Eddystone Borough Municipal Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Borough of Eddystone is a community with a rich history of industry and manufacturing. Located along the Delaware River, the development of its modern layout was originally centered around the Eddystone Print Works, and the town became known for the manufacturing and shipping of locomotives, ships, and artillery. Still surrounded by industry and shipping, today the tight-knit community is home to both lifelong residents and newcomers who hold memories and dreams for the use of public space within the Borough.

The Eddystone Borough Mini Municipal Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan (“Master Plan”) was developed during a six-month planning process led by Omnes, a landscape architecture, planning & art studio based in Easton, PA. Eddystone residents provided input throughout the planning process, guiding the design recommendations found herein through feedback received in the form of community parks surveys, “key people” interviews, and insights contributed during the project’s public meetings and site visits.

Spanning 1.52 square miles at the shore of the Delaware River, Eddystone is home to 2,459 residents – all of whom live within a ten-minute walk of a public park. Eddystone residents have access to five existing community parks in the Borough, three of which were studied in this planning process.

The master plan addresses the use and programming of these existing parks while also imagining two future park sites planned by the Borough: a 10-acre waterfront park along the Delaware River and a community park along Ridley Creek.

The master plan articulates a vision for the future of Eddystone’s parks, providing a path for the community and officials to make improvements in the future. The recommendations include physical improvements as well as programming and activation of public spaces.

This master plan was undertaken in 2024, and made possible with support from the Delaware County Planning Department’s “Delco Green Ways Grant Program.” The plan is suffused with the voices of Eddystone community members and their ambitions for change, growth, and prosperity in parks and public space.

Laura E. Stedenfeld Principal, Omnes

May

2024

FUTUREEDDYSTO NE AVENUEPARK

PLAN GOALS

INCREASE SAFETY + CONNECTIVITY

• Provide parks with safe and fully accessible connection to adjacent neighborhoods

• Improve pedestrian accessibility and bicycle access to parks and playgrounds

• Seek ways to make parks safer and more usable for spectators at sports fields

IMPROVE RECREATION + PLAY

• Create more usable recreational space for sports fields and playground equipment

• Evaluate playground and park usage and how it could possibly be reconfigured and improved

ENHANCE ECOLOGY

• Incorporate installation of native planting, tree canopy, stormwater management facilities and best management practices

EXPAND PROGRAMMING + PARK AREAS

• Consider other recreational uses for parks and waterfront areas

• Consider how the edges of the park could be utilized and offer additional amenities

CREATE A FEASIBLE PLAN

• Prepare high-level cost estimates and phasing options

EDDYSTONE PARKS

EDDYSTONE PARKS + OPEN SPACES

Eddystone has a total of 8.1 acres of Borough- and school-owned parks and open space, of which approximately 7.3 acres is owned by the Borough and 0.8 acres by the Ridley School District. This does not include the areas of “potential parks” listed below that were recently acquired or that are in progress, with no survey.

Source Delaware County Planning Office, Ridley-Eddystone Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan (May 2011), 9-9.

POTENTIAL FUTURE PARKS:

• Future Eddystone Avenue Park Western side of Eddystone Avenue between East 13th & Twelfth Streets

• Future Waterfront Park Southeast of Delco Logistics Center, which is located at 1500 East 2nd Street

EXISTING PARKS IN SCOPE:

• Dom Marion Field 1401 9th Street

• Dorothy Taylor Gotthardt Playground 1401 9th Street

• Village Playground 222 Lexington Avenue

EXISTING PARKS- NOT IN SCOPE:

• Nancy Scott-Cowan Memorial Park

• Bessie Barber Memorial park

WILMINGTON/ NEWARK REGIONAL RAIL NANCY SCOTT-COWAN MEMORIAL PARK BESSIE BARBER MEMORIAL PARK FUTURE EDDYSTONE AVE. PARK DOM MARION FIELD & DOROTHY TAYLOR GOTTHARDT PLAYGROUND

VILLAGE PLAYGROUND

FUTURE WATERFRONT PARK

EDDYSTONE PARKS IN SCOPE FOREST IMPERVIOUS

2: PLANNING PROCESS

PLANNING PROCESS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

THE COMMUNITY OF EDDYSTONE

Residents of Eddystone Borough have been integral team members in the development of the Eddystone Mini Municipal Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan, completed in May 2024. Community members made their voices heard throughout the planning process – including 237 responses across two public surveys – to directly inform this plan and help shape the future of Eddystone’s parks for years to come.

Eddystone 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

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:

• Richard Moler, Eddystone Borough, Interim Borough Manager & Code Enforcement

• William Bolton, Eddystone Borough Council

• Ronald Hughes, Eddystone Borough Council

• Dawn Jones, Eddystone Borough, Former Borough Manager

• Randy Perry, Eddystone Borough Council President Pro Tempore

• Khadija Farooqi, Eddystone Borough Resident

• James P. Kelly, Principal, Kelly Engineers

• Heather Gill, Municipal Engineer, Kelly Engineers

PLANNING CONSULTANTS

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

• Laura Stedenfeld, Principal

• Sheila M. Fuentes, Director

• Carson Fisk-Vittori, Project Manager, Landscape Designer

• Sara Harmon, Landscape Designer

PREVIOUS PLANS

Previous plans were studied at the beginning of the planning process, and key takeaways from these studies were influential in overall plan and recommendations.

1990: EDDYSTONE BOROUGH REVITALIZATION STUDY (DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Eddystone was dominated by heavy manufacturing land uses in 1980.

2003: RENAISSANCE ACTION PLAN: PLANNING AREA 3 (PUBLIC PLANNING & MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC.)

• Previously active industrial sites were vacant or underutilized at the time of study; suggests developers will likely find these sites attractive for other uses such as: warehouse & distribution, light industrial, general offices, flex space, research facilities or other service-oriented uses.

• Suggests the area’s multi-modal transportation system (highways, bus routes, commuter and freight rail, freight air and shipping) is a primary asset.

• The plan highlights a lack of public access to the waterfront .

• This plan highlights a lack of recognizable and cohesive industrial corridor design elements such as lighting, landscaping and wayfinding.

• Recommends: redevelopment of available sites, securing public access to the waterfront, construction of access road and improvement of railroad underpass.

2011: RIDLEY-EDDYSTONE MULTI-MUNICIPAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (DELAWARE COUNTY PLANNING OFFICE)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The plan’s collective vision: “To create a community that fosters healthy economic and social environments, encourages safe, human-scaled development and redevelopment, efficiently uses land, infrastructure, and public facilities and services and values its history and heritage.”

• In the plan’s population trend graph, it is clear that Eddystone’s population has remained relatively stable since 1920, while Ridley’s has increased exponentially during the same time period.

• The plan mentions the importance of historic preservation and notes that Eddystone does not have a historical commission or historical society.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Recommended priorities include: #1 Waterfront Development, #2 Industrial Corridor Development and Redevelopment, #4 Historic Preservation and Reuse, #5 Traffic Coordination and Safety, #6 Stormwater Management Rehabilitation, #11 Eddystone Village Revitalization.

• Stresses the need for park, recreation and open spaces along the waterfront and identifies the “FoamEx Property” on the Delaware in Eddystone as a potential location.

• Emphasizes the importance of conducting inventories of historic assets and nominating them for recognition by the NRHP to garner funds for their protection and rehabilitation.

• Proposes revitalizing the Village neighborhood of Eddystone by rehabilitating housing, carrying out streetscape improvements and providing more services to residents through light industrial or commercial properties.

• The plan stresses that wetlands can reduce flooding, improve water quality and provide important habitat, therefore they should be protected to the greatest extent possible.

• The plan mentions that Eddystone fell below the DVRPC standard of 8.0 acres of parkland per 1,000 population by 12.2 acres.

• The plan stresses that Ridley and Eddystone should combine their efforts for municipal events whenever possible.

• The plan points to lack of shade trees within the study area.

• The plan reiterates need for more public water access.

2015: DELAWARE COUNTY 2035 OPEN SPACE, RECREATION AND GREENWAY PLAN (DELAWARE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• This plan is one piece of the County’s comprehensive plan: Delaware County 2035.

• The plan’s primary goals are to: conserve the natural and cultural resources of the County, increase and enhance the environmental/recreational value of developed and undeveloped lands, and develop a greenway network that connects natural features and people to community and regional destinations.

• The plan stresses that what remains of Delaware County’s open land is under significant development pressure.

• The plan proposes two associated greenway networks across the County: one conservation focused and the other recreation focused.

• Eddystone Borough has two primary trails located within it’s borders: the ECG and the Blue Route

Bikeway (ECG Connector)

• In Table L-1: Municipal Recreation Programs, Eddystone only has 2 boxes checked out of a possible 5: Active Recreation and Holiday Events. Others possible are Educational, Arts and Crafts, and Special Events.

• The plan lists the following as important tools for “Green Development” within Delaware County: natural lands stewardship, reforestation, land reuse (pocket parks, urban agriculture), green streets.

• The plan lists the following Watershed Organizations relevant to Eddystone: Darby Creek Valley Association (DVCA), Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association (CRC).

• Most of the ECG has not yet been constructed in Delaware County due to lack of interest or technical/ financial capacity of municipalities – a final trail alignment through Ridley, Eddystone and Chester remained undesignated at the time of this study.

• The analysis determined the most feasible alignment of the trail would be a buffered side path along Route 291 on the river side of the road.

• The study concluded that a public-private partnership would be an ideal way to manage the trail and that an “Industrial Heritage Corridor Coordinator” should be appointed to help coordinate construction and management of the trail and municipalities.

2018: EAST COAST GREENWAY: IMPLEMENTATION PHASE I (DELAWARE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• In 2015, Delaware County applied for a Coastal Zone grant from the PA DEP’s Coastal Zone Resources Management Program to do this analysis.

• The East Coast Greenway is a 3,000-mile trail that connects Maine to Florida and runs through Delaware County’s 6 riverfront municipalities including Eddystone Borough.

• The ECG will link the County’s riverfront open spaces such as: Market Square Memorial Park, Chester’s Barry Bridge Park, Talen Energy Stadium, Governor Printz Park and John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

• The ECG is also a segment of the September 11th National Memorial Trail for its full length in Delaware County.

2022: PA 291 INDUSTRIAL HIGHWAY CORRIDOR PLAN (TRAFFIC PLANNING & DESIGN, INC.)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• This plan received funding support from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Transportation and Community Development Initiative (TCDI).

• The plan’s primary goal is to “provide a long-term planning blueprint to enhance safety and mobility of all PA 291 users while revitalizing the corridor.”

• A secondary goal listed is to connect the residential sections of Eddystone Borough with the waterfront.

• The plan suggests that the removal of one eastbound through lane will not disrupt traffic: “It has been determined that levels of service for traffic can be accommodated with the removal of

one eastbound through lane, and even improved by adding channelization at key intersections.”

• The rendered plan presented incorporates a proposed connection to the waterfront and new waterfront recreation area south of the Alliance Logistics property.

• The plan presents a rendering of the proposed improved corridor that incorporates lane modifications, landscaping improvements, new development and a side path (the ECG) along the south side of the roadway, separated from the road by a vegetated buffer.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

METHODOLOGY

This community-driven master plan centers resident voices and ambitions to inform the future of parks in Eddystone Borough. In prioritizing equitable, inclusive, accessible, and quality public parks for all residents, the public engagement process sought feedback from people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to define a collective vision. Engagement activities were publicized through social media, emailers, newsletters, and posted signs. An inclusive approach to engagement yielded a collaborative planning process with many voices shaping the plan.

PUBLIC MEETINGS:

Two public meetings were held during the planning process. These meetings provided residents with opportunities to learn about the plan, take the project surveys, ask questions, and engage in discussions with the planning team.

Public meetings were held in-person at Joe Hughes Hall on the following dates:

• Public Meeting 1: January 23, 2024

• Public Meeting 2: March 19, 2024

KEY PERSON INTERVIEWS

Key person interviews were helpful to capturing important perspectives to inform the plan. Interviewees with key ties to Eddystone’s youth provided insights that enriched the planning process significantly. Omnes conducted interviews with the two key individuals listed below to learn their perspectives about the parks and recreational needs of youth and families in Eddystone.

• Edna Tribbett, Secretary, Eddystone Elementary School

• Heather Hassel-Finnegan, President & CEO, The Community’s Foundation, Eddystone Youth Fund

COMMUNITY SURVEYS:

Public engagement for the planning process centered on two community surveys that sought residents’ feedback about parks and recreation opportunities in Eddystone Parks. Survey 1 welcomed initial input about the state of parks and recreation in Eddystone and a subsequent Parks Survey 2 asked for residents’ feedback about specific design concepts developed for three existing and two proposed borough parks. A total of 237 responses were received across both surveys, with Survey 1 receiving 198 responses and Survey 2 receiving 39 responses.

Surveys were conduct during the following time periods:

• Survey #1: January 8-February 11, 2024

• Survey #2: March 19- April 3, 2024

MAKEYOUR VOICEHEARD!

RESPONSES

SURVEY 1 January 8-February 11, 2024

MAKEYOUR VOICEHEARD!

RESPONSES

MAKEYOUR VOICEHEARD!

TAKE THE EDDYSTONE PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY

Eddystone Borough is gathering public feedback to inform the development of a new Parks Master Plan. This survey asks for your input about the current state of parks in the borough, as well as about the potential creation of two new waterfront parks.

Your response will help guide long-term planning decisions into the future!

• Survey #1 Flier; Jan. 8-Feb. 11, 2024

• Survey #1 Social Media Image; Jan. 8-Feb. 11

• Survey #1 Posted Signs; Jan. 8-Feb. 11

• Survey #2 Social Media Image; March 19-April 3, 2024

• Survey #2 Website Banner March 19-April 3, 2024

SURVEY 1 RESULTS

EDDYSTONE

PARKS & RECREATION SURVEY #1

• Survey open dates: January 8-February 11, 2024

• 198 total respondents

This section presents responses to questions from Survey I about Eddystone’s overall parks system. Additional survey response data pertaining to particula parks can be found in the relevant sections throughout the report.

What are the most important issues or concerns that should be prioritized in Eddystone’s parks? Choose up to 3.

On a scale of 1-5, how accessible do Eddystone parks feel to you?

When you want to spend time outdoors or in nature, where do you go?

On a scale of 1-5, how safe & welcome do you feel in Eddystone parks?

Is your daily life or health impacted by any of these environmental issues or hazards?

Is there anything else you want to tell us about your parks or community?

“Parks should be family friendly and a peaceful environment.”

“There is still a huge divide when it comes to inclusion in this town until we have more diversity you will always have HUGE disagreements.”

Not impacted by oraboutconcerned any of these factors

Do you live in Eddystone?

“A skatepark would be a great asset for the community. Skateboarders, BMX’ers, wheelchair athletes, rollerbladers . . . would have a safe area to build friendships and to be mentors to others . . . ”

“We need volunteers to help keep parks clean. I would be willing to help.”

“ . . . some sort of water play area would be a nice added addition in the summer when it’s really hot. Paying for public pools has become extremely expensive.”

Prefer not to

Would you like to share your email to stay in touch and track the progress of the Eddystone Parks Plan?

“ . . . more activities for the kids to do. And not just younger children. Teens as well. To keep them out of trouble and busy.”

“Community events that allow people from other communities experience Eddystone . . . will drive more business growth.”

SURVEY 2 RESULTS

SURVEY #2: OPEN COMMENTS

Responses from this survey were analyzed by the planning team and were used to inform design updates and improvements in the final iterations of park concepts and recommendations. Based on feedback from this survey, the planning team also added an overall recommendation to evaluate park lighting to enhance park safety.

DOM MARION FIELD

“More outdoor game options, no hammocks.”

“Please consider adding outdoor water fountains/ water bottle filling stations.”

DOROTHY TAYLOR GOTTHARDT PLAYGROUND

“ . . . the fence should be replaced not taken down . . . ”

“Thank you for being mindful of ADA accessibility.”

“Love the idea of rubber and updating swings.”

VILLAGE PLAYGROUND

“I really like the notion of adding shelter especially if a storm comes in quickly, the kids can safely stay under until it passes.”

FUTURE EDDYSTONE AVE. PARK

“Excited to have the opportunity to go fishing so close to home.”

FUTURE WATERFRONT PARK

“Love it! Maybe some educational placards?”

Source: 2024 Eddystone Parks & Recreation Survey #2 - March 19-April 3, 2024

“Love it and would def bring so much to our community.”

“Not sure about built in BBQ.”

“Add second pickleball court or a Gaga ball pit, or tennis court . . . ”

“Love dog-friendly ideas.”

“I think this park looks beautiful.”

3: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides an overview of Eddystone’s socio-ecological landscape and its regional context, exploring key ecological facets such as watersheds, streams, and floodplains, as well as political and infrastructural aspects of the Borough. The existing park system is cataloged and analyzed, along with an assessment of the area’s assets and demographic characteristics. These insights reveal a small community with great potential for strengthening the vibrancy of Eddystone through enhanced connectivity, accessibility, and ecological health.

REGIONAL CONTEXT:

• Size andLocation: The Borough spans approximately 1.52 square miles of both land and water and is located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia.

• Ecological Context: Eddystone Borough is framed by three waterways: Ridley Creek to the west, Crum Creek to the east, and the Delaware River to the South. The Borough is part of the MidAtlantic Coastal Plain Eco-Region and lies in the Crum and Ridley Creek watersheds within the Delaware River watershed.

BRIEF HISTORY OF EDDYSTONE

• Before European occupation, the land was inhabited by the Okehocking and Unami tribes of the Lenape (Delaware) peoples

• Officially incorporated in 1888

• What is now known as Eddystone Borough developed around the Eddystone Print Works (textile manufacturing plant), named after the Eddystone Lighthouse near Plymouth, England

• Original tenements for print workers are now known as “The Village”

• After WWII, there was an increase in residential construction to supply the returning GIs; migration from Philadelphia increased at this time as well

INDUSTRIAL HISTORY

• Home to the Baldwin Locomotive Works plant in the early 1900s (largest manufacturer of steam locomotives in the world at the time), causing a 50% increase in population in the year after the plant opened

• Eddystone Rifle Plant opened during WWI

• Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company during WWI

• Power generating station (now operated by Exelon) opened in 1960

• Resurgence of industry in 2014 with the opening of the Eddystone Rail Company (transfer of crude oil from rail to barge to be delivered to nearby refineries)

HISTORICAL IMAGE OF BALDWIN LOCOMOTIVE WORKS (Eddystone Borough)

HISTORICAL IMAGE OF EDDYSTONE TOWN HALL BUILDING (Eddystone Borough)

HISTORIC CONTEXT

HISTORIC MAPS

Historic maps reveal that land use patterns carry through to today and are evidenced in current land use and zoning of residential and industrial areas. The 1913 and 1947 Sanborn maps show that natural features such as Ridley and Crum Creeks have always played a major role in the delineation of Eddystone’s boundaries.

1913 Sanborn Map of Eddystone

Source: Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Sanborn Map Company, 1917. Map. The Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/ item/sanborn07578_004/.

1947 Sanborn Map of Eddystone

Source: Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Sanborn Map Company, - Nov

Vol. 1, 1950. Map. The Library of Congress, https:// www.loc.gov/item/sanborn07578_005/.

EDUCATION

HOME VALUE

FAMILIES AND HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS

INCOME

RACE + ETHNICITY

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

GROWTH PROJECTION

ECOLOGY

WATERWAYS

DELAWARE RIVER:

• Originates in Catskill Mountains of New York

• Over 500,000 recreational visitors every year

• Supports more than sixty fish species

• The urban region of the Delaware River encompasses globally rare freshwater tidal marshes

• Sources:

• https://www.americanrivers.org/river/delaware-river/

• Pennsylvania Integrated Water Quality 2024 Draft Report - Integrated Report Viewer: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/368a9200df5e43eb8267dcbdb34a0ccc

• 2022 DELAWARE RIVER AND BAY WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT, March 2023. p.5-6. https://www.nj.gov/drbc/library/documents/WQAssessmentReport2022.pdf

RIDLEY CREEK

• Originates in East Whiteland Township

• Parts of Ridley Creek have the highest quality of water in the County, especially near Ridley Creek State Park’s forested areas

• Sources:

• https://www.delcocd.org/ridley-creek/

• Pennsylvania Integrated Water Quality 2024 Draft Report - Integrated Report Viewer: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/368a9200df5e43eb8267dcbdb34a0ccc

CRUM CREEK:

• Largest drinking water source for Delaware County residents

• Sources:

• Pennsylvania Integrated Water Quality 2024 Draft Report - Integrated Report Viewer: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/368a9200df5e43eb8267dcbdb34a0ccc

• Crum Creek Water Conservation Plan, 2005. p.17.; https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/ PDFProvider.

RIDLEY CREEK

RIDLEY CREEK

LITTLE CRUM CREEK DICKS RUN

CHROME RUN DICKS RUN

CRUM RUN

MUCKINIPATTIS CREEK

DARBY CREEK STONY CREEK

SPRING RUN COBBS CREEK

HERMESPROTA CREEK

PENNSYLVANIA

SCHUYLKILL RIVER

CHESTER CREEK

CHESTER CREEK

RIDLEY CREEK

CRUM CREEK

CHESTER CREEK

CRUM CREEK

HERMESPROTA CREEK

LITTLE CRUM CREEK

LITTLE CRUM CREEK STONY CREEK

LITTLE CRUM CREEK

CHESTER CREEK

PHILADELPHIA

MUCKINIPATTIS CREEK

DARBY CREEK

MARCUS HOOK CREEK BALDWIN RUN STONEY CREEK

EDDYSTONE BOROUGH

DELAWARE RIVER

NAAMAN CREEK

EDDYSTONE BOUNDARY WATERSHEDS

RIVERS AND STREAMS

DELAWARE COUNTY OPEN SPACE

NEW JERSEY

WETLANDS + RIPARIAN AREAS

• Different types of wetlands and riparian areas are located in and around Eddystone.

• Forested wetlands and restored riparian areas are located along Ridley and Crum Creek and act as natural green infrastructure, improving ecological health.

• Rare tidal wetlands and a freshwater pond are located in the future Waterfront Park site.

WATERFRONT ACCESS

• While Eddystone is bordered by three waterways there is currently no public access to the waterfront.

• The 4th Street Bridge has been used as a site for fishing in Ridley Creek.

• The future Waterfront Park and Eddystone Ave. sites will allow the public waterfront access at the Delaware River and Ridley Creek respectively.

PA COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT AREA

• Portions of Eddystone, along the Delaware River, are within the Coastal Zone Management Area (CZM). The CZM is a program of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that aims to protect and improve natural resources while reducing conflicts between land and water uses. This could provide funding for waterfront recreation as well as park development for parks located within this zone. Parks located in the PA Coastal Zone include Village Playground, the Future Eddystone Ave. Park and the Future Waterfront Park.

PACOASTALZONE BOUNDARY

• Sources :

• Nearby Ridley Township has received regional funding through this program.

• Delaware County Planning Office, Ridley-Eddystone Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan (May 2011), 4.

BASE FLOODPLAIN

ECOLOGY

PENNSYLVANIA NATURAL DIVERSITY INDEXCONSERVATION AREAS + CRITICAL HABITAT

• This highly industrialized portion of the Delaware River contains remnant freshwater tidal marsh (Ridley Creek + Crum Creek ) and mudflat habitats in a much degraded context.

• It is also an important bird habitat area.

• These habitats support three species of concern.

SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN

• Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus

• Indian Wild Rice, Zizania aquatica

• Alewife Floater (Mussel), Utterbackiana implicata

WATER QUALITY & RECREATION

There are many degraded waterways in the region due to past land use and industry. However, multiple types of recreation can and do occur at parks located along the water in this area. Boating, fishing, and other activities with minimal water contact is deemed safe along Eddystone’s waterways, this is considered Secondary Contact Recreation. Further, many activities can occur at waterfront parks that do not involve any contact with the water and are also considered in this study. See the “Ecological Improvements” section in Chapter 4. Planning Recommendations for determining water quality and waterway restoration such as green infrastructure.

RECREATIONAL SAFETY

Within Eddystone, the Delaware River, Ridley Creek and Crum Creek waterways are considered safe for Secondary Contact Recreation types which include boating, fishing, and activities with limited water contact. Primary Contact Recreation (swimming and all water-contact sports) for all rivers and streams in Eddystone is not considered to be safe and is therefore not recommended. This terminology comes from the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC).

Sources: DRBC, PADEP

https://www.nj.gov/drbc/library/documents/WQAssessmentReport2022.pdf

POLLUTANTS

The PA DEP uses primary bacteria criteria to determine if water is impaired. Since Eddystone’s waterways are all impaired, it means that there is a higher risk of getting sick.

According to the Pennsylvania Integrated Water Quality 2024 Report, the pollutants include the following:

• Ridley Creek: Fecal Coliform, Siltation, and multiple “Unknown causes” of pollutants from Impairment Source Urban Runoff/ Sewers,

• Crum Creek: Pathogens, Fecal Coliform

• Delaware River: Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBS)

FISHING ACCESS

It is recommended that fishing in Eddystone’s waterways is limited to catch and release. Official information regarding fish safety should be regularly referenced such as the Pennsylvania DEP Fishing Consumption Advisory website.

Reference: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/CleanWater/WaterQuality/FishConsumptionAdvisory/Pages/default.aspx

MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION

ROADS + TRAFFIC

Industrial Highway 291 presents a challenge to the overall connectivity of Eddystone as splits the northern and southern portions of the Borough and is difficult to traverse by walking and biking.

ROUTE

PUBLIC TRANSIT

• SEPTA buses service the Borough along 9th Street, Saville Ave., and 291 Industrial Highway.

• Septa Regional Rail Wilmington Newark Line services the Borough at Eddystone Station, located just north of 291 Industrial Highway, between Eddystone Ave. and Saville Ave.

WALKABILITY

• There are currently sidewalks adjacent to existing parks but a lack of sidewalk access to the future waterfront park site.

• 99% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

• Source: https://parkserve.tpl.org/mapping/#/?CityID=4204522296)

BIKING

• There is a lack of bike-friendly infrastructure in Eddystone and throughout Delaware County.

PROPOSED BIKE ROUTES:

• PennDOT Identifies Industrial Highway 291 as a “Bike Route on State Route.”

• Potential bike routes along Industrial Highway, as well as through the neighborhood along Saville Ave, 9th Street and Simpson Street were identified in the Ridley-Eddystone Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan (May 2011).

• Source: Delaware County Planning Office, Ridley-Eddystone Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan (May 2011), 7-7.

PROPOSED EAST COAST GREENWAY:

• Planned multi-use trail from Maine to Florida set to pass through Delaware River Waterfront in Delaware County.

• Purpose & benefits: to facilitate bike transportation and enhance recreation and connectivity.

• Proposes right-of-way and off-road routes.

• Source: Delaware County Planning Office, Ridley-Eddystone Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan (May 2011), 9-19.

RECREATIONAL CONTEXT

SURROUNDING GREENSPACE + RECREATION

• Surrounding parks are located along waterways, including neighborhood parks and multiple arboretums.

• The largest adjacent park is John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, known as “America’s First Urban Refuge.”

• The closest park river access is in Barry Bridge Park in Chester City.

CREEK

CREEK RIDLEY CREEK HERMESPROTA CREEK CHROME RUN DICKS

MUCKINIPATTIS CREEK DARBY CREEK STONY CREEK

CREEK HERMESPROTA CREEK

CREEK

DELAWARE RIVER

EDDYSTONE PARKS IN SCOPE

PARK INVENTORY

PARKS IN SCOPE:

Basketball courts

Tennis courts (outdoor only)

Diamond fields: baseball - youth

Diamond fields: softball fields - adult

Rectangular fields: multi-purpose

Diamond fields: softball fields – youth

Multiuse courts - basketball, volleyball

Walking Loop

Playgrounds

Dog park

Swimming pools (outdoor only)

Community gardens

Historic resources Trails AMENITIES

Restrooms

Benches/Seating

Picnic Tables

Kiosk

Shade structure (gazebo, pavilion, etc)

ADA Accessible

PARK BENCHMARKING

PARK LAND AND ACCESS

• Eddystone is considered a walkable community, with 99% of residents having access to a park within a ten-minute walk of their home. The national average for a ten-minute walk to a park is 72%, which means Eddystone exceeds the current national baseline for walkability.

• Eddystone is a playful place, with 3x the national average of playgrounds per resident.

• Eddystone has five times the average amount of parks per resident. This means that Eddystone is a small community with ample community parks.

• When compared to other park systems, Eddystone is lacking in park acreage per resident.

99% OF RESIDENTS LIVE WITHIN A TEN-MINUTE WALK OF A PARK NATIONAL AVERAGE: 72%*

Sources:

* https://parkserve.tpl.org/mapping/#/?CityID=4204522296

**Data Source: National Recreation and Park Association, 2023NRPAAgencyPerformanceReview

CURRENT RESIDENTS PER PARK RESIDENTS PER PLAYGROUND

1,230 NATIONAL AVERAGE: 3,759 **

492 FUTURE RESIDENTS PER PARK 351 NATIONAL AVERAGE: 2,287** Based on: Current Parks: 5 Future Parks: 7

2.3

ACRES OF PARK PER 1,000 RESIDENTS

6.6

PARK AMENITIES

• 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 Eddystone Borough’s existing park amenities and facilities against the national benchmark.

• The data shown in green denotes a “surplus” of amenities and facilities, where Eddystone Borough exceeds the national benchmarks.

• The data in red denotes a “deficiency” of amenities and facilities, where Eddystone Borough could look to add additional amenities.

LAND USE

BOROUGH-OWNED LAND

In addition to the Borough-owned park land, Eddystone owns two parcels indicated with red dots on the map. One appears to be a parking lot, and the other is a narrow strip of land.

WATERFRONT AREAS

While Eddystone is bordered by three waterways – the Delaware River, Ridley Creek, and Crum Creek – there is currently no public access to the waterfront.

The future Waterfront Park and Eddystone Ave. sites will allow the public waterfront access at the Delaware River and Ridley Creek respectively.

“Ridley Creek, which is located along the residential side of the Borough, is a popular spot for fishing in the Borough. Most if not all of the fishing, occurs at the 4th Street Bridge. A creekside park at or near 4th Street would make an excellent spot for fishing other passive recreational activities, and would also be a nice trailhead for the East Coast Greenway.”

-Delaware County Planning Office

Source Delaware County Planning Office, Ridley-Eddystone MultiMunicipal Comprehensive Plan (May 2011), 9-20.

HAZARDS FLOODING: SEVERE RISK

Residences, Roads, and Commercial properties have a more than 26% chance of being severely affected by floods in the next 30 years.

Source: https://riskfactor.com/city/eddystone-pa/4222296_fsid/flood

FLOOD PROJECTIONS

Sea level is expected to rise approximately 1.4 feet by 2050 (from a base year of 2000) and could rise approximately 3.4 feet by 2100

Source: DVRPC Coastal Effects of Climate Change in Southeastern PA

FEMA FLOOD ZONES

1% Flood zone shown in a red hatch on the map, representing the regulatory flood zone as of 2016. 0.2% Flood zone shown in a blue hatch on the map, representing a low-risk flood zone as of 2016.

FLOOD PROJECTIONS

PRESENT DAY: SEA LEVEL IN SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA ROSE

ABOUT 1 FT DURING THE 20TH CENTURY.

2050: + 1.4 FT

• In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, sea level is expected to rise approximately another 1.4 feet by 2050 (from a base year of 2000)

2100 BEST CASE SCENARIO: + 1.7 -3.1 FT

• Between 1.7 and 3.1 ft of sea level rise in Southeastern Pennsylvania is projected to occur assuming that world emissions of greenhouse gases decrease in the last quarter of the 21st Century.

2100 WORST CASE SCENARIO: + 2.4-4.5 FT

• Failing to curb future emissions is expected to cause 2.4 - 4.5 feet of sea level rise in southeastern Pennsylvania

Source: https://dvrpcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index. html?appid=8080c91a101d460a9a0246b90d4b4610

07501,5002,2503,000 375 Feet ¯ FEMA FLOOD ZONE

HEAT: SEVERE RISK

100% of homes in Eddystone have a severe heat risk factor. Increasing average temperatures mean that heatwaves may occur more often.

Source: https://riskfactor.com/city/eddystone-pa/4222296_fsid/heat

WIND + STORMS: MAJOR RISK

Average maximum windspeeds have increased in the last 30 years. Eddystone is most at risk from Hurricanes compared to other storm types.

Source: https://riskfactor.com/city/eddystone-pa/4222296_fsid/wind

TREE EQUITY SCORE: 78-82 MODERATE-HIGH PRIORITY

Tree cover ranges from 9%-18% within three census blocks in the borough. The tree cover goal for the area ranges between 40-50%

Source: https://www.treeequityscore.org/map#14.02/39.85912/-75.33393

SOIL CONTAMINATION

Eddystone Crossings Shopping Center and the Feinberg warehouses converted former brownfields. Boeing Company north site, Eddystone Industrial Park, and Penn Terminals have “successfully participated in the Land Recycling Program.”

Source Delaware County Planning Office, Ridley-Eddystone Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan (May 2011), 4-14.

AIR QUALITY

Many people throughout the community expressed concerns about air-quality, especially for Eddystone’s youth, due to the aggregates company located next to Eddystone Elementary School.

Survey #1 excerpt: Is your daily life or health impacted by any of these environmental issues or hazards?

Flooding

Storms and Wind

Extreme Heat

Air Quality

Flooding Scenarios

Source: https://dvrpcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index. html?appid=8080c91a101d460a9a0246b90d4b4610

No, I am not impacted by or concerned about any of these factors

Source: 2024 Eddystone Parks & Recreation Survey - January 8-February 11 2024

PLANNING RECOMMENDATIONS

INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides planning recommendations for improving Eddystone’s overall system of parks and recreation, highlighting opportunities to enhance connectivity and ecological health.

COMMUNICATION + COLLABORATION

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Consistent Signage: Develop and implement a branding identity for Eddystone’s parks that includes consistent signage and promotional materials for all of Eddystone’s current and future

PROPOSED SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING AT THE INTERSECTION OF SAVILLE AVE. AND INDUSTRIAL HIGHWAY 291.

PROPOSED SIGNAGE DIRECTORY AT THE PLAZA AT DOM MARION FIELD

RECREATION + PLAY

CURRENT RECREATION & PROGRAMMING IN EDDYSTONE:

GENERAL RECREATION AND PROGRAMMING:

• Open Gym & Basketball: Lighthouse Hall gymnasium

• Tee Ball: Takes place at Dom Marion Field

RECREATION AND PROGRAMMING FUNDED BY THE EDDYSTONE

YOUTH FUND:

• Chester Upland Youth Soccer: Primarily use of Dom Marion field

• EDSI Workforce Development: Program for middle and high school students, life skills, pathway to college, self-awareness. Local pizza place provides dinner, and they play basketball whenever they meet. Used to be hosted at Lighthouse Hall (in the elementary school during renovations). This group primarily meets during the winter.

• Art and for All: In this theater program, participants are bused into the City of Philadelphia to attend workshops

• Coat and Hat Distribution: Happens on a seasonal basis

• Dolly Parton Imagination Library: This focus on youth literacy funded by Dolly Parton allows participants to receive one book per month

ADDITIONAL EDDYSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AFFILIATED

RECREATION AND PROGRAMMING INCLUDES:

• Basketball

• Softball

• Field Day

• Soccer for Success

• Story Hour

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• More programs for Youth: Introduce more programming for youth, particularly teens. Teens were identified as a group in need of more programming during after school hours. Many teens lose their community connection after elementary school, since they are bussed off for high school. Potential programs that serve their needs could include activities related to water sports and nature education, as well as sports.

• Inclusive programming: Create programming that prioritizes the needs of disabled and neuro-divergent members of the community. Consider these needs in current programming as well.

• Flag football programs: The Borough is currently considering a co-ed flag football program for Eddystone and surrounding communities that would occur in spring from April-June.

• Kickball: Introduce a program for kickball; we have heard from the community that “Eddystone kids love kickball.”

• Walking Groups: Create community walking groups and utilize current and proposed walking routes and trails

• Nature Education: Introduce nature education programming that brings in local experts and volunteers. Consider how the future proposed parks can support this.

• Water Recreation: Create programming related to water recreation such as fishing, kayaking and sailing. Consider how the future proposed parks can support this.

• Community Development for Youth: Introduce more programming for older kids to gain great community connection.

KEEPING PARKS CLEAN + SAFE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Lighting and safety: The Borough should evaluate lighting before the next stage of park development, as it was requested by many during the planning process. This would allow parks to feel safer, and lighting of courts and fields could expand recreational sports programming opportunities. The need for lighting in parks to prioritize overall safety in should be investigated further before investing in future park improvements.

• Trash and litter: Add trash and recycling receptacles at current and future parks to reduce litter, and develop a maintenance regimen for maintaining them.

• Informative signage: Include park guidelines and general rules in parks to cut down on litter and improve safety. This will be particularly important in the proposed future parks, such as the dog park areas.

CONNECTIVITY + SAFETY

PROPOSED CONNECTIVITY FRAMEWORK

These connectivity recommendations build on previous reports and recommendations from the following plans:

• 2018: EAST COAST GREENWAY (DELAWARE COUNTY PLANNING DEPT.)

• 2015: DELAWARE COUNTY OPEN SPACE, RECREATION AND GREENWAY PLAN (DELAWARE COUNTY PLANNING DEPT.)

• 2022: PA 291 INDUSTRIAL HIGHWAY CORRIDOR PLAN (TRAFFIC PLANNING & DESIGN, INC.)

For the 2022: PA 291 Industrial Highway Corridor Plan, engineers at Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. conducted a thorough analysis of traffic along the PA 291 corridor and determined that traffic could be accommodated with the removal of one east bound lane of traffic, and potentially even improved. Even if Eddystone is not able to implement this plan in full, aspects of the plan that include safe pedestrian and bike routes are recommended to be implemented to ensure safety and access for residents, especially in the context of the future waterfront park.

RECOMMENDATIONS

PRIORITY PEDESTRIAN AND BIKING ROUTES:

• A proposed walking route is shown in the map on right as a priority connection between parks in Eddystone. This area should be prioritized for streetscape improvements such as sidewalks, crosswalks, ADA-accessible curb ramps, and street trees.

UNDERPASSES AND HIGHWAYS:

• Underpasses and highway crossings along the proposed pedestrian routes should be prioritized for safe pedestrian and bike access. Diagrams in this section show the proposed framework for recommendations in these areas.

BIKING ROUTE SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING

WALKING ROUTE

ALTERNATE ROUTE UNDERPASSES

POTENTIAL 2ND STREET EXTENSION FOR TRUCK REROUTING

EAST COAST GREENWAY & HERITAGE TRAIL WALKING AND BIKING ROUTE

VILLAGE PLAYGROUND

PROPOSED UNDERPASS FRAMEWORK

NEIGHBORHOOD SIGNAGE / BRANDING

CREATIVE LIGHTING & COMMUNITY PAINTED MURAL AT UNDERPASSES

EDDYSTONE PARKS NOT IN SCOPE

EDDYSTONE PARKS IN SCOPE

SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL

SEPTA BUS ROUTES

SEPTA BUS STOPS

WALKING ROUTE

EAST COAST GREENWAY

BLUE-ROUTE BIKEWAY (EAST COAST GREENWAY CONNECTOR)

ALTERNATE BIKE ROUTE (DOES NOT CROSS HIGHWAY)

REBUILD CURBS & SIDEWALKS

“SHARROW” SYMBOL ON ROAD FOR BIKE SAFETY

VIEW

291 INDUSTRIAL HWY

VEGETATED BUFFER

PROPOSED WALKING AND BIKING ROUTE

NEW PLANTED BUFFER AND RECONFIGURED HIGHWAY LANES

EAST COAST GREENWAY

SHARED BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN ROUTE WITH NEW GREEN HUB & TREE PLANTING

EDDYSTONE PARKS NOT IN SCOPE

EDDYSTONE PARKS IN SCOPE

IMPERVIOUS SURFACES

SIDEWALK GAPS UNDERPASS

SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL

SEPTA BUS ROUTES

SEPTA BUS STOPS

WALKING ROUTE

EAST COAST GREENWAY

BLUE-ROUTE BIKEWAY (EAST COAST GREENWAY CONNECTOR)

ALTERNATE BIKE ROUTE (DOES NOT CROSS HIGHWAY)

REPAINT CROSSWALKS

ECOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS

PROPOSED GREEN HUBS + URBAN TREES

This map identifies opportunities for improving a system of enhanced “Green Hubs” that are opportunities for social and ecological park improvements. These “hubs” are catalyst sites for park improvements where other initiatives can be focused, such as potential locations for street tree planting. The plan shows conditions for proposed street tree planting, overhead utility locations where new street trees must be smaller than 15’ at maturity, and locations where street trees are not advised due to lack of space.

POTENTIAL RIPARIAN GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

OPPORTUNITY TO COLLABORATE WITH SEPTA FOR GREENING & ENHANCING SAFETY

POTENTIAL RIPARIAN GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

EAST COAST GREENWAY WALKING AND BIKING ROUTE

GROUND POWER LINES (NO TREES OVER 15’) POTENTIAL NEW STREET TREE LOCATIONS

VILLAGE HUB

CENTRAL HUB

ECOSYSTEM HEALTH + AIR QUALITY

Trees and vegetation not only offer shade and cooling, effectively reducing the heat island effect, but also act as natural filters, capturing and removing pollutants and efficiently storing water. Vibrant plant communities also enrich day-to-day life by providing habitat to other species and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR URBAN TREES AND GREEN HUBS:

• Develop and protect “Green Hubs”: These are catalyst sites for creating sites of natural respite as well as locations for functional green infrastructure that can mitigate natural hazards. “Green Hubs” are identified in the map to the left.

• Create and implement an Urban Forest plan: Prioritize planting street trees along the locations identified in the map to the left as “Potential Street Tree Locations” as well as “Above Ground Power Lines” locations where street trees can be planted but must be shorter than 15’ at maturity. Addressing the lack of shade trees was a key takeaway from the Ridley-Eddystone Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan (May 2011).

• Planted Buffers and Windbreaks: Utilize dense planted buffers and windbreaks to filter air and re-direct air pollution away from parks.

• Overall Air Quality Improvements: Explore possibilities for state/ federal air quality monitoring grants & engage with Aero Aggregate to reduce / filter emissions. For further resources, see:

• https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/grant-funding-address-indoor-air-pollution-schools

• https://www.epa.gov/grants/air-grants-and-funding

BENEFITS OF URBAN TREES

Filters air pollution

Cooling shade + natural beauty

Slows traffic

Mitigates flooding

Wildlife habitat

Cooling water vapor releases from leaves

ECOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS

GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES

GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE + WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS

The collective benefits of 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 and therefore improve the overall water quality of waterways.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Utilize green stormwater infrastructure: Implement elements such as permeable paving, green roofs, rain gardens, and natural solutions for stormwater filtration.

• Restore the wetlands: Eddystone should restore the wetland at the Future Delaware Waterfront site to enhance ecosystem function. When healthy, wetlands have a multitude of benefits including wave attenuation, flood mitigation, carbon storage, and habitat.

• Implement and protect forested riparian buffers along waterfronts at Ridley Creek, Crum Creek and the Delaware River: Riparian forest buffers act as important GSI by protecting streams and rivers from pollution and helping to mitigate flooding. A functional large scale riparian buffer allows for critical water filtering that enhances both water quality and volume of runoff into the watershed system. 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.

• Collaborate with municipalities upstream to restore impaired waters in the future: Opportunities include collaboration with the Darby Creek Valley Association (DVCA), and the Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association (CRC).

POTENTIAL TDML OUTCOMES AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

A TDML (Total Daily Maximum Load) is a calculated maximum pollutant amount that the EPA allows in a water body to meet water quality standards. It is recommended that the Borough applies for state grant funds to develop TDML data, and implement necessary processes for restoration of impaired waters to improve the water quality of creeks and waterways in Eddystone.

“The abandoned wooden pilings, piers and ramps within the river help to diminish the impact of wave action from passing ships on the river shoreline and may help to encourage the formation of tidal mudflats along this portion of the river...These small estuaries help support young fish populations, an essential ecological function of shallow water habitats along the river.”

-Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Index Summary

Source: Ridley Creek - Crum Creek Mouth Tidal Wetlands, Delaware County, PA Natural Heritage Inventory. https://www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us/cnhi/ cnhi/Ridley%20Creek%20-%20Crum%20Creek%20Mouth%20Tidal%20 Wetlands.pdf

PERMEABLE PAVING: PERMEABLE ASPHALT PATH IMAGE SOURCE: CREATIVE COMMONS

RETENTION/DETENTION BASINS IMAGE SOURCE: CREATIVE COMMONS

GREEN ROOFS

5: EXISTING PARKS

EXISTING PARKS

SUMMARY

This chapter includes recommendations for each of the three existing Eddystone Borough parks that were included in this study: Dom Marion Field, Dorothy Taylor Gotthardt Memorial Park / Playground and Village Playground & Eddystone Basketball Court. Each park section is organized into two parts: Existing Conditions, Design Recommendations & Cost Estimate.

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 2024. Escalation and contingency is not included in these calculations; estimates should be re-evaluated and updated for escalation in subsequent years.

DOM MARION FIELD

DOM MARION FIELD

DOM MARION FIELD

PROPOSED DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS ELEMENTS - FIELD

1. Enhance/widen vegetated buffer for air quality improvement and privacy/sound barrier to adjacent property and train tracks

2. Build a rain garden to offset impervious runoff from new basketball court paving

3. Add High School sized basketball court (50’x84’) with colorful mural painting on surface - (similar size to Village basketball court)

4. Add movable, ADA accessible spectator seating

5. Update track paving with stabilized stonefines or rubber surface

6. Remove pitching equipment and add picnic tables and bbq pits

7. Paint a non-slip street mural around the crosswalk to enhance safety and celebrate connection between the school and park

8. Gaga ball (15’ pit)

PROPOSED DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONSPLAZA

9. Add new seating and accessible paving to improve plaza with a focus on families + elders

10. Flexible lawn with games

11. Park directory signage

12. Native planting buffer

EDDYSTONE PARKS NOT IN SCOPE

EDDYSTONE PARKS IN SCOPE

IMPERVIOUS SURFACES

SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL

SEPTA BUS ROUTES

SEPTA BUS STOPS

FLEXIBLE LAWN FOR GAMES

NATIVE PLANTING BUFFER

WIDEN PATH FOR ACCESSIBILITY

WALKING ROUTE

EAST COAST GREENWAY

BLUE-ROUTE BIKEWAY (EAST COAST GREENWAY CONNECTOR)

ALTERNATE BIKE ROUTE (DOES NOT CROSS HIGHWAY)

SIDEWALK GAPS

VOICES OF EDDYSTONE

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Consider re-naming the plaza area as “Lighthouse Plaza”

“More outdoor game options, no hammocks”

“Please consider adding outdoor water fountains/ water bottle filling stations”

Source: 2024 Eddystone Parks & Recreation Survey #2 - March 19-April 3, 2024

1 Demolition & Site Preparation5,691SF 1 $ 5,691 $ For basketball court + plaza paving

2 Site grading 210SF 1 $ 210 $ For rain garden

3Concrete

4Surface Mural

$ 9th St. crosswalk street mural between Dom Marion and Eddystone Elementary (Could be acquired by donation/volunteers)

5Resurfacing stone fines path 1AL 1,065 $ 1,065 $ Allowance for resurfacing Stone fines at 10% cost of stonefines paving (assumes 10' width)

6Rain Garden 210SF 17 $ 3,570 $ To offset impervious surface of basketball court. Assumes 6" ponding depth

7Park trees ‐ 2" Caliper Bare Root6EA

8 Buffer trees (Eastern Edge)  ‐ 2" Caliper Bare Root 66EA

9 Buffer trees (Southern Edge)  ‐ 2" Caliper Bare Root 52EA

$

$ Small flowering trees in park interior. Could be acquired by donation, planting can be done by volunteers

Along entire eastern edge of field and playground. Assumes two alternating rows of native evergreen trees to provide buffer for air quality, and sound attenuation. Intersperse with existing trees.

Along entire southern edge of field. Assumes two alternating rows of native evergreen trees to provide buffer for air quality, and sound attenuation. Intersperse with existing trees.

10Plaza hedge ‐ Perennial shrubs ‐ 1 Gal86EA 30 $ 2,576 $ Native planting buffer next to plaza and at northeast edge of playground ‐  assumes triangular

DOROTHY TAYLOR GOTTHARDT MEMORIAL PARK / PLAYGROUND

EXISTING CONDITIONS

EDDYSTONE PARKS NOT IN SCOPE

EDDYSTONE PARKS IN SCOPE

SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL

SEPTA BUS ROUTES

SEPTA BUS STOPS

WALKING ROUTE

EAST COAST GREENWAY

BLUE-ROUTE BIKEWAY (EAST COAST GREENWAY CONNECTOR)

ALTERNATE BIKE ROUTE (DOES NOT CROSS HIGHWAY)

KEEP EXISTING PLAY EQUIPMENT (POTENTIAL TO RETROFIT/UPGRADE SWING SET WITH ADA AND MULTI-PERSON SWINGS)

ADD RUBBER SURFACING FOR ADA ACCESS AND GENERAL SAFETY

ADD LARGE BENCHES AND WOODEN CLIMBING ELEMENTS ALONG SOUTHERN EDGE OF PLAYGROUND

UPGRADE FENCE WITH A LOWER MORE WELCOMING DESIGN

DOROTHY TAYLOR GOTTHARDT MEMORIAL PARK / PLAYGROUND

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Prioritize accessible and inclusive play equipment in future upgrades to playground equipment

VOICES OF EDDYSTONE

“Thank you for being mindful of ADA accessibility”

“i think the fence should be replaced not taken down...” Source: 2024 Eddystone Parks & Recreation Survey #2 - March 19-April 3, 2024

“Love the idea of rubber and updating swings”

3Rock

VILLAGE PLAYGROUND & EDDYSTONE BASKETBALL COURT

EXISTING CONDITIONS

SPATIAL CHARACTER:

SPORTS:

COURTS, RECTANGULAR FIELDS: MULTI-PURPOSE

ZONING: RESIDENTIAL

EASEMENTS, DEED RESTRICTIONS, RIGHTS-OF-WAY: N/A

This map was created using ArcGIS Pro. Satellite Imagery: Google Earth Pro. Data sources: Delaware County Planning Department, Data Inventory, 2023; Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Elevation 5ft Interval Contours, 2005.

No tree cover/shade

Residents decorate seasonally and hold movie nights

Mature Dogwood Tree

New play equipment

OPEN LAWN WITH PARKING, LOOKING NORTH

BASKETBALL COURT, WITH SEASONAL DECORATIONS ON DONE BY RESIDENTS

OPEN LAWN WITH PARKING, LOOKING SOUTH

SMALL

SMALL PLAY AREA

VILLAGE PLAYGROUND & EDDYSTONE BASKETBALL COURT

PROPOSED DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Shelter with picnic tables and seating

2. Maintain area of flexible lawn for games

3. Plant shade trees for sun protection and native perennials for natural beauty and education

4. Winding nature paths with boulders and play elements for younger kids

5. Portable movie screen

6. ADA accessible path with native perennial wildflower planting

7. Court mural with painted games

8. Add water connection and power to park

9. Fence along property line

10. Rain garden to offset paving

SHADE TREES PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM SUMMER SUN AND ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY

SHELTER WITH PICNIC TABLES AND SEATING

COURT MURAL WITH PAINTED GAMES

FLEXIBLE LAWN FOR GAMES

NATURE PATHS WITH BOULDERS/PLAY ELEMENTS FOR YOUNGER KIDS

EDDYSTONE PARKS NOT IN SCOPE

EDDYSTONE PARKS IN SCOPE FOREST

IMPERVIOUS SURFACES

SIDEWALK GAPS UNDERPASS

SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL

SEPTA BUS ROUTES

SEPTA BUS STOPS

WALKING ROUTE

EAST COAST GREENWAY

BLUE-ROUTE BIKEWAY (EAST COAST GREENWAY CONNECTOR)

ALTERNATE BIKE ROUTE (DOES NOT CROSS HIGHWAY)

NATIVE PERENNIALS ENHANCE BEAUTY & PROVIDE NATURE EDUCATION

BENCHES IN INTERIOR OF PARK CREATE A SPACE FOR GATHERING

VILLAGE PLAYGROUND & EDDYSTONE BASKETBALL COURT

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Organize recurring movie nights

• Utilize the new park and picnic area for seasonal events

“I really like the notion of adding shelter especially if a storm comes in quickly, the kids can safely stay under until it passes” Source: 2024 Eddystone

“Not sure about built in BBQ”

COST ESTIMATE

2Concrete sidewalk 1,494SF

3Surface Mural

4Park trees ‐ 2" Caliper Bare Root4EA

5Perennial shrubs ‐

6Lawn ‐

7Meadow

Pathways and ground surface under shelter. Assumes 3' width path.

Basketball court mural (Could be acquired by donation/volunteers)

Small flowering trees to fit under wires. Could be acquired by donation, planting can be done by volunteers

Native planting‐ assumes triangular planting pattern, planted at 3'

Overseeding remaining lawn

Meadow buffer plantings. Spread rate: 10lbs/acre. Seed spreading and site prep can be done by volunteers 8Mulch

Assumes 3 tons various sized PA fieldstone boulders for use as stepping stones and sitting

6: PROPOSED PARKS

PROPOSED PARKS

SUMMARY

This chapter includes recommendations for the two proposed parks in Eddystone Borough that re referred to as the Future Eddystone Ave. Park and Future Waterfront Park. Since these two parks are adjacent to waterways, the first section of the chapter outlines the overall methodology and framework of designing for parks along water. Each park section is organized into two parts: Existing Conditions, Design Recommendat ions & Cost Estimate.

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 2024. Escalation and contingency is not included in these calculations; estimates should be re-evaluated and updated for escalation in subsequent years.

Additionally, Omnes has noted technical systems or structures that require further study before assigning cost to them; these have been noted in each estimate.

FUTURE WATERFRONT PARK

FUTURE EDDYSTONE AVE. PARK SITE

Mature Sycamore Tree

OPEN LAWN BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL LOTS, LOOKING NORTH

OPEN LAWN BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL LOTS, LOOKING SOUTH

VEGETATION

EDGE OF CREEK

SMALL BERM ADJACENT TO CREEK

VIEW TO CREEK

FUTURE EDDYSTONE AVE PARK SITE

PROPOSED DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. New swings

2. Native low-maintenance flowering trees

3. 10ft wide evergreen privacy and sound buffer for neighbors

4. Small fenced in dog run with natural turf

5. Picnic area with tables + round bench

6. Play area with ADA accessible and inclusive natural play elements

7. Overlook deck with fishing access

8. Potential future kayak/canoe launch ramp with gated access

9. Clear invasive species and restore planted riparian buffer with native perennials and grasses

10. Preserve and protect mature Sycamore tree on site

POTENTIAL FUTURE

KAYAK/CANOE LAUNCH WITH GATED ACCESS

EDDYSTONE

EDDYSTONE PARKS IN SCOPE

FISHING OVERLOOK

PICNIC AND SEATING AREA

SMALL FENCED IN DOG RUN WITH NATURAL TURF

SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL

SEPTA BUS ROUTES

SEPTA BUS STOPS WALKING ROUTE

EAST COAST GREENWAY

BLUE-ROUTE BIKEWAY (EAST COAST GREENWAY CONNECTOR)

ALTERNATE BIKE ROUTE (DOES NOT CROSS HIGHWAY)

AREA WITH ADA ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE NATURAL PLAY ELEMENTS ADA ACCESSIBLE RUBBER FLOORING

FUTURE EDDYSTONE AVE PARK SITE

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• The proposed dog park may be complicated to implement due to its proximity to the creek and location in the regulatory floodplain. If the dog park is not implemented, this area can be used as a flexible lawn or meadow.

What activities or elements would you like to see at a new park at this location? Choose up to 5.

Pollinator gardens for birds, bees, and butterflies

Native plants & habitat restoration

Fishing access

Scenic creek overlook

Community gardens

Playground equipment

Small, non-motorized boat access (for kayaks, canoes, etc)

Picnic or BBQ area

Dog park

Pavilion for small group rental/ reservation

Sport court (eg. basketball, pickleball, tennis, etc.)

Open lawn

Public art or sculpture

Other

WRITE IN RESPONSES FOR “OTHER”:

• Skatepark(2 mentions)

• Wildlife shelters/bird houses(1 mention)

• A Marina(1 mention)

• disc golf(1 mention)

• Splash pad or other working water sprays for summer(1 mention)

Source:

VOICES OF EDDYSTONE:

“Keep spaces that restore natural habitats and teach the community the value of pollinator gardens. Prevent Silent Spring!”

“We need more green space!”

“... Eddystone needs to better for the children!”

Source: 2024 Eddystone Parks & Recreation Survey #1- January 8-February 11 2024

1Demolition & Site Preparation16884SF 1 $ 16,884 $

2Site grading 300SF 1 $ 300 $ Rain gardens

3Tree/brush thinning 1AL 1,000 $ 1,000 $ Clear invasive species and any dead/diseased plants

4Deck

5Boardwalk 17LF

$ Ramp connection to fishing platform

6Concrete pathway 1300SF 10 $ 13,000 $ Assumes 10' width pathway

7Play area surfacing 1741SF 20 $ 34,820 $ At play areas

8Rock substrate for play surfacing1741SF 4 $ 6,964 $

9Permeable Pavers 1252SF 30 $ 37,560 $ Picnic and seating area

10Park trees ‐ 2" Caliper Bare Root8EA

$

$ Small flowering trees to fit under wires. Could be acquired by donation, planting can be done by volunteers 11Perennial plants 6846SF 5

12Buffer trees  ‐ 2" Caliper Bare Root176EA 100 $

$ Assumes 25% perennials and 75% seeded low‐grow lawn

Assumes one row of native evergreen trees spaced at 10' on center to provide buffer for visual privacy and sound attenuation for adjacent neighbors

13Dog Park Lawn ‐ seeded 21LB 1 $ 21 $ Dog parks and remaining lawn near dog park

14Riparian restoration 1602SF

& live staking at edges 15Rain

FUTURE DELAWARE WATERFRONT PARK

FUTURE DELAWARE WATERFRONT PARK

DESIGN PRINCIPLES & EDGE CONDITIONS

WEDG DESIGN PRINCIPLES

The design of the waterfront parks utilized many recommendations from a program called WEDG, and Omnes has a certified professional to develop sustainable waterfront designs. WEDG® (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) is a rating system that recognizes developers and landowners for resilient, ecological, and accessible design at the water’s edge. The system was developed by the Waterfront Alliance through a consortium of international engineers, designers, and professionals. WEDG guides projects to incorporate sea level rise and other risk factors into the site planning process from the beginning, enabling the project’s design to mitigate current and future risk. A commitment to WEDG Verification tells community members and elected officials that a development will bring significant benefits and great public spaces to a community.

The principles of resilience, ecology and access provide a framework for public spaces that can reduce risks and build ecological function while providing equitable community access.

EDGE CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

The edge condition of waterfronts have potential to positively impact the ecological and hydrological conditions of a site. Omnes’ team identified various edge conditions along the waterfront, ranging from human-made bulkheads to the soft edges and estuarine mudflats of the inner site. This analysis helped the team to determine where restoration was beneficial, and where sinuous, soft edges could help deflect and break wave energy to help with minimizing erosion - especially during storm events.

• REDUCE RISKS

• ADAPT TO CLIMATE HAZARDS

• PREPARE FOR FLOODING HEAT AND STORMS

• PROTECT AQUATIC UPLAND HABITATS

• USE DESIGNS, MATERIALS AND SHORELINE CONFIGURATIONS TO IMPROVE ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION

• BE EQUITABLE + INFORMED BY THE COMMUNITY

• ENHANCE PUBLIC ACCESS

• MAXIMIZE THE DIVERSITY OF THE WATERFRONT

POTENTIAL 2ND ST. EXTENSION FOR TRUCK REROUTING

DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION:

The design flood elevation is a minimum elevation to which a structure must be elevated or flood-proofed. Omnes utilized design principles with WEDG to determine the future design flood elevation for the park and its site elements, which will help protect critical infrastructure during flood and storm events.

WEDG Requirements advise that the building or structure elevations be set at two feet (minimum one foot) above the base flood elevation. In addition to that, Omnes also accounted for sea level rise +4.5 feet. An alternative approach to adding the “worst case” sea level rise would be to elevate the base flood elevation 1-2 feet outside of the .2% annual flood event FEMA flood line.

FUTURE DELAWARE WATERFRONT PARK

IMPLEMENTATION

Omnes’ team analyzed the sectional conditions of the water’s edge to discover the potential for site access, as well as integration of buffers and restored estuarine mudflats. The waterfront site has enormous complexity, including its characteristics as a post-industrial brownfield site; a Coastal Zone Management Area site; adjacent to an active port at Penn Terminals; and a potential critical habitat zone within an estuarine mudflat identified by PA PNDI mapping. The site should undergo a detailed Phase 2 environmental assessment to determine the level and locations of soil contamination on site.

The Borough should engage Delaware County Planning Commission and Delaware Valley Planning Commission in discussions on the implementation of the waterfront park, and how it can tie into regional planning goals. They can also serve as a resource for navigating the challenges of project planning and permitting paths, which are multi-layered.

Before embarking on the design of the waterfront park, the Borough should commission an ecological assessment and delineation to determine the exact extents of wetland conditions, as well as the potential species of concern noted on page 28 – the Peregrine Falcon, Indian Wild Rice, and Alewife Floater Mussel. The potential species of concern have federal protections that could prohibit development within their habitat. This baseline ecological information will determine the feasibility of the proposed conceptual plan, and what level of waterfront access is possible.

Water quality and TMDL monitoring should be discussed with PA’s Department of Environmental Protection for the waterfront park, as well as the Ridley Creek park site. Because of degraded water quality, recreational access is limited along Eddystone’s waterways (see page 29). Study and enhancement of water quality and use of buffers and green infrastructure improvement could shift allowable uses into the future.

The design of the waterfront park will require a multidisciplinary team

to address the various design aspects of the park, and the Omnes team recommends the following disciplines: Landscape Architect, Ecologist, Civil Engineer (civil, stormwater, permitting), Marine / Hydrological Engineer, Structural Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Lighting Designer, Signage Designer, Cost Estimator, Resiliency/Sustainability expert. The potential restaurant element could also necessitate an Architect, Interior Designer, Structural Engineer, Electrical Engineer, MEP Engineer, and specialty restaurant consultant.

PERMITTING

Implementing a public space along Eddystone’s waterfront will be a multi-year effort that requires cooperation, permits, and approvals from multiple entities. Omnes has noted (at right) the potential agencies that have jurisdiction in this area – whether for permitting or simply approvals. These include federal, state, and local governments and agencies that have special interest in the success of the DEP-managed Coastal Management Zone.

At a federal level, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be involved due to Section 10 of the River and Harbor Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (Clean Water Act) which require permitting for any structures or work within or impacting the navigable waters. The navigable waters will also be subject to discussion and coordination with the Philadelphia Port Corporation and Penn Terminals to minimize the conflict between docking of large ships and safe recreation along the water’s edge.

SOURCES

In addition to working with a marine/civil engineer with permitting knowledge, the Omnes team recommends the following resources as resources for guideline for permitting resources:

• Delaware Valley Planning Commission Waterfront Developers Permit Handbook: https:// www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CZIC-ht168-p55-w38-1989/html/CZIC-ht168-p55-w38-1989. htm

• PA Coastal Zone Task Force: https://www.delcopa.gov/planning/programsandinitiatives/ CoastalZoneTaskForce.html

POTENTIAL PERMIT & APPROVAL BODIES

LOCAL

PERMITS & APPROVALS

• Local Permit Authority - Eddystone Borough

• Delaware River Basin Commission

• Delaware County Planning Commission

• Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

• Delaware River Port Authority

• Philadelphia Port Corporation

STATE

PERMITS & APPROVALS

• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources

• Department of Environmental Protection: NPDES Stormwater Permit, through the Delaware County Conservation District

• Pennsylvania Division of Coastal Zone Management

• Pennsylvania Fish Commission

• Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

• Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs

FEDERAL

PERMITS & APPROVALS

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - structures in navigable waters, dredging activities

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

• National Marine Fisheries Services

NECESSARY ACTIONS

• Site Surveys

• Soil Testing

• Act II Brownfields Assessment

• Wetland Delineation

• Potential Ecological/Species Studies for protected species listed in PA Natural Diversity Inventory, etc.

EDGE CONDITIONS ANALYSIS: CROSS SECTIONS OF THE FUTURE WATERFRONT PARK SITE

FUTURE DELAWARE WATERFRONT PARK

OUTDOOR DINING DESIGN GUIDELINES

A restaurant could be an element within the waterfront park that activates the space throughout many seasons. Though a restaurant was not included as a top priority for the community, the Omnes team studied this site element per Borough Staff’s request. Addition of a restaurant would require parking and utility access to the site.

If a restaurant was not desired or feasible in the future, an open-air picnic pavilion could be included in its place.

PROPOSED DESIGN:

DINING

9,000 SF

PARKING REQUIREMENTS:

Per Eddystone’s SALDO, 60 Parking spaces are required for the size of the proposed structure (<9,720 SF) + 0.5 spaces per employee

SCALE COMPARISONS:

CODE REFERENCES:

RATIOS:

295-58

1. Restaurant - Sit-down: 1 for every 150 square feet of gross floor area, plus 1 for every 2 employees on the greatest shift

2. Restaurant - Drive-through: 1 for every 75 square feet of gross floor area, plus 1 for every 2 employees on the shift of greatest employment

REQUIRED PARKING SPACE SIZE:

§ 295-59

• The size of parking spaces shall be nine feet by 18 feet.

FOOD TRUCKS:

§ 152-2 Operation prohibited.

It is hereby prohibited for any person, individual, firm, corporation, association, partnership and/or any legal entity to operate any mobile food establishment within the Borough of Eddystone.

CEDAR’S

MORGAN’S

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK EXCERPTS

Should a future park here be a more active or natural place?

If a new park is created at this waterfront site, how would you travel to visit it?

More ACTIVE with elements like a marina, restaurant, and performance space

More NATURAL with elements like trails, scenic overlooks, and areas for fishing & boating

An EVEN MIX of active and natural elements

Source: 2024 Eddystone Parks & Recreation Survey - #1, Question 6, January 8-February 11 2024

I would drive I would walk or bike

I would take the bus

I would take the bus Other

Boat 33.33% (3 mentions)

Drive 44.44% (4 mentions)

Source: 2024 Eddystone Parks & Recreation Survey - #1, Question 8, January 8-February 11 2024

What activities or elements would you like to see at a new park at this location? Choose up to 5.

Walking & biking trails

Natural areas and trails

Fishing pier

Native plants & habitat restoration

Playground equipment

Picnic and BBQ areas

Scenic vistas and overlooks

Café or restaurant

Non-motorized boat launch (for kayaks, canoes, etc)

Splash pad / water recreation

Elevated boardwalk

Events, performances, and festivals

Dog park

Public boat marina

Sport courts (eg. basketball, pickleball, tennis, etc.)

Pavilions for small group rental/ reservation

Public art & sculpture

Other:

Recreation fields (eg. soccer, baseball, football, etc.)

Skate Park 33.33% (3 mentions)

Source: 2024 Eddystone Parks & Recreation Survey - #1, Question 7, January 8-February 11 2024

EDDYSTONE PARKS NOT IN SCOPE

EDDYSTONE PARKS IN SCOPE

RESTORED WETLAND FOREST BUFFER & HABITAT FOR RIVERINE SPECIES (INCLUDING SPECIES OF CONCERN PEREGRINE FALCON)

ACCESSIBLE BOARDWALK

BUILT ON HISTORIC WW2

SHIPBUILDING PIER

RESTORED RARE RIVERINE EMERGENT TIDAL WETLAND

WETLAND ACCESS FOR RESTORATION PLANTING

SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL

SEPTA BUS ROUTES

SEPTA BUS STOPS

WALKING ROUTE EAST COAST GREENWAY

BLUE-ROUTE BIKEWAY (EAST COAST GREENWAY CONNECTOR)

ALTERNATE BIKE ROUTE (DOES NOT CROSS HIGHWAY)

BOAT MARINA IN DELAWARE RIVER CONNECTED TO A SYSTEM OF BOARDWALKS WATER PATHS FOR KAYAKS & CANOES AT HIGH-TIDE

PLANTED RESTORATION OF NATIVE WETLAND SPECIES (INCLUDING SPECIES OF CONCERN , INDIAN WILD RICE AND ALEWIFE FLOATER MUSSEL)

FUTURE DELAWARE WATERFRONT PARK

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Temporary food vendors such as food trucks and small seasonal outdoor vendors along the boardwalk can act as an alternative to the large restaurant.

• Another alternative to the restaurant could be an open-air pavilion that can be used for picnicking or environmental education.

VOICES OF EDDYSTONE:

“...Don’t make it a commercial place, no one will go there for that when there’s so many better options on the river close by (that don’t contend with the air issues we do...

Focus on the environment while making it a welcoming, safe place for RESIDENTS rather than trying to bring in outsiders.”

“If you develop the water front I think a pedestrian overpass across the Industrial Highway is a top priority.”

“A Marina with a Restaurant would be very nice.”

“Open space, walking trails, boat rental”

COST ESTIMATE

2Woodland

7: MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS

MAINTENANCE BENCHMARKING

MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS BUDGETS

According to the National Recreation and Planning Association’s (NRPA) 2023 Agency Performance Review, the average maintenance and operations expenditures in American parks per capita is $94.77. Given a population size of 2,459 (2020 Decennial Census) the projected expenditure for Eddystone would be $233,039.

When maintenance expenditures are calculated using NRPA’s 2023 Agency Performance Review based on park acreage, the projected maintenance for Eddystone’s 5.77 acres of existing parks is $42,629. This is based on NRPA’s recommended expenditure of $7,388 per acre of park. In the future if the Eddystone Ave. park site and Delaware River waterfront parks are added to the park system, then the projected expenditure assumption should rise to $119,696.

These numbers are meant to be baseline references to gauge current and future park expenditures. We have often found that the maintenance per acreage is a more realistic estimate than the cost per capita.

MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS STAFFING

According to the NRPA’s 2023 Agency Performance Review, the average maintenance and operations staffing in American parks per 10,000 residents is 8.9 Full-time equivalent (FTE) staff members. Given a population size of 2,459 (2020 Decennial Census) then the projected staffing for Eddystone would be 2.2 FTE staff members.

Currently the maintenance of parks occurs one day per week, but will likely need to increase to 2-2.5 days with the addition of the new parks. Norm Quinn is the foreman for maintenance, and the Borough Manager is the point person.

$233,039 / YR EDDYSTONE PARK ACREAGE 5.77 ACRES (EXISTING PARKS ONLY) 16.2 ACRES (EXISTING AND FUTURE PARKS)

$119,686 / YR (EXISTING AND FUTURE PARKS)

MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES

OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS

Eddystone Borough should continue evolving it's maintenance and operations practices to meet the needs of the community as well as ecologically-friendly practices. This section outlines recommendations for maintenance guidelines and practices that will help Eddystone's Parks thrive in the future.

CREATING STANDARDS & GOALS

It is recommended that Eddystone 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 powered 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-andscorecard

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

TRANSITIONING PARK EQUIPMENT

To address older park equipment, Eddystone 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. New technology should be assessed every few years while it continues to develop.

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.

Resource:

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

BUILDING A COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER BASE

Eddystone should build on its community volunteer base, as this is an invaluable resource that can contribute to the town’s progress and vibrancy. By fostering and expanding this volunteer network, Eddystone can 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 Eddystone Borough’s future. The maintenance recommendations detailed in this chapter offer opportunities for volunteer involvement.

MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES

MAINTENANCE TASKS FOR EACH PARK

This chart identifies general maintenance tasks for each park. General guidelines associated with maintenance are included in the section that follows.

DOROTHY TAYLOR GOTTHARDT

MEMORIAL PARK / PLAYGROUND DOM MARION FIELD VILLAGE

& EDDYSTONE

MAINTENANCE TASKS:

URBAN TREE CARE

RESTORATION, MANAGEMENT & RIPARIAN FOREST BUFFERS

PERENNIAL GARDENS / MEADOWS

RAIN GARDENS

LAWN CARE

HARDSCAPE PATHWAYS

BOARDWALKS, PLATFORMS & BRIDGES

SNOW REMOVAL

NATURAL TURF

COURTS

MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES & RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations are general guidelines for maintenance in future conditions of Eddystone’s parks and are intended to enhance and amplify existing practices. Resources and references are included in some sections for further information. 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

URBAN TREES

• ARBORIST ASSESSMENT: Perform an arborist assessment of all trees in public spaces. This should be repeated at a minimum of every three years.

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

• 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 resources available through the Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) Tree Tenders within the community, which offers free planting material and knowledge for building an urban tree canopy - with a goal of minimum 40-50% coverage. Certified Tree Tenders hold knowledge of tree care and can be leaders within the community for planting and tree care days. Currently, there are no Tree Tenders groups in Eddystone, but a group can be formed by three PHS-trained “graduates” that live in the same community.

• 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-a300-standards/#:~:text=They%20are%20voluntary%20 industry%20consensus,trees%2C%20shrubs%2C%20and%20other%20woody

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

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

GREENWAYS

• WHAT IS A GREENWAY? Greenways refer to the larger wooded areas such as at the future Delaware River waterfront park, or even the small area along the Eddystone Avenue lot site. 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.

• ANNUAL CLEANUP: Annual clean-ups of these areas are recommended to keep the areas free of litter.

• RESOURCES:

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

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

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

MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES

• INFILTRATION TESTING: 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/rain-gardens

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

SURFACES & PATHWAYS

• 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 in the spring.

• PERMEABLE PAVING: Maintenance varies among products and systems, follow manufacturers/contractors recommendations. They often need sand joints repaired every year or so, depending upon wear. Settling may also require re-setting of the pavers for even grading conditions.

• BOARDWALKS, PLATFORMS & BRIDGES: Observation of structural damage should be monitored and repaired to ensure safe usage. Routine maintenance will include cleaning of litter and surface, seasonal power-washing, and boardwalk maintenance and repair.

• 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.

• SNOW REMOVAL: It is assumed that some hard-paved areas will receive snow management in the winter. De-icer 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.

• RUBBER PLAY SURFACE: Maintenance varies among products but will generally be low maintenance and include monitoring and cleaning. Follow manufacturers/contractors recommendations to avoid using any solvents that may impact the material’s integrity or warranty.

• 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.

• RESOURCES:

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

SPORTS 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 re-coating courts as needed.

• STORAGE: Remove nets during winter months to prevent cold weather stress. Store portable nets such as pickleball and basketball nets.

• FENCING INSPECTION: Examine fencing for damage and issues and repair as necessary.

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.

• FALL ZONES: 72” around perimeter of amenities that are taller than 30”

• ADA ACCESS: 60” minimum width for paths, 80” min overhead clearance, and a 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

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.

• SAFETY MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Safety recommendations include proper spacing and materials for safe access and play activities. The following standards are recommended for safety:

• ENTRANCE/TRANSITION AREA: Entrances should include a separate transition area before the off-leash area. These areas are more heavily trafficked which will compact soil over time. Use concrete or 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 low-maintenance, 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, 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” as a compacted layer.

• RESOURCES:

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

• 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

VOLUNTEERISM

• CIVIC STEWARDSHIP: Eddystone should leverage its 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. Eddystone 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. A few opportunities and examples are listed in this section.

• COMMUNITY REPORTING: Allow community members to report small maintenance items like broken benches, pruning, etc. through e-mail or social media. Include contact info in park signage so people can have a relationship with Borough and be the “eyes and ears” of the park system.

• COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Use social media to advertise community volunteer days and other events. 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.

• RIPARIAN BUFFER PLANTING & CARE: Organize a group to plant and care for Riparian Forest Buffers along Ridley Creek and the Delaware River. 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

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 6 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

8: PHASING & IMPLEMENTATION

INTRODUCTION

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, costintensive projects for later phases.

PARK PRIORITIZATION:

The order shown below was decided on by the planning team and steering committee for park phasing and prioritization. Multiple factors were considered to inform the phasing strategy which are highlighted below:

• #1 Future Eddystone Ave. Park: This park already has grant funding and therefore should be prioritized for implementation.

• #2 Village Playground: This park has an achievable proposed design with a relatively low cost estimate, and high impact for improvement.

• #3 Dom Marion Field & #4 Dorothy Gotthardt Playground: These parks are already functional and well used, and improvements will enhance these aspects.

• #5 Future Waterfront Park: This park development will be complex and costly, and therefore will be a longer-term development.

ELEVATION 5FT CONTOURS

EDDYSTONE PARKS NOT IN SCOPE

EDDYSTONE PARKS IN SCOPE FOREST

IMPERVIOUS SURFACES

DELAWARE COUNTY OPEN SPACE

DOROTHY TAYLOR GOTTHARDT PLAYGROUND

FUTURE WATERFRONT PARK

GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

INTRODUCTION

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.

This section identifies grants for which the Borough of Eddystone 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 & Resiliency

These grants may be pursued according to the short-, mid-, or longterm 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

TRAILS & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

MAJOR AREAS OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

STORMWATER, ECOLOGY & RESILIENCY

OPPORTUNITIES

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

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)

Grants and technical assistance for eligible municipalities as identified under Pennsylvania Act 179 of 1984 as amended, for any eligible community development activities.

https://dced.pa.gov/programs/community-development-block-grant-cdbg/

• FUNDING: Entitlement funding is set by Act 179 formula. Competitive Program has a minimum request of $100,000 and has no ceiling limit.

• ELIGIBILITY: Entitlement program which provides annual funding

to designated municipalities

• Competitive program is available to all municipalities that are not direct federal recipients of CDBG funds and state Act 179 entitlement municipalities with a population less than 10,000

• APPLICATIONS: ~Oct. 20 (Entitlement Submission) ~Feb. 2

(Application Submission)

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 low-income neighborhoods. Orchard donations are available for recipients who pledge to care for their trees and utilize them for a charitable purpose. The program alleviates hunger, combats global warming, strengthens communities, and improves the surrounding air, soil, and water.

https://www.ftpf.org/apply

• 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.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open municipalities, schools, and child-serving 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

GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

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.

MAJOR 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 well-being, 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/nonfederal 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 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.

• 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).

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

RiversConservationandCommunityWatershedForestryGrants/Pages/default.aspx

• 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. 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, prequalified 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

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

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

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

• 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

PetSafe offers an annual grant funding competition for communities across the country to build or enhance off-leash 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.

https://petsafeunleashed.petsafe.com/

• FUNDING: $15,000-$50,000.

• ELIGIBILITY: Entries must be supported by a 501c3 or local municipality for the proposed dog park project.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Oct. 15

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.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Aug. 15

TRAILS & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS GRANTS

AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quickaction 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 (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 are available to implement a “walk audit” to assess and enhance the safety and walkability of a street or neighborhood.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities.

• APPLICATIONS: ~March 15

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAM (ATIIP)

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/active-transportation-infrastructure-investmentprogram/

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

AMERICAN TRAILS CAPACITY PROGRAM

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.

https://www.americantrails.org/resources/apply-for-the-trails-capacity-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 eligibility and project requirements.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/funding/funding_opportunities.cfm

• FUNDING, ELIGIBITY AND 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-recreation-program-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

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-now-available/

• FUNDING: Up to $30,000 and must include a 1:1 match (cash or inkind).

• 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/

• 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 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.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to U.S. states, territories, local governments, and other multi-jurisdictional entities.

• APPLICATIONS: ~May 31

RECONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS PROGRAM

Under the US DOT, the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program combines the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) and Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) programs 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

• 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.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to states; units of local government; non-profits and others.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Sept. 28

SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL (SS4A)

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 routes to parks, connectors between green spaces, etc.

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

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.

https://weconservepa.org/trails/regional-trail-grants

• 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 local governments and nonprofit organizations.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Jan. 25

GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

STORMWATER, ECOLOGY & RESILIENCY

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 naturebased 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-RevolvingFund.aspx

• FUNDING: Varies

• ELIGIBILITY: Local Pennsylvania governments

• APPLICATIONS: Varies

PA DEP COASTAL ZONE GRANTS

Pennsylvania’s Coastal Resources Management (CRM) Program receives an annual grant award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This award provides for a portion of the funds to be used for eligible projects that address one or more of the priority areas of the CRM program. Applications are evaluated and awarded through a competitive process. The funds are distributed through sub-grant awards to state and local government agencies as well as

nonprofit groups located in or having facilities in the Delaware Estuary or Lake Erie Coastal Zones. Eligible projects are reviewed by program staff, two local Coastal Zone Advisory Committees, and the State Coastal Zone Advisory Committee and are evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Grant Application.

https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/Compacts%20and%20Commissions/Coastal%20 Resources%20Management%20Program/Pages/Grants.aspx

• ELIGIBILITY:

• Local governments – counties and municipalities.

• Area-wide agencies – county and regional planning agencies.

• State agencies.

• Educational institutions – school districts, colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning.

• Conservation districts, port authorities and public authorities.

• Incorporated nonprofits including 501(c)(3), organizations that are eligible to receive federal grants.

• APPLICATIONS: Varies

DELAWARE WATERSHED CONSERVATION FUND

The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund was launched in 2018 to conserve and restore natural areas, corridors and waterways on public and private lands that support native fish, wildlife and plants, and to contribute to the vitality of the communities in the Delaware River watershed. Priority strategies for on-the-ground implementation include sustaining and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat; improving and maintaining water quality for fish, wildlife and people; sustaining and enhancing water management to benefit fish and wildlife; and improving outdoor recreational opportunities within the Delaware River watershed.

https://www.nfwf.org/programs/delaware-river-program

• FUNDING: Varies

• ELIGIBILITY: Projects under the fund are implemented entirely within the Delaware River watershed. The fund’s investments target areas of regional significance for restoration and conservation in

order to support ongoing efforts, increase capacity, and facilitate maximum adaptive potential in changing watershed conditions.

• APPLICATIONS: ~March 28

DELAWARE RIVER RESTORATION FUND

The Delaware River Restoration Fund was launched in late 2013 to help community-based nonprofits and government agencies work together to clean up and restore polluted waters and improve habitat for target species, including eastern brook trout and river herring.

https://www.nfwf.org/programs/delaware-river-program?activeTab=tab-1

• FUNDING: Awards approximately $2 million per year

• ELIGIBILITY: Three priority strategies: stewardship of working lands and delivery of agriculture conservation practices; restoration of wetlands, floodplains and stream corridors; and promoting adoption of green infrastructure in urban/suburban landscapes

• APPLICATIONS: Varies

FIVE STAR AND URBAN WATERS RESTORATION PROGRAM

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 on improving water quality, watersheds, and the species and habitats they support. Priorities include on-the-ground 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-Five-Star-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 flood risk in the watershed.

https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Growing-Greener/Pages/default.aspx

• FUNDING: $500,000 maximum request

• 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 and multifunctional buffers that harvest products such as nuts, berries, woody florals, forbs, and potentially woody biomass in addition to 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 forest buffers. Multifunctional buffers are encouraged, including those that provide opportunities for harvesting products such as nuts, berries, woody florals, forbs, and potentially woody biomass. 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 COASTAL RESILIENCY GRANTS

The Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission compiled grants related to coastal resiliency such as flood prevention. Categories include FEMA grants, other federal grants, state grants, regional, county, and local funding, and private sector grants. List of associated grants can be accessed at the bottom of their website: https://www.dvrpc.org/resiliency/coastal/

• FUNDING, ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATIONS: Varies

PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TREE FOR WATERSHEDS GRANT PROGRAM

This grant program helps municipalities, nonprofits, and landowners plant trees along streams, upland areas, and natural stormwater basins.

https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/watersheds-grant-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.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Oct. 31

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-grant-program

• 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/community-giving/

• FUNDING: No set amount.

• ELIGIBILITY: Open to 501(c)(3) organizations, qualified governmental agencies, and public school or school system.

• APPLICATIONS: ~Oct. 1

Landscape Architecture, Planning & Art

www.omnes.studio