (ALDAN BOROUGH PARK) PERSPECTIVE RENDERING OF PROPOSED DESIGN

Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations at Jeffrey Road Park.

Existing cond

itions view.

Summer ‘23

97

MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS • The proposed design for Jeffrey Road Park introduces low-maintenance seeded meadow planting and perennial fruit trees and shrubs. Overall maintenance needs for this park are expected to be reduced due to the smaller lawn size; seasonal care needs will increase for the orchard and meadow areas. These however are recommended as volunteer efforts and therefore would not necessarily require municipal maintenance.

Task

Lawn Care

Urban Tree Care / Food Forest

Perennial Gardens / Meadows

Existing Maintenance

✔ ✔

Notes

Lawn mowing, occasional reseeding/ fertilization

Proposed Maintenance

✔

REDUCED

✔

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

✔

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Notes Lawn pocket and mown paths. Mowing of the park will be reduced due to the addition of native meadow. The smaller lawn pockets should continue to be mowed. See Ch. III, 4.1.8.

Urban Trees, See Ch. III, 4.1.1.; Food Forest with fruit and nut trees, See Ch. III, 4.1.5.

Seeded meadows. See Ch. III, 4.1.6.

SWIM CLUB PARK (ALDAN PARK)

98

EXISTING CONDITIONS PARK OVERVIEW • Size: 3.5 acres • Location: 315 Birchwood Rd, Aldan, PA 19018

SITE ELEMENTS • Swim Club • Basketball courts • Parking lot • Woodland path along Lobbs Run • Play area • Sledding hill

A Play equipment located within a grassy area at the base of a steep slope.

C View of Lobbs Run with steep bank to the left and pedestrian access from the Swim Club Trail to the right.

B The path along Lobbs Run is wooded by mature trees overgrown with English Ivy and other invasives.

D Basketball courts and lawn areas at the Swim Club, gated off for use by club members only at this time.

99

A

KS T R AC D A O ARY UND RAILR O B GH ROU O B L DA N

W

LA MARY

VE ND A

Dense woodland & access to Lobbs Run Visual access to Lobbs Run

Litter & invasive species along creek

LAWN BASKETBALL COURTS

D

SWIM CLUB POOL

*

LOBBS RUN

One (of two) outdoor b-ball courts in Aldan

Pool & grounds have maintenance items that need to be addressed on site

SWIM CLUB PARKING

*

C

Newer play area with shade

WOODLAND PATH

B REGUL

ATO R Y

F LO O D

WAY

A

100-YEAR FLOOD

Portion of site falls within the floodplain

*

Parking lot is very large & impermeable - it is currently taking up more space than necessary, with larger drive aisles than what is necessary for the minimum requirements.

One-way streets & do-notenter signage create confusion over Swim Club access

500-YEAR FLOOD

PLAY AREA

*

ACCESS DRIVE

Sloped hillside used as a sledding hill

N ELM AVE

BIRCHWOOD ROAD

*

THRESHOLD

CHALLENGE / NEED

ASSET / OPPORTUNITY 0’ 25’ 50’

100’

NORTH

Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey

SWIM CLUB PARK (ALDAN PARK)

100

Q13 Rate the draft design concept for Swim Club Park, 5 stars.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Answered: 153

SUMMARY The greenway option along Lobbs Run received the majority of programming votes (67%) in the July 4th Dot-Voting survey, indicating the community’s inclination towards implementing a natural greenway use for this park.

In the second Survey, the draft design concept for the Swim Club Park, received an average rating of 4.1 stars out of 5, indicating strong community approval.

Survey 2 feedback underscored community appreciation for nature trails and interest in creek area restoration, while highlighting confusion regarding the alleyway behind the swim club, concerns about activating that space, and noting of the sledding hill adjacent to the playground.

Skipped: 36

4.1

JULY 4TH POP-UP: DOT-VOTING RESULTS*

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT RATINGS**

average rating

WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT TO SEE IN THIS RATE THE DRAFT DESIGN CONCEPT FOR SWIM Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey SurveyMon PARK? CLUB PARK, ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5 STARS. 55 TOTAL VOTES

⭐ design ⭐⭐ concept ⭐⭐⭐ for⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Q13 Rate the draft Swim Club Park, on a TOTAL scale o S 6.54% 3.27% 10.46% 30.07% 49.67% 516stars.

10 5 46 76 153 Answered: 153

Greenway along Lobbs Run

Basketball Courts

Pickleball Courts

37 VOTES

9 VOTES

9 VOTES

16.5%

16.5%

67%

⭐

S

6.54% 10

Skipped: 36

4.1

average rating

⭐⭐ 3.27% 5

⭐⭐⭐ 10.46% 16

153 TOTAL RESPONSES ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 30.07% 46

TOTAL

49.67% 76

The design team removed the Swim Club alley programming from the main recommended plans, and took away the proposed slide element that may interfere with winter sledding.

This park ranked 5th out of the 8 parks in terms of community priority in implementation and improvement during the “Grant Bucks” voting exercise.

13 / 23

153

WEIGHTED AVERA

101

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT FEEDBACK - SELECTED COMMENTS**

“GRANT BUCKS”: PRIORITY RANKING***

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE DRAFT CONCEPT DESIGN FOR SWIM CLUB PARK.

SWIM CLUB PARK WAS RANKED 5TH (OF 8) IN THE “GRANT BUCKS” PARK PRIORITIZATION EXERCISE.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE DESIGN? WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? •

“Get rid of even more parking lot! It’s an eye sore and heat trap.”

•

“Would this be open to the public?”

•

AL

G

DA N

R

“Love the nature trails and added trees/condensed parking.”

•

“NO public basketball courts! They attract trouble, especially in a secluded spot. . . . No nature trail. It is not needed as one already exists. . . . Leave the swim club as is.”

•

“I suggest that the Borough of Aldan remove any and all recycling trash bins. The only other suggested changes would be to improve the ‘visual look’ and ‘functional flow’ of the creek.”

8

AN

VOTES

PA R

KS

T

B UC

K

S

#5

• “I like the idea of adding the other walkways and landscaping.”

• “We would love to have more trails.”

• “The trees in the parking lot are a great idea. It may be that the basketball courts, etc. are

so isolated they may be prone to vandalism unless I’ve misunderstood the drawings and concept.”

*Parks & Recreation Pop-Up Dot Voting Activity (July 4, 2023) **Parks & Recreation Survey 2 (Sept. 18–Nov. 2, 2023) ***Public Meeting 3: Grant Bucks Park Prioritization Voting Activity (Nov. 16, 2023)

102

SWIM CLUB PARK (ALDAN PARK) DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS AND PHASING

A

KS T R AC D A O ARY UND RAILR O B GH ROU O B L DA N

W

LA MARY

VE ND A

70’

80’ 85’

8

LOBBS RUN

75’

80’

85’

1

7

90

’

85’

2

70’

’ 75

75’

4

80’

80’

80’

SWIM CLUB POOL

70’

6

5 85’

*

*

85’

EX. PLAY AREA ACCESS DRIVE

* 90’

3

N ELM AVE

BIRCHWOOD ROAD

*

THRESHOLD

PROPOSED ELEMENT

EXISTING TREE PROPOSED TREE

MOWN PATH/LAWN RIPARIAN BUFFER MEADOW PLANTING RESTORED WOODLAND

CONCRETE SIDEWALK STONE FINES EXISTING PATH

EX. 5’ CONTOURS GAMES/PLAY 0’ 25’ 50’

100’

NORTH

103

RECOMMENDATIONS

PHASING FRAMEWORK:

Mid-Term Long-Term Complex / Requires multi-agency coordination or permitting

• Woodland restoration potentially 1

• Consider opening the space behind the

through goatscaping to clear underbrush and invasive species

Swim Club to the public in the off-season when Swim Club is closed

• Additional sidewalks for pedestrian 2

access and litter bins • Buffered access drive 3

PHASED COST ESTIMATE

• Native woodland meadow planting 4

1

$2,401

2

$49,660

3

$9,000

4

$9,993

• Condensed parking with added trees 6

5

$39,000

6

$60,650

7

$316,932

to reduce heat island and temporary permeable event parking adjacent to creek

8

TBD

• Additional nature trails though existing 5

forest to create walking loop

• Restored native plant riparian buffer 7

with pathway

ADDITIONAL OVERALL COSTS:

Demolition & Site Preparation

$5,658

Demolition & Site Preparation

$13,695

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

8 • Repaired floodwall

• Min 15’ required buffer from stream in

ordinance, but larger is recommended for climate resilience • See grant opportunities related to

riparian restoration • Allow two-way vehicular access along

N. Elm Street to more easily enter the parking area

SWIM CLUB PARK (ALDAN PARK)

104

PERSPECTIVE RENDERING OF PROPOSED DESIGN

Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations for the riparian restoration and parking area.

Existing cond

itions view.

Summer ‘23

105

MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS • The proposed design for Swim Club Park introduces new elements with associated maintenance requirements including the care and upkeep of a restored riparian buffer, meadow planting, and new trees, ongoing woodland restoration as needed, and monitoring of the permeable parking area and play slides. The proposed design has low-maintenance planting and paving, and is not expected to add significantly to maintenance needs of the park.

Task

Existing Maintenance

Lawn Care

✔

Urban Tree Care Snow Removal Surfaces & Pathways

Floodwall

Perennial Gardens / Meadows

Riparian Forest Buffer

Notes Lawn mowing, occasional reseeding/ fertilization

Proposed Maintenance

✔

REDUCED

✔ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔ ✔

✔

✔ ✔

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

✔

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Notes Mowing of the park will be reduced due to the addition of native meadow. The smaller lawn pocket around the play area should continue to be mowed. See Ch. III, 4.1.8.

Tree care is included in the existing annual maintenance contract. See Ch. III, 4.1.1.

See Ch. III, 4.2.4.

Stone fines paving, See Ch. III, Section 4.2.1.; Permeable paving, 4.2.2.

The new/repaired floodwall monitoring should become more frequent to correlate with the increase in storm and flooding events in the region; to be coordinated with PennDOT. Seeded shade meadow. See Ch. III, 4.1.6.

15’ planted buffer along Lobbs Run adjacent to parking area.

See Ch. III, 4.1.4.

DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND

106

EXISTING CONDITIONS PARK OVERVIEW • Size: 1.1 acres

SITE ELEMENTS • Natural / wooded lot • Mature trees • Stream access with stocked trout for fishing at Darby Creek • Views toward bridge • Utility manhole near Darby Creek; access for maintenance required • A bridge connection between Hoffman Park and Lobbs Run Land is already in discussion by another municipality

A View of the SEPTA Regional Rail bridge crossing Darby Creek. Darby Creek access is inhibited by dense shrubs and dense stream bank plantings.

B Names carved in an old beech tree along the gravel access path.

C Dense woodland with limited trail access and much poison ivy.

107

SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL

Steep slopes

O D WA Y Y F LO

LO B

BS R

DA R B Y C R

EEK

REGU

B

Potential to connect to existing trail network

L ATO R

Semi-cleared trail

Approx. location of elevated manhole

SCOTTSDALE ROAD

C 500-YE AR FLO OD 100--Y EA R FLO OD

*

A

Poison ivy and invasive species

Limited parking / access

E. MARYLAND AVE.

Beautiful view of railroad bridge

UN

Existing, wellused park

Steep slopes, retaining wall

DA AL

LL WI

*

OW

THRESHOLD

A SL

NB

O OR

UG

O HB

UN

R DA

HOFFMAN PARK

Y Portion of land outside of Borough Boundary

NE

CHALLENGE / NEED

ASSET / OPPORTUNITY 0’ 20’ 40’

80’

NORTH

Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey

DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND

108

Q15 Rate the draft design concept for the Darby Creek & Area, on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Answered: 155

Skipped: 34

4.2

SUMMARY

JULY 4TH POP-UP: DOT-VOTING RESULTS*

The desire for walking trails (67%) highlighted the community’s inclination towards a natural greenway use for this park, which was indicated in the July 4th Dot-Voting survey.

RATE THE DRAFT DESIGN CONCEPT average FOR rating WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT TO SEE IN THIS DARBY CREEK & LOBBS RUN, ON A SCALE OF Aldan Parks: Design Concepts Survey PARK? 54 TOTAL VOTES 1 TO 5 STARS.

In the second Survey, the draft design concept for the Darby Creek & Lobbs Run Land Area was widely appreciated, receiving an average rating of 4.2 stars out of 5, indicating strong community approval.

Survey 2 also revealed excitement towards a new bridge connection over Darby Creek. However, some expressed concerns about potential safety issues related introducing this area as a park in general, this should be taken into consideration in future park development.

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT RATINGS**

SurveyMon

⭐ design ⭐⭐ concept ⭐⭐⭐ for⭐⭐⭐⭐ TOTAL Q15 Rate the draft the Darby ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Creek & Lobbs Run 9.03% 2.58% 9.03% 21.29% 58.06% S of 1 to 335 stars.

14 Area,4 on a scale 14 90 155 Answered: 155

Walking Trails 36 VOTES

Disc Golf Course

Gathering Space / Overlook

8 VOTES

10 VOTES

Skipped: 34

4.2

average rating

67%

15%

18%

⭐ S

⭐⭐ 9.03% 14

2.58% 4

⭐⭐⭐ 9.03% 14

155 TOTAL RESPONSES ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 21.29% 33

TOTAL

58.06% 90

It should be noted that this park earned 20% of the total grant bucks during Public Meeting #3, ranking 2nd after School Fields in the “Grant Bucks” parks prioritization voting exercise.

15 / 23

155

WEIGHTED AVERA

109

SURVEY 2: CONCEPT FEEDBACK - SELECTED COMMENTS**

“GRANT BUCKS”: PRIORITY RANKING***

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE DRAFT CONCEPT DESIGN FOR DARBY CREEK & LOBBS RUN. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE DESIGN? WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

DARBY CREEK & LOBBS RUN WAS RANKED 2ND (OF 8) IN THE “GRANT BUCKS” PARK PRIORITIZATION EXERCISE.

•

“I didn’t even know this park existed. A little fishing area would be nice.”

•

“Nice idea but how can you monitor an area like this?”

•

AL

G

DA N

R

“I enjoy the elevated boardwalk concept. They are always so welcoming for those days I want a gentle walk.”

•

“This will create a lot of traffic for the residents on Willows Lane. The trails and platforms seem like a great idea but will be expensive to maintain and control. Too many security, visibility issues with this.”

•

“The bridge connection to Hoffman Park would be great! This park could also be an amazing dog park.”

•

“I would be a little worried about safety and things like drinking, drug use, etc. but it would be a nice connection if it could feel safe and open.”

•

“I LOVE the bridge. It would connect us with the pavilion in Lansdowne!”

15

AN

VOTES

PA R

KS

T

B UC

K

S

#2

• “Make good use of existing trees. Don’t sacrifice trees for the sake of the park.”

*Parks & Recreation Pop-Up Dot Voting Activity (July 4, 2023) **Parks & Recreation Survey 2 (Sept. 18–Nov. 2, 2023) ***Public Meeting 3: Grant Bucks Park Prioritization Voting Activity (Nov. 16, 2023)

110

DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS AND PHASING

SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL

100’

7 50’

O D WA Y Y F LO L ATO R

HOFFMAN PARK

BY C

1

60’

80’

70’

90’

REEK

REGU

3

50’

*

500-YE AR FLO OD 100--Y EA R FLO OD

2

E. MARYLAND AVE.

SCOTTSDALE ROAD

60’

8

DA R

4 90’

5

80’ 70’ 60

’

LO BB S RU N

60’ 50’

10

6

9

LL WI

*

OW

THRESHOLD

A SL

DA

N

OU

OU

RY

50’

AL

R BO

B GH

A ND

NE

PROPOSED ELEMENT

EXISTING TREE PROPOSED TREE

CLEARED PATH RIPARIAN BUFFER RESTORED WOODLAND

EX. SIDEWALK PROPOSED SIDEWALK STONE FINES

EX. 5’ CONTOURS GAMES/PLAY

0’ 20’ 40’

80’

NORTH

111

RECOMMENDATIONS

PHASING FRAMEWORK: Short-Term

• 1 Woodland riparian restoration

Mid-Term

potentially through goatscaping to clear underbrush and invasive species

Long-Term Complex / Requires multi-agency coordination or permitting

• 2 ADA parking with sidewalk and

trailhead with added trees, signage, and litter bins

PHASED COST ESTIMATE

• 3 ADA walking trails / nature trail

1

$3,385

4 Non-ADA trails •

2

$15,264

3

$70,400

4

N/A

5

$69,300

6

$50,767

7

$25,300

8

$300K - $1M

9

TBD

10

$1,000

• 5 Flexible overlook platform 6 ADA path from Willows Lane + trail •

clearing • 7 ADA boardwalk connection to Darby

Bridge • 8 Bridge and creek view platform at

Darby • 9

ADDITIONAL OVERALL COSTS:

Demolition & Site Preparation

$4,697

Bridge crossing Lobbs Run

• Trailhead with signage at Willows 10

Lane

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS • Assess riparian buffer health for possible

additional restoration needs beyond goatscaping restoration • Maintain a path for sewer maintenance • Consider access/amenities for

recreational fishing that occurs in Darby Creek, which is stocked with trout

DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND

112

DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

Illustrative view of proposed bridge connection to Upper Darby’s Hoffman Park across Darby Creek.

Existing cond

itions view.

Summer ‘23

113

MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS • The proposed design for Darby Creek and Lobbs Run introduces trails, boardwalks, and bridges, and proposes woodland restoration for this previously unused and unmaintained parcel of land.

Maintenance is expected to increase for this park, since it is not currently utilized as a public space.

However, the design utilizes low-maintenance materials in order to keep the maintenance to a minimum.

Task

Surfaces & Pathways Platforms & Bridges Greenway Restoration & Management

Riparian Forest Buffer

Existing Maintenance

Notes Lawn mowing, occasional reseeding/ fertilization

Proposed Maintenance

✔ ✔ ✔

Notes Stabilized stone fines paths. Mowing of edges should be considered. See Ch. III, 4.2.1.

See Ch. III, 4.2.3.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Overall woodland restoration. See Ch. III, 4.1.2 and 4.1.3.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Restored riparian buffer. See Ch. III, 4.1.4.

✔

“G r ant B uck s ” Pr i o r i t i z a t i o n Act i v it y a t Pu b lic Me e t in g 3

III. MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS

MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS

116

INTRODUCTION Parks in Aldan are mostly safe, welcoming, and well-maintained due to successful maintenance and community participation. On Survey I, respondents rated Aldan parks highly for feelings of safety and welcomeness. Developing a successful strategy for ongoing parks maintenance will allow Aldan to embrace future initiatives while creating safe and sustainable landscapes.

This chapter explores the finer points of maintenance, operations, and park staffing. Parks that are maintained and used well will serve Aldan’s residents and deepen a sense of collective investment in these spaces. Aldan and its residents can use this plan as a framework for establishing a formal maintenance plan to ensure that parks are kept at a high standard of safety and usability.

ALDAN PARKS FEEL

SAFE & WELCOMING 4.4 / 5 AVERAGE RATING*

56% (182 resp.)

1. EXISTING PARK MAINTENANCE

1.2. CURRENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintenance planning begins with an assessment of the park portfolio. The table below shows the parks Aldan owns, leases, and maintains, laying the foundation for effective resource allocation and planning. Existing agreements or partnerships related to parks maintenance are noted under “Leases/Special Agreements.”

Lawn Mowing & Care • All park lawns are cut once per week during the growing season, about 20-24 mows per year.

Mowing includes School Fields, which Aldan leases from William Penn School District. At the time of this plan, Aldan is in the process of renegotiating the lease from the School District.

1.1. CONTRACTED MAINTENANCE

• Cost: The cost for mowing all parks is currently $575 per mowing, and includes six public parks (Five Points, Triangle Park, Hopely Complex, School Fields/Historic Park, Jeffrey Road, and Swim Club).

Mowing takes about 2.5 hours and is done by a crew of 5 people (2 on mowers, 2 on weed trimming, and one blowing/cleanup). Assuming 20-24 mows a year, the total cost in 2023 is approximately $11,500 to $13,800.

Since Aldan does not have a Parks or Public Works Department, maintenance is currently contracted to consultants in the private sector. Bids above $12,500 are publicly bid, with different maintenance teams selected year to year, or depending upon the improvement project. At the time of this plan, the selected maintenance contractor is Jamie Hagans Landscape of Havertown, PA. PARK OWNERSHIP

Park Name

Owner

Five Points Park (Veteran’s Park)

Aldan

School Fields (Duffy & Volunteers Field)

William Penn School District William Penn School District

5 VERY SAFE & WELCOME

32.9% (107 resp.)

4

Historical Park

9.2% (30 resp.)

3

Hopely Athletic Complex

Aldan

.9% (3 resp.)

2

Aldan

.9% (3 resp.)

VERY UN-SAFE & 1 UN-WELCOME

Mayor Jack Edmundson Park (Triangle Park) Jeffrey Road Park (Aldan Borough Park)

Aldan

Swim Club Park (Aldan Park)

Aldan

Darby Creek and Lobbs Run Land

TBD

*Source: 2023 Aldan Parks & Recreation Survey (June 19–July 22, 2023). 325 respondents answered the question: “On a scale of 1 to 5, how safe and welcome do you feel in Aldan parks?”

Maintained

by Aldan

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Leases/Special Agreements

Aldan currently leases fields and walking track from William Penn School District. A 30-40 year lease is being discussed at time of master planning.

Aldan currently leases Historical Park from William Penn School District

Leased to Swim Club Actual ownership is currently being

117

Garden Bed Cleanup • Every spring, there is a cleanup of existing flower beds. This includes cleaning beds and old planting material, trimming bushes, replacing mulch, and planting spring annuals in garden beds. Cleanup includes the beds in Historical Park as well as around the sign at Hopely Athletic Complex. The Booster Club takes care of the small garden beds along N. Woodlawn Avenue at the School Fields. In the fall, mums replace annuals in these same garden beds.

• Cost: The cost of this spring/fall cleanup is approximately $900 per year.

Tree Pruning & Care • Tree Pruning is completed once a year in Aldan, with the same landscape contractor who does other planting maintenance. Trees are cut back from pathways and roadways, and dead/failing branches are removed.

• Significant tree removal is done on an as-needed basis, and the arborist typically advises each year when they think trees should be removed. There is an annual walk-through of all the parks to visually observe trees.

• Cost: Annual pruning is a cost of approximately $2,400 per year.

Sports Fields • On an annual basis, the baseball/softballs fields at Hopely Athletic Complex and the School Fields are skinned to have an even clay surface around the bases and infield. The surfaces are raked, and low points are filled in to create positive drainage. New material is installed to create a fresh playing surface.

• Cost: The cost of this service is $975 per field, and it is estimated that each field uses 3 cubic yards of material. Providing this repair for three fields within Aldan is an annual cost is $2,925.

Trash & Debris Pickup • Trash pickup services include trash receptacle pickup as well as collection of debris in the parks, including leaves. This service is provided twelve months a year.

Every week, the trash cans in each park are emptied and collected. At the same time, leaves are picked up and storm drains/gutters are cleared. There is more leaf removal in autumn and less in summer months, so the level of effort is balanced throughout the year.

• Cost: The cost of this service is $910 per month, for an annual cost of $10,920.

Play Areas • Every spring new mulch is placed under the existing play equipment. Each playground has 12” of mulch in the playgrounds, where 10” of the profile includes compacted mulch and 2” is loose mulch on top.

• Play equipment is not inspected by a Certified Play Safety Inspector on a regular basis. If there are any items in disrepair, they are reported to the Borough by park users and repaired as necessary.

• Cost: The cost of this service, including all six parks, is approximately $3,600 annually.

Miscellaneous Repairs • Repairs such as painting of benches and small fixes are often completed by volunteers such as the Booster Club. If there are larger items such as paving repair, etc., Aldan bids those projects out and/or gets

grant funding to support them. Such an example is the expansion of the fitness loop at School Fields, which was funded by a grant.

Snow Removal • Aldan has a five-year snow removal contract, which includes salt and plowing of all Borough park sidewalks and Borough streets. Penn DOT maintains all State Highways that run through the borough.

Currently A to U services is the contractor for this service.

• Cost: The cost of this service is $40,000 per year.

118

MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS

2. MAINTENANCE COMPARISONS 2.1. MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS BUDGETS According to the National Recreation and Planning Association’s (NRPA) 2023 Agency Performance Review, average maintenance and operations expenditures for American parks per capita is $94.77. Given a population size of 4,244 (DVRPC 2021 Population Forecast) the projected expenditure for Aldan would be $402,204.

Aldan’s existing budget is just 18.5% of that national baseline, pointing to an efficient and cost-effective maintenance baseline.

in American parks per 10,000 residents is 8.9 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff members. Given a population size of 4,244 (DVRPC 2021 Population Forecast), the projected staffing for Aldan would be 3.78 FTE staff members. While Aldan has a Borough Manager, there is no dedicated staff for Parks, Recreation, or Public Works.

While this is an efficient and cost-effective solution to maintenance and operations, Aldan should consider the possibility and cost benefit of adding staff for parks, recreation, and public programming as the park system continues to evolve and grow.

When maintenance expenditures are calculated using NRPA’s 2023 Agency Performance Review based on park acreage, the projected maintenance for Aldan’s 13.5 acres of parks is $99,738. This is based on NRPA’s recommended expenditure of $7,388 per acre of park.

In the future if the 3.5-acre Lobbs Run and Darby Creek land is included in the park system, then the projected expenditure assumption should rise to $125,596.

One advantage of an in-house maintenance team is that it could allow the Borough to implement its own standards and goals as mentioned in Section 3.1. whereas contracted teams may be slower to adopt sustainable maintenance practices that don’t fit into their business plan, or charge a higher rate for their services if they do.

2.2. MAINTENANCE/OPERATIONS STAFFING

While Aldan currently maintains its parks successfully, the Borough should continue evolving practices to meet the needs of the community as well as dynamic ecosystems.

According to the NRPA’s 2023 Agency Performance Review, the average maintenance and operations staffing Item

3. OVERALL CONSIDERATIONS

Frequency

Annual Cost: 2023

20-24 times per year

$11,500-$13,800

Garden Bed Cleanup Tree Pruning & Care Sports Fields Re-skinning

Once in spring, once in fall Once in spring

$900 $2,400

Once in spring

$2,925

Trash & Debris Pickup Play Area Mulching

Once per week (52 times)

$10,920

Once in spring

$3,600

Per event

$40,000

TOTAL

$74,545

Lawn Mowing

Snow Removal

Figure (xx) Summary of Existing Maintenance and Costs

3.1. CREATE STANDARDS & GOALS It is recommended that Aldan set sustainability goals for maintenance that follow best practices and standards to ensure the best outcomes and healthy practices for the community as well as maintenance providers.

Setting specific goals can be helpful in guiding staff members and for contracting jobs. The Borough should create a customized list of standards and goals that meet the Boroughs condition’s and needs based on best practices. These goals and standards should be based on the best practices such as the Sustainable SITES rating system and the NOFA Organic Land Care standards.

The Borough should also consider creating a condensed/ shareable format of the goals that can be shared with the community as a resource and for volunteer efforts.

Sustainable practices include but are not limited to prohibiting the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, including carcinogenic glyphosate, reducing water use by using native and adaptive plants, and minimizing the use of fossil-fuel equipment.

It is important to acknowledge that sustainable practices can sometimes be associated with higher costs and/or unconventional methods. This should be considered when creating the goals to make sure the goals are balanced with the budget, while also keeping in mind the potentials of volunteer efforts in aiding these goals.

Resources:

• Sustainable SITES initiative, https://www.usgbc.org/resources/ sites-rating-system-and-scorecard

• NOFA Organic Land Care Standards, https://nofa. organiclandcare.net/

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MAINTENANCE BENCHMARKING

$ PER CAPITA

PER ACRE

PARKS STAFF

CURRENT ANNUAL MAINTENANCE EXPENDITURES

CURRENT ANNUAL MAINTENANCE EXPENDITURES

CURRENT FULL TIME PARK STAFF

$74,545

ZERO

ALDAN BOROUGH POPULATION

ALDAN PARK ACREAGE (EXISTING)

ALDAN BOROUGH POPULATION

4,244

13.5 ACRES

4,244

PER CAPITA MAINTENANCE COST

PER ACRE MAINTENANCE COST

$17.57

$5,521.85

NATIONAL AVERAGE PER CAPITA MAINTENANCE COST

NATIONAL AVERAGE PER ACRE MAINTENANCE COST

NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR PARK STAFF ADJUSTED FOR A POPULATION THE SIZE OF ALDAN

$94.77

$7,388

3.78

$74,545

4.93X THAT OF ALDAN

Based on National Average of 8.9 per 10K Residents

IF ALDAN SPENT THE SAME RATE AS NATIONAL AVERAGE, MAINTENANCE COSTS WOULD BE

IF ALDAN SPENT THE SAME RATE AS NATIONAL AVERAGE, MAINTENANCE COSTS WOULD BE

$402,203.88

$99,738.00 ALDAN’S MAINTENANCE EXPENDITURES ARE 75% OF THE NATIONAL AVERAGE

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MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE EXAMPLES

3.2. ADDRESSING CONTRACT MAINTENANCE As part of the bid process, Aldan should incorporate a list of sustainability requirements based on best practices such as LEED for buildings and Sustainable SITES and Organic Land Care Standards for landscapes.

Designating a group of staff members to become more familiar with this topic can enhance the implementation and success of sustainable practices by contracted teams.

3.3. TRANSITIONING PARK EQUIPMENT To address older park equipment, Aldan and its contracted maintenance crews should establish benchmarks for transitioning to more efficient or alternative fuels. This transition can reduce the overall environmental footprint of maintenance while providing long-term cost savings such as those associated with electrification technology.

For future consideration it should be noted that municipal parks may be eligible for grants associated with the 2022 Federal Inflation Reduction Act that can go towards cost-sharing of clean-power vehicles and equipment.

New technology should be assessed every few years while it continues to develop.

Resource:

• “The Electrification of Parks and Recreation.” National Recreation and Park Association, March 23, 2023. https://www.nrpa.org/ parks-recreation-magazine/2023/april/the-electrification-ofparks-and-recreation/

3.4. A STRONG COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER BASE Aldan should continue to build on its strong community volunteer base, as this is an invaluable resource that contributes to the town’s progress and vibrancy. Many

volunteer efforts for fixing items around parks and public spaces are made by the Aldan Boosters Club, as well as the Aldan Youth Club.

RAIN BARRELS

By fostering and expanding this volunteer network, Aldan can continue to build on community-driven initiatives that contribute to the well-being and continued improvement of the town.

Participation by residents also promotes a shared sense of ownership and pride in Aldan Borough’s future. The maintenance recommendations detailed in this section highlight opportunities for volunteer involvement including land care tasks such as tree planting and perennial garden maintenance.

4. MAINTENANCE TASKS

RAIN GARDENS

The proposed design elements within the master plan are intended to minimize the impact of improvements, minimizing maintenance efforts in balance with contributing to overall ecosystem health, safety, and enjoyment. The following recommendations are general guidelines for maintenance in future conditions of Aldan’s parks, enhancing and amplifying existing practices.

Resources and references are included in some sections for further information.

4.1. LIVING SYSTEMS: OVERALL GUIDELINES • Enhancing Ecosystem Services: Proper care and maintenance of living systems ensure that the plant communities in Aldan’s neighborhoods are healthy, in turn creating a healthy places for residents to live by providing essential ecosystem services. Trees and vegetation not only offer shade and cooling,

RIPARIAN FOREST BUFFERS

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effectively reducing the heat island effect, but also act as natural filters, capturing and removing pollutants and efficiently storing water.

This complex support system leads to the purification of nearby streams and plays a crucial role in flood mitigation, making the community more resilient to extreme weather events. Beyond these functional attributes, vibrant plant communities enrich day-today life by providing habitat to other species and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods.

The collective benefits of these healthy living systems are often recognized as components of Green Infrastructure. Similarly, Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) comprises specialized systems like Rain Gardens and Riparian Forest Buffers that are designed to enhance stormwater processing.

• Biodiversity & Rewilding: Native plant communities are the building blocks of biodiversity, providing crucial habitat support for a multitude of species.

Reintroducing native plant species into Aldan’s parks (and private yards!) can help recreate balanced ecosystems and promote the practice of rewilding throughout Aldan’s neighborhoods.

• Invasive Species Management: Highly adaptive and often non-native invasive plants have the potential to disrupt local ecosystems. They thrive in unhealthy ecosystems that have undergone some type of human disturbance and are not maintained.

Effective invasive species management involves not only clearing these plants through techniques such as hand weeding, mowing regimes, and goatscaping (more on that later…), but also implementing

restoration strategies such as replanting native species. This is one step in ensuring that new and existing native plant communities can thrive.

4.1.1. URBAN TREES

• Year 2: Actively monitor the trees an water on an as-needed basis. Make sure not to over-water as this can discourage the development of a proper root system.

• Arborist Assessment: Perform an arborist assessment of all trees in public spaces. This should be repeated at a minimum of every 3 years.

• Year 3: Watering should only occur if there is an exceptional need or if the site has proven difficult for establishment.

• Urban Forestry Plan: Create an Urban Forestry Plan based on the arborist’s recommendations. This plan should include recommendations for tree care, pruning, removal, and planting.

• Soil Resources: Ideally new trees should have a minimum of 1000 cubic feet of soil available for their roots to grow into. If this isn’t feasible in urban conditions, it’s recommended that structural soil (either sand or gravel-based) be installed in adjacent conditions under the sidewalk. These structural soils provide structure for the sub-base of sidewalks while allowing for porosity for air and water within root systems. Consult a professional landscape architect or soils scientist to determine the correct type of soil to install.

• Planting Trees: Trees should be planted in the spring or fall, however, some species can only be planted in the spring. Summer or winter planting should not occur. Follow arborist advice for tree planting guidelines including soil considerations and planting method.

• Establishment: Newly planted trees require maintenance during the growing season for the first three years of establishment. Establishment can vary based on the tree and its tolerance to drought; here are some general guidelines: • Year 1: Water and monitor for the first year and make use of tree bags (gator bags or 10 gallon donuts can be used; avoid the cuff type which gets heavy and damages easily). 10 gallon donuts (preferred). Trees should receive 20 gallons of water per week during the growing season and adjusted based on weather conditions.

• Pruning: Pruning should be performed to develop a healthy structure for trees and should follow standards set forth by the ANSI 300 or International Society of Arborists.

• Community Tree Care: Engage existing Tree Tenders within the community, or those that are interested in becoming Tree Tenders through the PHS Tree Tenders program. These people hold knowledge of tree care and can be point people within the community for planting and tree care days.

Currently, there are no Tree Tenders Groups in Aldan, but a group can be formed by three Tree Tenders graduates that live in the same community.

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MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS

Resources:

• ISA Certified Arborists: Find an arborist: https://www. treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch

• Tree Philly - Yard Tree Planting and Care: https://www.phila.gov/ media/20171121131736/TreePhilly_

• Tree Care Industry Standards ANSI 300: https:// treecareindustryassociation.org/business-support/ansi-a300standards/#:~:text=They%20are%20voluntary%20industry%20 consensus,trees%2C%20shrubs%2C%20and%20other%20woody

• International Society of Arborists: https://www.isa-arbor.com/ • PHS Tree Tenders: Get Involved: https://phsonline.org/programs/ tree-programs/get-involved

• Bartlett Tree Experts Resource Library: https://www.bartlett.com/ bartlett-resources.cfm

4.1.2. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT

DCNR provides Service Foresters for each county who can offer information and advice to help aid landowners and residents in the practice of sustainable forestry. Topics that Service Foresters can help with include: sustainable forest management technical assistance, cost-share assistance, information on hiring a professional forester, advice on forestry and water-related best management practices, urban and community forestry management assistance, tree planting, and riparian forest buffers.

Resource:

• DCNR Bureau of Forestry - Service Forester for Delaware County: Kayla Kehres. Contact: kkehres@pa.gov; (610)582-9663

4.1.3. GREENWAYS

Greenways refer to the larger wooded areas such as those along the Darby and Lobbs Run creeks that go through Swim Club Park. Greenways are important ecological assets for biodiversity and wildlife and act as Green Stormwater Infrastructure by protecting streams and rivers from pollution and helping to mitigate flooding.

Because these spaces are not entirely accessible, they suffer from poor maintenance, invasive species, erosion, and littering/debris collection. These maintenance guidelines will work together to revitalize the native condition of these greenways, enhancing hydrological and ecological function while lending recreational value.

• Managing Forest Health: Focus on developing a healthier forest through tasks such as invasive species removal and native species restoration. Forest regeneration can also be enhanced through methods such as deer fencing, which prevents deer from eating naturally occurring seedlings. Follow advice from DCNR Service Forester; see section 4.1.2. for the DCNR Forest Service Provider.

• Safety: Remove hazardous fallen trees and damaged, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy trees that may fall in the way of pedestrian areas.

• Goatscaping: This low-impact form of management involves a herd of goats that can be brought to the site for clearing understory plants and invasive species. There are private companies that shepherd goats and bring them to your site for this purpose. The goats will eat any vegetation within their reach, and can even digest poison ivy safely. Benefits include: • Goats leave fertilizer on site, which helps with future growing seasons.

• Goat saliva includes enzymes that neutralize certain seed types, so once digested the seed is no longer viable.

• Goat hooves can help break up the seed bank in soils, assisting with aeration and de-compaction.

• Annual Cleanup: Annual clean-ups along Lobbs Run and Darby Creek are recommended to keep the areas free of litter.

• Volunteer Opportunity: Greenway areas such as along Lobbs Run and Darby Creek offer great opportunities for volunteers to provide service in the ongoing maintenance (under supervision) of these natural areas – particularly in tasks such as litter/ small debris removal, invasive species removal, native species replanting, etc..

• The size of these spaces is relatively small and has the potential to be solely maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers to keep invasive plants and garbage out.

• Planting trees or bushes to replace what was removed will foster a sense of emotional connection to the space. Everyone experiences a positive feeling after contributing to such restoration efforts, enhancing the sense of personal investment in the area.

Resources:

• Refer to section 4.1.2. for the DCNR Forest Service Provider.

• Amazing Grazing, LLC; Service Area: 50 miles from Cochranville PA; Contact: Bruce Weber, (610) 701-1837, amazinggrazingllc@ yahoo.com; Jobs: Less than 1 acre, 1-10 acres; source: https:// www.hiregoats.com/pennsylvania

4.1.4. RIPARIAN FOREST BUFFERS

Riparian forest buffers lie within greenway areas and act as important Green Stormwater Infrastructure by protecting streams and rivers from pollution and helping to mitigate flooding. There is a new ordinance in Aldan that requires new riparian buffers to be 15’ from the

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Resources:

• RIPARIAN BUFFER PRESERVATION, Pennsylvania DEP https:// www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/subjects/ streamreleaf/Docs/1506bufferpreserve.pdf

RIPARIAN FOREST BUFFER

HARD EDGE Hazard for water quality, flooding, and erosion

• Riparian Buffers: Pennsylvania’s Best Solution for Protecting Its Water, Penn State Extension https://extension.psu.edu/riparianbuffers-pennsylvanias-best-solution-for-protecting-its-waters

• Delaware County Conservation District: https://www.delcocd.

Shade from trees keeps water temp cool for wildlife

org/stormwater-info/

• Chesapeake Riparian Forest Buffer Network: https:// chesapeakeforestbuffers.net/ Roots system holds and filters stormwater before it enters the waterway

Bank Stabilization Water Quality Flood Mitigation Wildlife Habitat

• Establishment • Establish New Buffers: Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials next to streams and rivers to help absorb stormwater pollutants before they enter the waterway, and reduce localized flooding.

• Conserve Existing Buffers: Clear invasive species

Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/system/ files/documents/2021-11/bmp-riparian-forested-buffer.pdf

4.1.5. FOOD FOREST

Riparian Forest Buffer benefits increase with size of buffer

regulatory floodway line, however a recommended buffer width of between 75’-100’ from top of stream bank is preferable for water quality benefits, though a smaller buffer can still perform bank stabilization and habitat benefits according to the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection. A functional large scale riparian buffer allows for critical water filtering that enhances both water quality and volume of runoff into the watershed system.

• Stormwater Best Management Practice Riparian/Forested Buffer,

from existing vegetated buffers and replant if necessary to restore ecosystem function.

• Maintenance Tasks • Water young trees to ensure establishment.

• Protect young trees from deer grazing with temporary tree tubes or fencing.

• Clear other plants around tree trunks to ensure the tree is getting sun and water and not being outcompeted by other plants.

• Clear invasive species through manual weeding or goatscaping.

• 3-5 years follow-up maintenance may be needed.

The food forest refers to perennial fruit and nut trees as proposed at Jeffrey Road Park. It is intended to be a low-maintenance area predominantly maintained by volunteer efforts. The space should be designed to maximize ecological function using techniques such as permaculture companion planting; this approach ensures that the fundamental aspects of the design persist autonomously and can eventually be self-sustaining.

• Routine Maintenance • In the establishment phase of the plantings will include watering, weeding, and minor pruning.

• Weekly maintenance be required at minimum, just clearing walks.

• Seasonal Maintenance • The grounds where the fruit and nut trees stand will require more frequent cleanup during the productive months to prevent the food from rotting on the ground and minimize trip hazards.

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MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS

Cleanup should be done once per week at minimum to keep the fallen fruit manageable and discourage unwanted pests and/or fungi in these months.

• Mulch application in spring and fall will help trees and shrubs gain nutrients, retain water, and insulate from sun and cold.

Resources:

• Penn State Extension Tree Fruit Production Guide: https:// extension.psu.edu/forage-and-food-crops/fruit

• Philadelphia Orchard Project: https://www.phillyorchards.org/ resources/

• Orchard People: Award-winning fruit tree care resources for home growers, gardeners, arborists and small-scale orchardists. https://orchardpeople.com/

4.1.6. NATIVE PERENNIAL GARDENS & MEADOWS

• Plant Primarily Native Species: Install native plants as individual perennial plants or as a seed mix.

Native species establish habitats, retain water within their root systems, and add seasonal beauty. Follow the principle “Right Plant, Right Place” by selecting plant species that match the conditions of the site such as sun, moisture, and soil type. Select plants that are drought-tolerant and disease-resistant to reduce maintenance needs. Consider choosing a diversity of species with year-round interest.

• Maintenance Regimen: The regimen for native and adaptive perennial planting is low maintenance in the long term and also creates habitat for birds and critically important pollinators.

• Establishment: It is essential to provide ongoing maintenance during the growing season for the first

three years of establishment. Tasks may include watering, mulching, and weeding. Plant new plants in the fall to minimize water needs.

• Water: Water is critical for plant survival. Plants should be watered on a regular basis during the growing season for the first 18 months of establishment. Following establishment, appropriately chosen plants should only need occasional watering during drought or extreme heat conditions. Ideally, water should be applied early in the morning or late at night to avoid loss due to evaporation. The soil should be thoroughly soaked with minimal water applied to the leaves of plants as this may encourage fungus or disease. It is recommended that plants receive approximately one inch of water per week in total, species and weather dependent. Do not overwater.

• Spring-Fall: Once established, plants should be low maintenance, with less need watering and weeding spring through fall. Follow pruning instructions for any shrubs and woody plants according to each species if included in the planting mix.

• Winter: Leave the plants untrimmed over winter to maximize habitat.

• Early Spring: In the spring the herbaceous/nonwoody plants should be cut back to 6” height.

• Mowed pathways: The mown meadow paths will need to be mowed 2-3 times a month (approximately 20 times annually) mostly from March to September, to allow for accessibility.

Maintenance Standards Resources:

• NYC Street Design Manual - Landscape Guidelines - https:// www.nycstreetdesign.info/landscape/general-guidelines Ecological Gardening Guidelines:

• Pollinator Conservation: Bee City USA https://beecityusa.org/ • Bird Conservation: Bird City, https://abcbirds.org/bird-citynetwork/

• Phipps Conservatory: Greener Gardening Guide https://www. phipps.conservatory.org/green-innovation/at-home/greenergardening-guide/

• Biodiversity & Native Ecosystems: Homegrown National Park, https://homegrownnationalpark.org/about-us/ Native Seed Resources:

• Ernst Conservation Seeds of Meadville, PA, www.ernstseeds.com • Prairie Moon Nursery of Winona, MN, www.prairiemoon.com 4.1.7. RAIN GARDENS

• Design & Establishment: Rain gardens are designed to manage stormwater runoff from adjacent impervious surfaces such as paving and buildings.

The design should follow reputable guidelines to determine the size requirements, drainage needs, and plant species selection to ensure proper function.

• Maintenance Regimen • Water: Water once a week for the first 2-3 months using a deep watering method.

Following establishment, the plants should only need occasional watering during drought or extreme heat conditions.

• Weed: Weed and prune as necessary, as you would in other perennial gardens.

• Monitoring & Adjustment: Rain Gardens may

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RAIN GARDEN

Native plant zones:

Flood tolerant perennials

Moderate flood and drought tolerant perennials

Drought tolerant perennials

Inflow Basin

Overflow Max

Roof water or other runoff

3:1 s

lope Dense roots help filter and increase infInfiltration rate

be susceptible to minor erosion and will require inspection and repair as needed. Sediment may also build up in these areas and will require occasional removal to protect the health of the plant community and ensure that the system is functioning as intended.

• Check for signs of erosion or damage following rain storms.

• Move plants to different locations within the basin if necessary after observing their performance in wetter or drier areas of the garden.

• Ensure that the drain-down time does not exceed 24 hours to avoid mosquito breeding.

Resources:

• PWD Rain Check - Designing and Maintaining Rain Gardens https://www.pwdraincheck.org/en/stormwater-tools/raingardens

• Penn State Extension - Rain Garden Basics: https://extension.psu. edu/rain-gardens-the-basics

• Woody Shrubs for Stormwater Retention Practices, Cornell University, http://www.hort.cornell.edu/uhi/outreach/pdfs/ woody_shrubs_stormwater_hi_res.pdf

• Green Stormwater Infrastructure - Planners Portfolio, DELCO

recommends the reduction of lawns to lessen the burden of overall lawn maintenance while enhancing the ecological impact of open spaces. The remaining lawn pockets should continue to be mowed every 2-3 weeks in spring through fall, as they currently are. Grass should be let to grow to a height of 3” or taller to deepen the root system for more effective turf. Unless used as a recreational field, the grass clippings should be left in place to allow nutrients to be released back into the soil, preventing the need for fertilization.

• Seeding: Overseeding and thatch removal of the lawn should occur in the fall to minimize the amount of irrigation needed. Seed with mixtures that include low-maintenance grasses, broadleaf plants, and/or legumes, e.g. clover, appropriate for the site.

Resource:

• Organic Land Care Standards - https://nofa.organiclandcare. net/

4.2. SURFACES & PATHWAYS 4.2.1. STABILIZED STONE FINES PAVING

This crushed stone material is low-maintenance and typically lasts up to 10 years before needing more substantial maintenance. Patch eroded areas as necessary.

https://www.delcopa.gov/planning/pubs/Portfolio-06_GSI.pdf

• Green Stormwater Infrastructure Tour in Delaware County, Delaware County Planning Department. https://dcpd.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index. html?appid=a62cbf2bf7bb49f8bd 2ccc0632b2998e

4.1.8. LAWN POCKETS

• Maintenance Regimen: The master plan design

4.2.2. PERMEABLE PAVING

Maintenance varies among products and systems, follow manufacturers/contractors recommendations.

4.2.3. BOARDWALKS, PLATFORMS & BRIDGES

Observation of structural damage should be monitored

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MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS

and repaired to ensure safe usage. Routine maintenance will include cleaning of litter and surface, seasonal power-washing, and boardwalk maintenance and repair.

4.2.4. PAVERS, CONCRETE & ASPHALT SIDEWALKS

Observation of cracks and damage should be monitored and repaired to ensure safe usage. Routine maintenance will include general cleaning of litter and surface, and seasonal power-washing.

4.2.5. SNOW REMOVAL

It is assumed that some hard-paved areas will receive snow management in the winter. Deicer or salt are discouraged, but some abrasives such as sand may be used, as well as rock salt alternatives such as magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, or epsom salts.

4.3. SPORTS & PLAY 4.3.1. ATHLETIC TURF

Athletic turf should be reseeded, fertilized, and aerated on an annual basis. It is recommended to follow organic turf maintenance practices, which can cost 25% less than conventional turf management.

Resource:

• Organically Managed Grass Athletic Fields, Green Building Alliance: https://gba.org/blog/organically-managed-grassathletic-fields/

4.3.2. COURTS

• Surface Inspection: Monitor the surface for cracks, dips, and tripping hazards to ensure safety and clean and sweep surfaces once a month during the season of use. Seek professional recommendations for repairs and recoating courts as needed.

• Storage: Remove nets during winter months to prevent cold weather stress. Store portable nets such as pickleball and basketball nets. The tennis net can stay in place when pickleball nets are set

up and will simply act as a separation between the two pickleball areas. Set up a system for installing pickleball and basketball nets on a scheduled basis or by request.

• Fencing Inspection: Examine fencing for damage and issues and repair as necessary.

4.3.3. RUBBER PLAY SURFACE

Maintenance varies among products but will generally be low maintenance and include monitoring and cleaning. Follow manufacturers/contractors recommendations.

4.3.4. NATURAL PLAY STRUCTURES

• Inspection: Frequent inspections of the play features during the first year are recommended to establish an understanding of the patterns of use. The proposed play features are not typical and use natural materials. Frequent inspections will help establish a better understanding of how children will play on these features and how to best focus maintenance efforts.

• Safety Maintenance Considerations: Safety recommendations include proper spacing and materials for safe access and play activities. The following standards are recommended for safety: • Fall Zones: 72” around perimeter of amenities that are taller than 30” • ADA access: 60” minimum width for paths, 80” min overhead clearance, 6.25% slope maximum • Mulch: 12” deep • Barrier around perimeters: add a hedge or fence at edges where kids might wander off • Seating: place seating around perimeter for caretakers, with sight lines to all areas

4.4. SPECIALTY AREAS 4.4.1. DOG PARKS

• Rules: Post a sign at each dog park with rules to keep the park safe and clean, including asking visitors to pick up after their dogs, and info on registration and Key Fob access. Keep the rules brief and provide a contact number for reporting maintenance issues as well as a recommendation to call 911 for any issues related to crime or violence. The signage should be reviewed by the Borough’s insurance company for compliance with liability clauses.

• Key FOB: Processing applications and key FOBS will be an administrative maintenance task. Provide applications for dog park registration and key FOBS that include the dog park rules, registration form, and a risk and release of liability waiver form.

• Maintenance Tasks: Maintenance will include regular inspection and waste clean-up, lawn maintenance, fence repairs, hole filling, equipment repairs, and signage.

• Entrance/Transition Area: Entrances should include a separate transition area before the offleash area. These areas are more heavily trafficked which will compact soil over time. Use stone fines paving material for easier maintenance in this zone.

Provide waste bags and/or a waste receptacle in this area to promote responsible disposal of waste.

• Lawn Areas: Tall fescue is a great option for lowmaintenance, tough, and drought-tolerant turf grass in dog parks. Turf maintenance in dog parks will be more frequent and intensive than in other park areas,

127

it will require regular aeration, overseeding, and fertilization to maintain healthy and safe surfaces.

Some dog parks rotate lawn usage, fencing off and reseeding different sections of the park over time to allow the turf to regrow successfully before use.

• Mulch Areas: If using mulch rather than grass, replenish twice a year, once in the Spring and once during the Fall, when conditions are most favorable to do so. Maintain 12” of mulch, with the bottom 10” a compacted layer.

Resources:

• Designing a Destination Dog Park, National Recreation and Park Association: https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreationmagazine/2023/march/designing-a-destination-dog-park/

• Dog Park Maintenance, Playcore: https://www.playcore.com/ dog-park-maintenance Case Studies:

• Doylestown Township, PA Dog Park uses a rotational lawn maintenance system: https://doylestownpa.org/departments/ parks-recreation/dog-park/

• Kent Park Dog Park in Drexel Hill, PA is a mulched surface dog park that uses a key-fob system: https://www.delcopa.gov/ departments/parks/kent.html

4.5. GENERAL MAINTENANCE 4.5.1. Routine maintenance related to site furnishings,

trash and recycling, and general litter pickup is not detailed in this section. It is assumed that these practices will not be changed from the currently conducted maintenance practices.

5. VOLUNTEERISM 5.1. STRENGTH: CIVIC STEWARDSHIP Aldan should leverage its robust community base to aid in

the maintenance and care of parks, with opportunities for volunteer involvement in various maintenance tasks such as tree planting and perennial garden care. Currently

resident applications for trees from the approved list. Organize a single yearly springtime purchase from local nurseries for cost-effectiveness. Pass on the discounted rates to residents to make tree planting more affordable and accessible. Encourage community partnerships or sponsorships to further support the initiative.

the Aldan Boosters help with the upkeep of the park, including installing beautiful flowers each season.

5.2. LEVERAGE & AMPLIFY VOLUNTEER RESOURCES Aldan can leverage relationships in the community to increase resources and incentives for volunteer involvement. This can include working with local businesses and organizations implementing volunteer requirements in school programs and business groups, and connecting to student-led projects.

• Lead Community Tree-Planting Days: Establish volunteer opportunities for residents to participate in tree planting events or maintenance activities at parks and other public land. PHS does two plantings per year that groups can be a part of in spring and fall.

Resource:

5.2.1. Training & Educational Opportunities

• Form an “Aldan Tree Tenders” Group: Engage and solicit interested community members in forming an Aldan Tree Tenders Group through the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s (PHS) Tree Tenders program. A group can be formed by three individuals who train and graduate from the Tree Tenders program.

• Tree Request: https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/ get-a-tree

• Perennial & Native Plant Gardening Groups: Organize groups of volunteers for seasonal maintenance tasks. This can also be an educational opportunity and a place for knowledge exchange.

Seek advice from a local Master Gardener and/or utilize the Master Gardener program as a resource.

Resource:

Resource:

• PHS Tree Tenders: Get Involved: https://phsonline.org/

•

• Form a Community Tree Program for Residents: Develop a community-driven tree planting initiative encouraging residents to plant trees on their properties. Create an approved tree/shrub list based on the original ecosystem and include adaptable native species suited to local conditions. Facilitate

• Plant Ecology, Identification, and Invasive Species Training: Engage a local Master Naturalist or other expert in the field to host an educational day on plant ecology, identification and invasive species.

programs/tree-programs/get-involved

DELCO Master Gardener Program: https://extension.psu.edu/ programs/master-gardener/counties/delaware

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MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS Resource:

•

PA Master Naturalist: https://pamasternaturalist.org/

• Ecological Forestry Education: DCNR provides Service Foresters for each county that can offer information and advice to help aid landowners and residents in the practice of sustainable forestry.

The service forester may be able to provide a presentation of educational forestry-related programs to a variety of audiences.

Resource:

•

Borough and be the “eyes and ears” of the park system.

Resources:

• Community Outreach: Use social media to advertise community volunteer days and events, etc. Regular use of social media should help the community to see this as a source for information about their community events. Include QR codes and links within park signage to follow the Borough social media to get people more involved.

DCNR Bureau of Forestry - Service Forester for Delaware County: Kayla Kehres. Contact: kkehres@pa.gov; (610) 582-9663

• Food Forest Care and Harvest Days: Organize a group interested in fruit tree and shrub care. Seek advice and resources from the Philadelphia Orchard Project.

Resource:

• Philadelphia Orchard Project: https://www.phillyorchards. org/resources/

• Volunteer Riparian Buffer Planting & Care: Organize a group to plant and care for Riparian Forest Buffers along Lobbs Run and Darby Creek.

These are sometimes organized through Penn State Extension.

Resources:

• Penn State Extension: https://extension.psu.edu/ • Master Watershed Program: https://extension.psu.edu/ programs/watershed-stewards

• Community Reporting: Allow community members to report small maintenance items like broken benches, pruning, etc. Include contact info in park signage so people can have a relationship with

for Charitable Status.

Launch an awareness campaign highlighting the benefits of tree planting and rewilding. Collaborate with local media outlets, community groups, and schools to promote the initiative. Host workshops or informational sessions to educate residents about the importance of native species and their role in the ecosystem.

• Conservancies or Park Friends Groups: Consider the establishment of Conservancies or Parks Friends Groups. These are formalized structured entities that can be effective in addressing the ongoing needs of parks such as maintenance, programming, and capital improvements.

A friends group can play a vital role in advocating for park needs, increasing public awareness of parks, raising funds, sponsoring programming, and providing support for programs and events, overall enabling the achievement of goals that may otherwise be unmet. The group is organized by a Steering Committee that forms the board structure and drafts the Constitution and Bylaws that form the framework for the group. There is an option to apply

• PA Parks & Forests Foundation: Start A Friends Group: https://paparksandforests.org/friends-groups/start-afriends-group/

• Forming a Charity: Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations: https://pano.org/

• Volunteerism Awards: Recognize civic participation at volunteer and other community events through awards and dedications. This is a meaningful way to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of community members who have contributed in different ways to keeping Aldan’s Parks healthy and vibrant. These recognitions celebrate civic participation and inspire continued community involvement.

6. SPECIFIC PARKS The existing and proposed maintenance considerations for each park are detailed in Section II “Park Design Recommendations.” These considerations help to ensure functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal for each park. While the concept designs for each park contribute additional programming and use, the planning process integrated low-maintenance items that help to enhance the sustainability and ecological impact of the park. In many cases, such as the “re-wilding” of lawn into native planting, this has an initial capital cost, but with continued low-impact maintenance over time it becomes less of a burden over time. This is an example where beauty and social impact is enhanced while lessening reliance upon fossil fuels and labor to keep the space clean and well cared for.

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7. GRANTS FOR MAINTENANCE Several state organizations have grants available to assist specifically with park maintenance and maintenance planning. The following are options available through DCNR. Refer to Chapter IV. of the report for more information on these grants.

• DCNR Park Rehabilitation & Development Grant • DCNR Small Community Development Grant • DCNR Non-Motorized Trail Funding Grant • DCNR Riparian Forest Buffer Grant

Ta king S ur v e y I a t A l d a n’s A n n u a l Ju ly 4 t h Ce le b ra t io n

IV. GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

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GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES INTRODUCTION

OPPORTUNITIES utilize them for a charitable purpose. The program alleviates hunger, combats global warming, strengthens communities, and improves the surrounding air, soil, and water.

This master plan was developed with future funding considerations in mind, presenting graphics and text intended to support potential applications for grants and other funding opportunities.

https://www.ftpf.org/apply

This section identifies grants for which the Borough of Aldan may be eligible to apply, outlined across three categories of opportunity pertinent to the recommendations described by the master plan: • PARK INFRASTRUCTURE & RECREATION FACILITIES

• TRAILS & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • STORMWATER/ECOLOGY & RIPARIAN RESTORATION

These grants could be pursued according to the short-, mid-, or long-term phasing needs of the plan. Grants should be considered in concert with other available funds and partnerships to fully leverage economic impact.

Note that the opportunities described herein are available at the time of this master plan’s development, however funding availability, program focuses, application deadlines, and eligibility requirements may shift from cycle to cycle. Visit program websites or contact grant administrators directly to learn more about current opportunities and requirements.

PARK INFRASTRUCTURE & RECREATION FACILITIES GRANTS AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY (AAD) SHADE STRUCTURE GRANTS AAD awards grants of up to $8,000 to public schools and non-profit organizations for installing permanent shade structures for outdoor locations that are not protected from the sun, such as playgrounds, pools, or recreation spaces. In addition to the grant, the AAD also provides a permanent sign for display near the shade structure. https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/shade-structure-grants

• FUNDING: Up to $8,000 • ELIGIBILITY: Open to non-profit organizations, schools, daycares, or city parks.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Dec. 23

FRUIT TREE PLANTING FOUNDATION (FTPF) FTPF donates fruit orchards where the harvest will serve communities for generations, such as community gardens, public schools, city/state parks, and lowincome neighborhoods. Orchard donations are available for recipients who pledge to care for their trees and

• FUNDING: FTPF provides high-quality fruit trees and shrubs, equipment, on-site orchard design expertise and oversight, horticultural workshops, and aftercare training and manuals. The minimum number of trees varies from program to program, however, a ballpark minimum is around 15-20 trees.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to government entities, nonprofits, NGOs, or public schools. Recipients must either a) own the planting site, b) have a long-term lease in place, or c) work with a nonprofit or government entity that owns the planting site with a long-term usage agreement in place.

• APPLICATIONS: Rolling basis

KABOOM! COMMUNITY-BUILT PLAYSPACE GRANTS National nonprofit KABOOM! works with communities to design, plan, and build new playspaces using a community-build model. The organization makes grants to municipalities, schools, and child-serving nonprofit organizations in support of Playgrounds, Adventure Courses, and Multi-Sport Courts. Applicants must give evidence of available space and ability to maintain equipment, and be able to describe the anticipated impact that the grant will have on the community and increased play opportunities. https://www.kaboom.org/grants/community-built

• FUNDING: Varies by program.

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• ELIGIBILITY: Open municipalities, schools, and childserving nonprofit organizations are eligible. Specific programs require additional criteria.

• APPLICATIONS: Rolling basis, with emphasis on rotating geographical areas

KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL (KAB) COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM This grant program supports nonprofit organizations and community groups to implement programs or projects designed to build clean, green, and beautiful places for all to thrive and enjoy. Funding is available independently or collectively to: promote public space recycling collection; build strong neighborhoods within and along Martin Luther King Jr. boulevards; beautification through tree planting; and prevent littering by addressing cigarette litter and collecting litter from waterways. https://www.kab.org/beautification/community-grants/

• FUNDING: Varies by program.

• ELIGIBILITY: Varies by program (announced in fall); applicants should contact their KAB Regional Director for application information.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Jan. 17

LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND: STATE & LOCAL FUNDING The State Side of the LWCF provides matching grants to states and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Seventy-five percent of the total funds obligated have gone to locally sponsored projects to provide recreation opportunities that are accessible to America’s youth, adults, senior citizens and the physically

or mentally challenged. All projects eligible to be funded through LWCF’s State Side program must reflect the policies and priorities of the state’s current Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The first step is to contact the cooperating state office, which in Pennsylvania is the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/lwcf/stateside.htm

• FUNDING: Varies by opportunity; requires 100% funding match.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to public agencies, including state, local, and tribal governments & districts.

• APPLICATIONS: Varies by opportunity; contact cooperating LWCF state office for more information.

MA JOR LEAGUE BASEBALL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GRANTS The MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation makes grants to increase participation in and expand access to youth baseball and softball. The Foundation considers requests for funding for capital projects (field lighting, renovations, and construction), baseball/softball programs (players and infrastructure equipment, uniforms, coaches training, background check fees, umpire fees, player registration fees, facility rental fees and field maintenance), and education initiatives and public schools. https://www.baseballydf.com/apply

• FUNDING: No maximum grant award; however, average award is approximately $39,000.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to organizations that have innovative, creative ideas to increase opportunities for youth (elementary through high school), youth

who are minorities, girls and/or in underserved communities, to play baseball and/or softball • APPLICATIONS: Rolling basis

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS: OUR TOWN GRANT PROGRAM The NEA’s “Our Town” creative placemaking grants program supports projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes. Successful projects lay the groundwork for changes that sustain the integration of arts, culture, and design into local strategies for strengthening communities.

The current year program is particularly interested in arts, culture, or design projects that address health or wellbeing, transportation or infrastructure, or climate-related challenges within a community. https://www.arts.gov/grants-organizations/our-town

• FUNDING: $25,000 to $150,000, with a minimum cost share/non-federal match equal to the grant amount • ELIGIBILITY: All applications must demonstrate a partnership that will provide leadership for the project. These partnerships must involve two primary partners: a nonprofit organization and a local government entity.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Aug. 3

PA DCNR LAND CONSERVATION AND ACQUISITION GRANTS This grant supports projects that involve purchase and/or donation of land for habitat and open space, community

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GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

recreation areas, trail corridors and greenways, and conservation easements. Project types can include those that will provide public access to local community park and recreation areas and/or that protect open space and critical habitat for important species and ecosystems. https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/ RiversConservationandCommunityWatershedForestryGrants/ Pages/default.aspx

• FUNDING: No maximum funding limit, though some programs may have soft funding caps due to budgetary constraints. Contact Regional Advisor prior to application for guidance on developing a reasonable request.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to county or municipal governments, higher educational institution, and prequalified land trusts.

The first $30,000 of grant funding does not require a match; thereafter the grant will require a $1 for $1 match.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to municipalities, municipal agencies, pre-qualified land trusts and appropriate/ authorized organizations. The Small Community Development Program is limited to municipalities with a population of 5,000 or less; projects exceeding $110,000 in total costs/value are not eligible for the SC program.

• APPLICATIONS: Varies by opportunity.

PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF THE ARTS CREATIVE COMMUNITIES

lead applicant; lead applicant must be a unit of government, nonprofit (501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organization.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Dec. 1

PENNSYLVANIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY The PA Native Plant Society makes grants to individuals or groups to install native plants. A successful application will include a description of the project with Pennsylvania native plant species to be planted, a budget, and any relevant permits or landowner permission. Applicants will be reimbursed after providing purchase receipts to PNPS. https://www.panativeplantsociety.org/grants.html

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/

The Creative Communities program provides multi-year funding to community-driven, arts-based projects that serve as catalysts for livability, economic development, and community connectedness. Commonly referred to as creative placemaking, these projects are rooted in deep community engagement and authentically engage artists, culture bearers, designers, and community members through conversation, cultivation, and creation activities to address community needs, challenges, and opportunities. Successful past project examples include the transformation of a vacant lot into community green space and community-lead public art projects that infuse art and design into neighborhood infrastructure and business improvements..

PetSafe offers an annual grant funding competition for communities across the country to build or enhance offleash dog parks. Awards are given to 26 communities each year: one award valued at $50,000 for a brand new “dream” dog park, and 25 awards valued at $15,000 for enhancements of existing dog parks.

RiversConservationandCommunityWatershedForestryGrants/

https://www.arts.pa.gov/Pages/Creative-Communities.aspx

https://petsafeunleashed.petsafe.com/

Pages/default.aspx

• FUNDING: Up to $25,000 per year for up to four years.

• FUNDING: $15,000-$50,000.

• APPLICATIONS: ~April 3

PA DCNR PARK REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT GRANTS These grants support the rehabilitation and development of public parks, recreation facilities, greenways and river conservation projects. These include new development, rehabilitation of existing parks, and recreation facilities across three project types: Park Rehabilitation and Development (PRD); Small Community Development (SC); and Rivers Community Development (RCD).

• FUNDING: No maximum funding limit for Park Rehabilitation and Development or Rivers Community Development. Grants for the Small Community Development Program range $50,000 to $70,000.

• ELIGIBILITY: Required partnership of at least two organizations, one of which will serve as the

• FUNDING: $500 • ELIGIBILITY: Open to individuals or groups; the planting area must be a publicly accessible area.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Mar. 16

PETSAFE: UNLEASHED DOG PARK COMPETITION

• ELIGIBILITY: Entries must be supported by a 501c3 or local municipality for the proposed dog park project.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Oct. 15

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USDA URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM GRANTS This program under the Inflation Reduction Act provides support for urban tree-planting, urban forest planning and management, and related activities, particularly in disadvantaged communities. It is unclear if funding for this program will be renewed. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/urban-forests

• FUNDING: Up to $500,000 for projects that address the National Ten Year Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to local and state governments, nonprofits, and others.

(average grant of $11,900) for projects related to: public places & open spaces; transportation and mobility; housing access & affordability; diversity, equity and inclusion in the built and social environment; community resilience; civic engagement; and community health and economic empowerment.

Capacity-Building Microgrants of $2,500 plus additional resources to implement a “walk audit” to assess and enhance the safety and walkability of a street or neighborhood.

AMERICAN TRAILS CAPACITY PROGRAM

• APPLICATIONS: ~March 15

This program administered by American Trails funds trail maintenance, research, and stewardship training across the country, serving all types of trail users. This program targets available funding toward supporting small local trail projects that engage the community and connect trail assets to a broader spectrum of users.

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAM (ATIIP)

AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable for people of all ages. In 2023, the program applications across two grant programs of interest: Flagship Grants and Capacity-Building Microgrants https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/

• FUNDING: Flagship Grants of $500 to $50,000

• APPLICATIONS: The US Department of Transportation has not yet released information on the application timeline or directions on how to apply; check the DOT website for updates.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c) (6) nonprofits and government entities.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Aug. 15

TRAILS & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS GRANTS

• ELIGIBILITY: Local or regional governmental organizations (including metropolitan planning organizations or regional planning organizations and councils); multi-county special districts; states; multistate groups of governments; tribal governments.

The ATIIP provides grants to states and localities to strategically invest in projects that connect active transportation networks and spines, such as safe bike paths and walking trails, while reducing carbon emissions and creating new jobs. The program will help connect people to destinations within or between communities, including schools, workplaces and other community areas. Active transportation spines can connect communities, metropolitan regions and states. https://www.railstotrails.org/policy/funding/activetransportation-infrastructure-investment-program/

• FUNDING: The following project types can be funded: active transportation projects or group of projects with a total cost of over $15 million, or total cost of $100,000 for planning and design grants. A 20% state or local match is required.

https://www.americantrails.org/resources/apply-for-the-trailscapacity-program

• FUNDING: Awards average $5,000-$10,000.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to projects on public or private land on motorized or non-motorized trails/project that are open to the public anywhere in the US. • APPLICATIONS: ~Jan. 15

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION: BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PROGRAM FHA’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Program supports safe, comfortable, and convenient walking and bicycling for all ages and abilities. Support is available through dozens of funding opportunities, each with different

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GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

eligibility and project requirements. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/ funding/funding_opportunities.cfm

• FUNDING: Varies by opportunity.

• ELIGIBILITY: Varies by opportunity.

• APPLICATIONS: Varies by opportunity.

PA DCNR NON-MOTORIZED TRAIL GRANT The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provides grants to support trail projects including the acquisition, planning, development, rehabilitation, or maintenance of designated routes on land or water for non-motorized recreation activities. https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/TrailGrants/ Pages/default.aspx

• FUNDING: No maximum funding limit, though some programs may have soft funding caps due to budgetary constraints. Contact Regional Advisor prior to application for guidance on developing a reasonable request.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to municipalities, municipal agencies, pre-qualified land trusts and appropriate/ authorized organizations.

• APPLICATIONS: ~April 3

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: GREENWAYS, TRAILS, & RECREATION PROGRAM This DCED program supports projects that involve development, rehabilitation and improvements to public

parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation. Property may be acquired for active and/or passive recreation use to create new park and recreation areas and/or expand existing recreational sites. Greenways and trails projects can involve the renovation and development of linear public facilities, such as bicycle, walking, equestrian, snowmobile, and nature trails; passive recreation areas; riparian forest buffers; wetland boardwalks; observation decks. Rivers conservation projects can enhance rivers, streams, and watersheds for recreational purposes. https://dced.pa.gov/programs/greenways-trails-and-recreationprogram-gtrp/

• FUNDING: Up to $250,000; 15% cash match of total project required.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to for-profit businesses; municipalities; councils of governments; and others.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Jan. 31

match (cash or in-kind).

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to non-profit organizations, counties, municipalities, or education institutions.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Jun. 30

PEOPLE FOR BIKES This grant program supports bicycle infrastructure projects and targeted advocacy initiatives that make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to ride. PeopleForBikes focuses on bicycle infrastructure projects such as: bike paths, lanes, trails, and bridges, mountain bike facilities, bike parks and pump tracks, BMX facilities, end-of-trip facilities such as bike racks, bike parking, bike repair stations, and bike storage. PFB also funds some advocacy projects, such as programs that transform city streets (eg. Open Streets Days) and campaigns to increase the investment in bicycle infrastructure. http://peopleforbikes.org/grant-guidelines/

PENNSYLVANIA ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL STATEWIDE WATERWAY ACCESS GRANT (SWAG) This program provides grants for design and engineering, construction, or upgrade and rehabilitation of non-motorized public access projects within the Commonwealth. Priority will be given to projects that improve recreational access on rivers and streams as well as those that support and advance POWR’s mission, specifically the facilitation, stewardship, and enjoyment of PA’s waterways. https://pecpa.org/news/2023-pa-water-trail-mini-grants-nowavailable/

• FUNDING: Up to $30,000 and must include a 1:1

• FUNDING: $5,000 to $10,000 • ELIGIBILITY: Open to non-profit organizations, local or state government agencies or federal agencies working locally, and small businesses.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Oct. 20

RAILS TO TRAILS CONSERVANCY GRANT PROGRAM The Rails to Trails Conservancy awards grants to organizations and local agencies that are working to develop and connect equitable trail networks. Grant amounts range between $5,000 and $25,000. Projects must serve or plan to serve multiple user types (e.g., bicycling, walking/hiking or horseback riding) and

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be considered a rail-trail, greenway, multi-use trail or shared-use path. https://www.railstotrails.org/our-work/grants/eligibility/

• FUNDING: $5,000 and $25,000 • ELIGIBILITY: Open to non-profit organizations; state, regional, and local government agencies; and others.

• APPLICATIONS: ~July 31

RAISE DISCRETIONARY GRANTS The RAISE program is a discretionary grant program by the U.S. Department of Transportation for investments in surface transportation infrastructure that will have a significant local or regional impact. Eligible capital projects include those concerning highways, bridges, or roads; public transportation; passenger and freight rail transportation; intermodality; stormwater runoff and aquatic habitats. Planning projects include planning, prep, or design of eligible transportation capital projects. https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants

• FUNDING: $1 million to $5 million for capital projects; no minimum/maximum award for planning projects.

into one notice of funding opportunity (NOFO). Both programs prioritize disadvantaged communities; improve access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, and recreation; foster equitable development and restoration; and reconnect communities by removing, retrofitting, or mitigating highways or other transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity, including to mobility, access, or economic development. The NAE program in particular focuses on projects designed to build or improve complete streets, multiuse trails, regional greenways or active transportation networks and spines. https://www.transportation.gov/grants/rcnprogram

https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A

• FUNDING: TBD • ELIGIBILITY: Open to counties, cities, towns, transit agencies, and other special districts; metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs); and federally recognized Tribal governments.

• APPLICATIONS: Notice of opportunity will be released in February 2024.

WECONSERVEPA REGIONAL TRAIL GRANTS

• FUNDING: The maximum Community Planning Grant award funded with RCP funds is $2 million; there is no maximum award amount for a Community Planning Grant award funded with NAE funds. The minimum Capital Construction Grant award funded with RCP funds is $5 million; there is no minimum award amount for a Capital Construction Grant award funded with NAE funds.

Funded through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and administered by WeConservePA, Regional Trail Workshop Grants are awarded to units of local government or nonprofit organizations. These grants support high-quality educational programming and safety training directly related to land trails, water trails, and greenways.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to states; units of local government; non-profits and others.

• FUNDING: Reimbursement grants covering up to 80% of costs directly associated with trail workshops (not to exceed $5,000) and requiring at least a 20% match

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to U.S. states, territories, local governments, and other multi-jurisdictional entities.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Sept. 28

• APPLICATIONS: ~May 31

SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL (SS4A)

RECONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS PROGRAM

SS4A offers funds for planning and implementation available to support the creation of safe routes through activities that lead to people safely walking, biking, and rolling in underserved communities, the installation of pedestrian safety enhancements, and the closing of network gaps with sidewalks. Route enhancements can include more equitable access to nature such as safe

Under the US DOT, the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program combines the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) and Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) programs

routes to parks, connectors between green spaces, etc.

https://weconservepa.org/trails/regional-trail-grants

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to local governments and nonprofit organizations.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Jan. 25

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STORMWATER/ECOLOGY & RIPARIAN RESTORATION GRANTS CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND (CWSRF) The EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF) enable states to fund a range of water infrastructure projects, including green or nature-based infrastructure.

CWSRFs target critical green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements, and other environmentally innovative activities. Examples include environmental projects such as rain gardens, green schoolyards and parks, and porous sidewalk/surface installation. Governments that wish to use these funds should contact the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority. https://www.pennvest.pa.gov/Information/Funding-Programs/ Pages/Clean-Water-State-Revolving-Fund.aspx

• FUNDING: Varies • ELIGIBILITY: Local Pennsylvania governments • APPLICATIONS: Varies

on improving water quality, watersheds, and the species and habitats they support. Priorities include on-theground wetland, riparian, in-stream habitat restoration; education and training activities through community outreach etc; measurable ecological, educational and community benefits; and engagement with a diverse group of community partners to achieve outcomes. https://www.nfwf.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/NFWF-FiveStar-20220823-FS.pdf

• FUNDING: $25,000-$50,000 • ELIGIBILITY: Open to non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, and others.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Jan. 31

GROWING GREENER PLUS GRANTS PROGRAM This program by the Department of Environmental Protection supports projects that address priority areas including Watershed Restoration Design & Construction; Stormwater Management Planning; Planning; and Watershed Protection. Projects have implemented stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP), stream restoration, bank stabilization, increased infiltration, improved water quality, and assistance in future flood prevention and climate resiliency. The program also supports restoration of floodplains to mitigate risk of flood damage in the watershed.

FIVE STAR AND URBAN WATERS RESTORATION PROGRAM

https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Growing-

This National Fish and Wildlife Foundation program develops community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to diverse local partnerships focused

• FUNDING: $500,000 maximum request

Greener/Pages/default.aspx

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to incorporated watershed associations; counties, planning commissions, and

municipalities; municipal authorities; councils of governments; and others. Applicants must contact DEP County Conservation District Watershed Specialist prior to submission.

• APPLICATIONS: ~June 2

PA DCNR COMMUNITY AND WATERSHED FORESTRY GRANTS This program improves local water quality and wildlife habitat, and increases community resiliency through sustainable forest practices. Grants provide financial assistance to identify locations in need of riparian forest buffers, lawn conversion, and community tree planting and to design, implement, and establish those practices.

It supports projects that produce conventional buffers and multifunctional buffers that provide an opportunity to harvest products such as nuts, berries, woody florals, forbs, and potentially woody biomass in addition to the conventional buffer of riparian tree and shrub species. https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/ RiversConservationandCommunityWatershedForestryGrants/ Pages/default.aspx

• FUNDING: Requires 20% match.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

• APPLICATIONS: ~April 3

PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS MULTIFUNCTIONAL RIPARIAN BUFFER SUB-GRANT PROGRAM This program invites conservation districts to apply in conjunction with landowners for funding to install riparian

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forest buffers. Multifunctional buffers are encouraged but conventional buffers are accepted. Multifunctional buffers may include those that provide opportunities for harvesting products such as nuts, berries, woody florals, forbs, and potentially woody biomass. Inputs such as fertilizer or manure would not be permitted, and harvesting would not be permitted in the first 15 feet of the buffer from the edge of the streambank. Written planting and maintenance plans are required. Borough would need to work, as landowner, with the Delaware County Conservation District to apply for funding. https://pacd.org/?page_id=23886

• FUNDING: Up to $75,000 available with 50:50 match required. Penn State’s Master Watershed Steward Program and Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Keystone 10 Million Trees Program will provide volunteer hours and trees for conservation district projects. Match may also be provided from the conservation district.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to conservation districts applying in conjunction with landowners.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Jun. 30 (first-come, first-served)

PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TREE FOR WATERSHEDS GRANT PROGRAM This grant program helps municipalities, nonprofits, and landowners plant trees along streams, neighboring upland areas, and natural stormwater basins. https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/watershedsgrant-program

• FUNDING: Up to 75% of project costs; grantees must provide 25% of cost via eligible matching funds.

• ELIGIBILITY: Municipalities and nonprofits may apply for land they own. Private landowners must partner with an experienced conservation nonprofit.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to 501(c)(3) organizations,

• APPLICATIONS: ~Oct. 31

• APPLICATIONS: ~ Oct. 1

QUADRATEC: ENERGIZE THE ENVIRONMENT GRANT Quadratec makes small grants of $3,500 to support programs or initiatives designed to benefit our environment. Examples include: trail building or restoration projects; park beautification events; litter prevention; sustainable land management activities; community environmental educational projects; and youth education engagement. https://www.quadratec.com/page/quadratec-cares-grantprogram

• FUNDING: $3,500 • ELIGIBILITY: “Any individual, group, or organization in the United States who has a love for all things environmental, and has an idea or event designed to help improve our environment, is eligible.”

• APPLICATIONS: ~Jun. 30 & ~Oct. 30

WELLS FARGO LOCAL COMMUNITY GIVING GRANTS Wells Fargo makes local-level grants in several areas, including sustainability initiatives that aim to drive an equity-focused transition to a low-carbon economy, with a focus on mitigating climate impacts and expanding equitable, sustainable financial solutions. www.wellsfargo.com/about/corporate-responsibility/communitygiving/

• FUNDING: No set amount.

qualified governmental agencies, and public school or school system.

Dot -Voti ng a t A l d a n’s A n n u al Ju ly 4 t h Ce le b ra t io n

APPENDICES

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APPENDIX A: SURVEY 1 RESULTS (JUNE 19–JULY 22, 2023)

1) WHICH OF ALDAN’S PARKS HAVE YOU EVER VISITED?

2) WHICH OF ALDAN’S PARKS DO YOU VISIT REGULARLY?

93.6%

(305 RESP.)

ALDAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FIELDS

79.3%

(238 RESP.)

ALDAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FIELDS

72.1%

(235 RESP.)

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

53.3%

(160 RESP.)

HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX

59.2%

(193 RESP.)

SWIM CLUB PARK

24.7%

(74 RESP.)

HISTORICAL PARK

56.1%

(183 RESP.)

HISTORICAL PARK

18.7%

(56 RESP.)

SWIM CLUB PARK

49.7%

(162 RESP.)

FIVE POINTS (VETERAN’S PARK)

9%

(27 RESP.)

FIVE POINTS (VETERAN’S PARK)

41.1%

(134 RESP.)

TRIANGLE PARK (MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK)

9%

(27 RESP.)

TRIANGLE PARK (MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK)

28.2%

(92 RESP.)

DARBY CREEK / LOBBS RUN LAND

4.7%

(14 RESP.)

DARBY CREEK / LOBBS RUN LAND

16%

(52 RESP.)

JEFFREY ROAD PARK

1.7%

(5 RESP.)

JEFFREY ROAD PARK

(326 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

3) HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT A PARK IN ALDAN?

(300 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

4) HOW SAFE & WELCOME DO YOU FEEL IN ALDAN PARKS?

39.1%

(125 RESP.)

1-2 TIMES A WEEK

4.4 AVERAGE RATING

26.9%

(86 RESP.)

1-2 TIMES A MONTH

1 = “I FEEL VERY UN-SAFE & UN-WELCOME.” 5 = “I FEEL VERY SAFE & WELCOME.”

26.6%

(85 RESP.)

A FEW TIMES A YEAR

.9%

(3 RESP.)

1 (VERY UN-SAFE & UN-WELCOME)

6.9%

(22 RESP.)

EVERY DAY

.9%

(3 RESP.)

2

0.6%

(2 RESP.)

NEVER

9.2%

(30 RESP.)

3

32.9%

(107 RESP.)

4

56%

(182 RESP.)

5 (VERY SAFE & WELCOME)

(320 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

(325 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

143

APPENDIX A: SURVEY RESULTS 1 (JUNE 19–JULY 22, 2023)

5) HOW CONNECTED & ACCESSIBLE DO ALDAN PARKS FEEL TO YOU?

6) WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN PARKS WHEN YOU VISIT?

BY CATEGORY OF INTEREST

3.8 AVERAGE RATING

26.7% (64 MENTIONS)

PLAY / CHILDREN

1 = “NOT AT ALL CONNECTED OR ACCESSIBLE.” 5 = “TOTALLY CONNECTED & ACCESSIBLE.”

15.8% (38 MENTIONS)

RELAXATION

2.8%

(9 RESP.)

1 (NOT AT ALL CONNECTED OR ACCESSIBLE)

12.9% (31 MENTIONS)

EXERCISE & WALKING

7.1%

(23 RESP.)

2

12.1% (29 MENTIONS)

SPORTS (AYC NOT MENTIONED)

25.9%

(84 RESP.)

3

8.3% (20 MENTIONS)

NATURE

31.8%

(103 RESP.)

4

7.5% (18 MENTIONS)

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

32.4%

(105 RESP.)

5 (TOTALLY CONNECTED & ACCESSIBLE)

(324 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

5% (12 MENTIONS)

OTHER RECREATION

4.6% (11 MENTIONS)

EVENTS

4.2% (10 MENTIONS)

DOGS

2.9% (7 MENTIONS)

ALDAN YOUTH CLUB

(240 TOTAL MENTIONS)

144

APPENDIX A: SURVEY 1 RESULTS (JUNE 19–JULY 22, 2023)

7) WHAT RECREATION, SPORTS, EVENTS, OR CLASSES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN ALDAN?

BY CATEGORY OF INTEREST

BY CATEGORY OF INTEREST

16.4% (62 MENTIONS)

EVENTS

3.4% (13 MENTIONS)

DOGS

10.6% (40 MENTIONS)

INSTRUCTIONAL CLASSES

3.2% (12 MENTIONS)

WATER PLAY

8.0% (30 MENTIONS)

PLAY / CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

2.9% (11 MENTIONS)

COMMUNITY GARDENS

7.4% (28 MENTIONS)

YOGA

2.1% (8 MENTIONS)

NATURE / NATURAL HABITATS

7.2% (27 MENTIONS)

OTHER SPORTS & RECREATION

1.9% (7 MENTIONS)

ADULT SPORTS

6.6% (25 MENTIONS)

TENNIS

1.9% (7 MENTIONS)

FOOD / MARKETS

5.6% (21 MENTIONS)

BASKETBALL

1.9% (7 MENTIONS)

WALKING, RUNNING & HIKING

5.0% (19 MENTIONS)

FOOTBALL

1.3% (5 MENTIONS)

BIKING

4.2% (16 MENTIONS)

PICKLEBALL

1.1% (4 MENTIONS)

SEATING & GATHERING SPACE

4.0% (15 MENTIONS)

BASEBALL / SOFTBALL

1.1% (4 MENTIONS)

VOLLEYBALL

4.0% (15 MENTIONS)

SOCCER

(376 TOTAL MENTIONS)

145

APPENDIX A: SURVEY RESULTS 1 (JUNE 19–JULY 22, 2023)

8) DOES ALDAN NEED A DOG PARK / DOG RUN?

9) DOES ALDAN NEED COMMUNITY GARDENS?

63.6%

(208 RESP.)

YES

69.6%

(227 RESP.)

YES

12.5%

(41 RESP.)

NO

9.8%

(32 RESP.)

NO

23.9%

(78 RESP.)

NOT SURE

20.6%

(67 RESP.)

NOT SURE

(327 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

10) DOES ALDAN NEED BASKETBALL COURTS?

(326 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

11) DOES ALDAN NEED PICKLEBALL COURTS?

57.6%

(186 RESP.)

YES

36.3%

(119 RESP.)

YES

15.5%

(50 RESP.)

NO

25.9%

(85 RESP.)

NO

26.9%

(87 RESP.)

NOT SURE

37.8%

(124 RESP.)

NOT SURE

(323 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

(328 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

12) DO YOU USE THE TENNIS COURTS AT ALDAN SCHOOL?

13) WHERE DO YOU GO TO SWIM OR ENJOY WATER?

63.8%

(206 RESP.)

NO, I NEVER USE THE TENNIS COURTS.

39.9%

(108 RESP.)

I SWIM IN MY OWN POOL OR A FAMILY/FRIEND’S POOL.

15.2%

(49 RESP.)

YES, I PLAY TENNIS AT THE COURTS.

23.6%

(64 RESP.)

I GO TO ANOTHER SWIM CLUB.

14.2%

(46 RESP.)

YES, I TAKE MY DOG TO THE TENNIS COURTS.

15.5%

(42 RESP.)

I GO TO THE ALDAN SWIM CLUB.

6.8%

(22 RESP.)

YES, I USE THE TENNIS COURTS FOR ANOTHER PURPOSE.

7.4%

(20 RESP.)

I DON’T LIKE THE WATER!

13.7%

(37 RESP.)

OTHER

(323 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

(271 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

146

APPENDIX A: SURVEY 1 RESULTS (JUNE 19–JULY 22, 2023)

14) WHAT ELSE DO YOU THINK ALDAN’S PARKS SYSTEM NEEDS? IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO TELL US ABOUT YOUR PARKS OR COMMUNITY?

BY CATEGORY OF CONCERN

BY CATEGORY OF CONCERN

19.3% (37 MENTIONS)

SAFETY & MAINTENANCE

3.6% (7 MENTIONS)

BASKETBALL

10.4% (20 MENTIONS)

PLAY / CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

3.1% (6 MENTIONS)

TENNIS

8.9% (17 MENTIONS)

CONNECTIONS / TRAILS

2.6% (5 MENTIONS)

COMMUNITY GARDENS

7.3% (14 MENTIONS)

WATER PLAY

2.1% (4 MENTIONS)

SHADE

5.7% (11 MENTIONS)

ACCESSIBILITY / ADA ACCESS

2.1% (4 MENTIONS)

WATER FOUNTAINS

5.7% (11 MENTIONS)

SEATING / GATHERING SPACE

1.6% (3 MENTIONS)

BIKING

5.2% (10 MENTIONS)

EVENTS

1.6% (3 MENTIONS)

PICKLEBALL

4.7% (9 MENTIONS)

BATHROOMS / FACILITIES

1% (2 MENTIONS)

FOOTBALL

4.7% (9 MENTIONS)

DOGS

1% (2 MENTIONS)

OTHER SPORTS

4.7% (9 MENTIONS)

NATURE / NATURAL HABITATS

.5 (1 MENTIONS)

FOOD

4.2% (8 MENTIONS)

WAYFINDING / SIGNAGE

15) WOULD YOU LIKE TO ANSWER A FEW OPTIONAL DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONS? 80.4%

(266 RESP.)

19.6%

(65 RESP.)

YES, ANSWER DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONS NO, SKIP AND SUBMIT THE SURVEY NOW

(331 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

(192 TOTAL MENTIONS)

16) DO YOU LIVE IN ALDAN? 85%

(226 RESP.)

YES

10.2%

(27 RESP.)

NO

4.9%

(13 RESP.)

PREFER NOT TO ANSWER

(266 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

147

APPENDIX A: SURVEY RESULTS 1 (JUNE 19–JULY 22, 2023) FOR THOSE WHO DON’T LIVE IN ALDAN . . .

17) WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

18) WHAT IS YOUR AGE?

1 RESPONSE

ASTON

4.5%

(12 RESP.)

17 OR YOUNGER

3 RESPONSES

CLIFTON HEIGHTS

1.9%

(5 RESP.)

18-20

1 RESPONSE

COCHRANVILLE

4.9%

(13 RESP.)

21-29

2 RESPONSES

COLLINGDALE

20.1%

(53 RESP.)

30-39

2 RESPONSES

DARBY

22.7%

(60 RESP.)

40-49

1 RESPONSE

DREXEL HILL

17.8%

(47 RESP.)

50-59

3 RESPONSES

FOLCROFT

24.6%

(65 RESP.)

60 OR OLDER

2 RESPONSES

LANSDOWNE

3.4%

(9 RESP.)

PREFER NOT TO ANSWER

1 RESPONSE

MEDIA

2 RESPONSES

PHILADELPHIA

2 RESPONSES

UPPER DARBY

1 RESPONSE

YEADON

(21 OF 27 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

(264 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

148

APPENDIX A: SURVEY 1 RESULTS (JUNE 19–JULY 22, 2023)

19) WHAT IS YOUR RACE? 62%

(158 RESP.)

WHITE

22.7%

(58 RESP.)

BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN

2%

(5 RESP.)

AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKAN NATIVE

.4%

(1 RESP.)

ASIAN

.4%

(1 RESP.)

NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER

20) DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 LIVING WITH YOU? 46.4%

(128 RESP.)

YES

48.3%

(123 RESP.)

NO

5.3%

(14 RESP.)

PREFER NOT TO ANSWER

(265 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

4.3%

(11 RESP.)

HISPANIC OR LATINO

0%

(0 RESP.)

OTHER

13.3%

(34 RESP.)

PREFER NOT TO ANSWER

(255 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

21) WOULD YOU LIKE TO PROVIDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS...?

44%

(117 RESP.)

YES

56%

(149 RESP.)

NO

(266 OF 331 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

149

APPENDIX B: SURVEY 2 RESULTS (SEPT. 18-NOV. 2, 2023) QUESTIONS 1-16 OF SURVEY 2 SOLICITED PARK-SPECIFIC FEEDBACK; RESULTS OF THOSE QUESTIONS CAN BE FOUND IN THE INDIVIDUAL PARK SECTIONS OF CHAPTER II OF THIS DOCUMENT.

17) WOULD YOU LIKE TO ANSWER A FEW OPTIONAL DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONS? 65.8%

(104 RESP.)

34.2%

(54 RESP.)

YES NO

18) DO YOU LIVE IN ALDAN? 81.5%

(84 RESP.)

YES

16.5%

(17 RESP.)

NO

2%

(2 RESP.)

PREFER NOT TO ANSWER

(103 OF 181 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

(158 OF 181 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T LIVE IN ALDAN . . .

19) WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

20) WHAT IS YOUR AGE? 2.9%

(3 RESP.)

17 OR YOUNGER

CLIFTON HEIGHTS

1%

(1 RESP.)

18-20

1 RESPONSE

CONSHOHOCKEN

4.9%

(5 RESP.)

21-29

4 RESPONSES

LANSDOWNE

21.6%

(22 RESP.)

30-39

1 RESPONSE

PHILADELPHIA

21.6%

(22 RESP.)

40-49

1 RESPONSE

SPRINGFIELD

19.6%

(20 RESP.)

50-59

2 RESPONSES

UPPER DARBY

22.5%

(23 RESP.)

60 OR OLDER

5.9%

(6 RESP.)

PREFER NOT TO ANSWER

1 RESPONSE

CHESTER

2 RESPONSES

(12 OF 181 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

(102 OF 181 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

150

APPENDIX B: SURVEY 2 RESULTS (SEPT. 18-NOV. 2, 2023)

21) WHAT IS YOUR RACE? 63.4%

(64 RESP.)

WHITE

20.8%

(21 RESP.)

BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN

0%

(0 RESP.)

AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKAN NATIVE

1%

(1 RESP.)

ASIAN

0%

(0 RESP.)

NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER

22) DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 LIVING WITH YOU? 36%

(37 RESP.)

YES

58.2%

(60 RESP.)

NO

5.8%

(6 RESP.)

PREFER NOT TO ANSWER

(103 OF 181 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

3%

(3 RESP.)

HISPANIC OR LATINO

2%

(2 RESP.)

OTHER

13.9%

(14 RESP.)

PREFER NOT TO ANSWER

(101 OF 181 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

23) WOULD YOU LIKE TO PROVIDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS...?

30%

(42 RESP.)

YES

70%

(102 RESP.)

NO

(144 OF 181 RESPONDENTS ANSWERED QUESTION)

151

152

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