SCHEDULE
ENGAGE
ANALYZE
IMPLEMENT
FINAL REPORT
MASTER PLAN PROJECT GOALS
LENSES OF STUDY
PLAY & RECREATION
• Enhance recreational use
• More usable recreation space for sports fields and playground equipment
• Increase park safety and usability for spectators at sports fields
• Evaluate and improve playground and park usage
• Expand opportunities for children and families
UTILIZATION & PROGRAMMING
• Consider other recreational uses for the parks
• Consider how park edges can be utilized / offer additional amenities
• Evaluate park system as a whole - are there parks that are over utilized / under utilized?
• Utilize all parks for all residents - expand the park users
• Provide amenities for pet owners - dog park
• Better utilize existing park spaces
• Expand park areas
ECOLOGY
• Enhance environmental use
• Conserve open space and natural features
• Native plantings, increased tree canopy, stormwater management, and BMP’s
• Increase tree cover and improve local ecologies
• Provide beautification through native plants
• Integrate stormwater management through green infrastructure
COMMUNITY / CONNECTIVITY
• Connect communities, their cultural resources, and natural features
• Safe, accessible and connected parks
• Improve pedestrian and bicycle access to parks and playgrounds
• Provide a space where the community can gather and connect with one another
• Create engagement through collective community spaces
FEASIBILITY
• Develop cost and phasing options with a clear and realistic path forward
• Provide spaces for the community to utilize such as community gardens
INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
EXISTING PARK SYSTEM
CATALOGUE OF ASSETS
• Eight Borough-owned parks and natural lands
• Four under 1 acre in size and predominately passive in nature with lawn and benches
• Four larger scale parks above one acre with sports fields, playgrounds and walking paths
BOROUGH PARKS INCLUDED IN MASTER PLAN
PARKS NOT INCLUDED IN MASTER PLAN
SURROUNDING PARKS
WOODED AREAS
RECREATION AREAS
UNDEVELOPED LAND TRAILS
SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL STOP
SEPTA BUS STOP
TROLLEY STOP
REGIONAL CONTEXT AND THE RESIDENTS OF ALDAN
4,244
80-84
75-79
70-74
65-69
60-64
55-59
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10 to 1 4
85 and over 135 110 134 48 257 127 39 71 49 67 126 189 85 117 177 230 78 102 226 117 139 128 136 305 192 205 125 81 113 93 4 65 5 43 18 78
$75,469 5 to 9
48.7% Male Female 51.3%
Median Household Income
NORTH 6
PARK SYSTEM CATALOGUE
14.6 ACRES OF PARKS
553 RESIDENTS PER PARK
PARK SYSTEM BENCHMARKING
CONNECTIVITY
SIDEWALKS AND CROSSWALKS
• Constructing missing sidewalk and crosswalk connections adjacent to parks should be prioritized to ensure safe access to parks
REGIONAL TRAILS
• Potential multi-use trail connector along Lobbs Run could connect to the Darby Creek trail network as indicated within the Four Borough Comprehensive Plan
BIKE AMENITIES
• The Four Borough Comprehensive Plan indicates Clifton Ave, Springfield Ave and Providence Road as locations for proposed bike routes that would be designated via ‘Share the Road’ signage but no on street striping
5-MIN WALKING RADIUS FROM PARKS
POTENTIAL MULTI-USE TRAILS
TRAILS
EXISTING SIDEWALKS
PRIORITY SIDEWALK GAPS
SIDEWALK GAPS
ONE-SIDE CROSSWALK GAPS
PRIORITY CROSSWALK GAPS
EXISTING CROSSWALKS
SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL STOP
SEPTA BUS STOP
TROLLEY STOP
BALTIMORE PIKE BIKE ROUTE
BIKE FRIENDLY ROADS
PROPOSED BIKE ROUTES
PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE GREENSPACE
92% PRIVATELY OWNED + INACCESSIBLE GREENSPACE
PRIVATE LAND IS A KEY PLAYER IN ENHANCING THE LARGER LANDSCAPE
8% PUBLIC GREENSPACE*
PRIVATELY OWNED AND INACCESSIBLE GREEN SPACE PUBLIC GREEN SPACE
PRIVATELY-OWNED PUBLIC GREEN SPACE
Map of Aldan Borough Public Vs. Private Greenspace.POTENTIALS OF PRIVATE GREENSPACE
INCREASE BIODIVERSITY + HABITAT
• Native flower meadows and trees provide food and shelter for insects and birds, and reduces the need for pesticides
PROTECT WATER HEALTH
• Native flower meadows and trees are more effective at absorbing stormwater and preventing polluted runoff and flooding
CELEBRATE NATURAL BEAUTY
• Planting native flower meadows and trees creates beauty that celebrates the local natural landscape of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic
CHEMICAL FREE
• Pesticide-free practices and avoiding nitrogen additives helps to preserve pollinator health and ecological function, and plays a key role in preventing the degradation of water quality
YARD BIODIVERSITY TOOLKIT
MAJOR DECLINES IN POLLINATOR HABITAT AND THE CHANGING CLIMATE REQUIRES DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO MANAGING OUR YARDS
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW
331 RESPONSES (85% WERE ALDAN RESIDENTS)
54-93 VOTES PER PARK (73 AVG. VOTES PER PARK)
ALDAN PARKS & RECREATION SURVEY #1 “DOT” VOTING POP-UP EVENT
SURVEY DATES: JUNE 19-JULY 22, 2023
EVENT DATE: JULY 4, 2023
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN PARKS WHEN YOU VISIT?
BY
26.7% (64
INTEREST
15.8% (38 MENTIONS)
12.9% (31 MENTIONS)
12.1% (29 MENTIONS)
8.3% (20 MENTIONS)
7.5% (18 MENTIONS)
5% (12 MENTIONS)
OTHER
4.6% (11 MENTIONS)
EVENTS
DOGS
2.9% (7 MENTIONS) (240 total mentions)
WHAT RECREATION, SPORTS, EVENTS, OR CLASSES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN ALDAN?
BY CATEGORY OF INTEREST
16.4% (62 MENTIONS)
EVENTS
10.6% (40 MENTIONS)
INSTRUCTIONAL CLASSES
8.0% (30 MENTIONS)
PLAY / CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
7.4% (28 MENTIONS)
YOGA
7.2% (27 MENTIONS)
OTHER SPORTS & RECREATION
6.6% (25 MENTIONS)
TENNIS
5.6% (21 MENTIONS)
BASKETBALL
5.0% (19 MENTIONS)
FOOTBALL
4.2% (16 MENTIONS)
PICKLEBALL
4.0% (15 MENTIONS)
BASEBALL / SOFTBALL
SOCCER 4.0% (15 MENTIONS)
BY CATEGORY OF INTEREST
3.4% (13 MENTIONS)
DOGS
3.2% (12 MENTIONS)
WATER PLAY
2.9% (11 MENTIONS)
COMMUNITY GARDENS
2.1% (8 MENTIONS)
NATURE / NATURAL HABITATS
1.9% (7 MENTIONS)
ADULT SPORTS
1.9% (7 MENTIONS)
FOOD / MARKETS
1.9% (7 MENTIONS)
WALKING, RUNNING & HIKING
1.3% (5 MENTIONS)
BIKING
1.1% (4 MENTIONS)
SEATING & GATHERING SPACE
1.1% (4 MENTIONS) (376 total mentions)
VOLLEYBALL
Source: 2023 Aldan Parks & Recreation Survey (June 19–July 22, 2023), write-in responses grouped by category of interest
WHAT ELSE DO YOU THINK ALDAN’S PARKS SYSTEM NEEDS?
BY CATEGORY OF CONCERN
19.3% (37 MENTIONS)
SAFETY & MAINTENANCE
10.4% (20 MENTIONS)
PLAY / CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
8.9% (17 MENTIONS)
CONNECTIONS / TRAILS
7.3% (14 MENTIONS)
5.7% (11 MENTIONS)
5.7% (11 MENTIONS)
5.2% (10 MENTIONS)
4.7% (9 MENTIONS)
WATER PLAY ACCESSIBILITY / ADA ACCESS
SEATING / GATHERING SPACE
EVENTS
BATHROOMS / FACILITIES
DOGS 4.7% (9 MENTIONS)
4.7% (9 MENTIONS)
NATURE / NATURAL HABITATS
4.2% (8 MENTIONS)
WAYFINDING / SIGNAGE
3.6% (7 MENTIONS)
3.1% (6 MENTIONS)
2.6% (5 MENTIONS)
2.1% (4 MENTIONS)
2.1% (4 MENTIONS)
BY CATEGORY OF CONCERN
BASKETBALL
TENNIS COMMUNITY GARDENS SHADE WATER FOUNTAINS
1.6% (3 MENTIONS)
BIKING
1.6% (3 MENTIONS)
PICKLEBALL
FOOTBALL 1% (2 MENTIONS) OTHER SPORTS 1% (2 MENTIONS)
.5 (1 MENTIONS)
(192 total mentions)
FOOD
Source: 2023 Aldan Parks & Recreation Survey (June 19–July 22, 2023), write-in responses grouped by category of concern
THE PARKS
VETERAN’S PARK (FIVE POINTS) EXISTING CONDITIONS
• Size: .2 acres
• Cross Streets: Intersection of Springfield Rd. & Woodlawn Ave.
• Primarily open lawn
• Some visitors were noted shortcutting across the corner
• Trolley stop with shelter located at southern edge of park
• Medium sized street trees in good health
• Backdrop of mature evergreens at southern edge of park
• Acts as a gateway park
SITE ELEMENTS
• Trolley Stop Shelter
• Entry Sign
• Two (2) Benches
PROGRAMMING
• Sitting Park
• Transit Station Stop
VETERAN’S PARK (FIVE POINTS)
Add
“Entering
VETERAN’S PARK (FIVE POINTS) DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations for Veteran’s Park (Five Points).
Existing conditions view Summer ‘19
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Rename to “Five Points Park”
• Discuss gardens with the Aldan Garden Club
SCHOOL FIELDS (DUFFY AND VOLUNTEER’S FIELD) EXISTING CONDITIONS
• Size: 4.5 acres
• Cross Streets: on N. Woodlawn Ave. across from W. Wayne Ave.
SITE ELEMENTS
• Baseball Diamond
• Three tennis courts
• One Soccer / multi-purpose field
• ADA-accessible playground
• Monkey bar play area
• Two junior basketball courts with removable hoops
• Walking track
• Concession / storage sheds
• Signage
Tennis courts underutilized & in disrepair
Walking loop to be expanded to allow for passing on track
Seasonal port-a-potty
Community uses court as fenced dog run
• Port-a-potty ASSET
Field well-utilized by students and youth
Lawn at field edge has low ecological value
One (of two) outdoor b-ball courts in Aldan
ADA-accessible play
Mature trees
SCHOOL FIELDS (DUFFY AND VOLUNTEER’S FIELD)
SCHOOL FIELDS (DUFFY AND VOLUNTEER’S FIELD) DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations at School Fields.
Existing conditions view Summer ‘23
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Utilize key fob for entry at Dog Parks
• Add markings for distances and or games along walking path
• Consider shrub hedge or fencing for balls
• Consider field lights
HISTORICAL PARK
EXISTING CONDITIONS
• Size: .7 acres
• Cross Streets: Along Providence Rd. and Woodlawn Ave., across from Municipal Building
SITE ELEMENTS
• Trolley Stop Museum
• Veteran’s Memorial
• Clock Tower & sitting area
• Gazebo
• Play equipment
PROGRAMMING
• 4th of July Parade
PARK
HISTORICAL PARK DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations at Historical Park.
Existing conditions view Summer ‘23
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Add lighting in play areas for public events at night (tree lighting, etc.)
• Fill in sidewalk gaps to the east
HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX EXISTING CONDITIONS
• Size: 3.5 acres
• Cross Streets: Carr Memorial Field located at end of Bonsall Ave.; Schwenke Field located at end of N. Sycamore Ave.
SITE ELEMENTS
• Community Center
• Parking Lot
• Baseball Field diamond
• Tee-ball field diamond
• Play area
• Gazebo
• Picnic area (by play)
• Picnic grove (under trees)
• Picnic area (by Community Center)
• Walking path
PROGRAMMING
• 4th of July Parade
THRESHOLD *
ASSET / OPPORTUNITY CHALLENGE / NEED
Path not connected to rest of the parkHOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Expanded play areas with winding path and play pockets nested within pollinator gardens
Rain garden for stormwater management with bridge connection
Dog-friendly walking loop
Planted buffers
Combined parking / basketball area with painted court and portable basketball hoops
Potential splash pad location
Flexible community plaza with games (four square, gaga ball, shuffleboard, ping pong, cornhole, etc.
Add sidewalks to fill gaps
Natural play to activate grove
Potential batting cage locations
Adjust bleachers/dugout/fence to accomodate path
HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations at Hopely Athletic Complex.
Existing conditions view Summer ‘23
MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK (TRIANGL E PARK)
EXISTING CONDITIONS
• Size: .6 acres
• Cross Streets: On W. Providence Rd. at Ridley Ave.
SITE ELEMENTS
• Bench
• Little Library
• Open Lawn
• Mature Trees
MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK (TRIANGL E PARK) DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON PARK (TRIANGL E PARK)
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Existing conditions view Summer ‘23
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Discuss gardens with the Aldan Garden Club
• Rename to Triangle Park
Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations at Mayor Jack Edmundson Park.JEFFREY ROAD PARK (ALDAN BOROUGH PARK)
EXISTING CONDITIONS
• Size: .5 acres
• Cross Streets: Intersection of on Jeffrey Rd. and W. Providence Road
• Open lawn area, relatively flat with a few mature trees
• Adjacent to parking lot at the apartment complex
JEFFREY ROAD PARK (ALDAN BOROUGH PARK)
Add sidewalks for access Parking with ADA spots
Sensory lawn with string lights (thyme and other low-growing, steppable herbs, clover and sedges)
Harvest table and pavilion for small events and gatherings
Fruit tree guilds (permaculture companion planting technique)
Community-maintained pollinator / rain gardens with sensory plants and bird watching
Walking loop with fitness pockets
Yoga deck or lawn surrounded by flowering trees
Mown paths / lawn area
Berry hedge
Fruit and nut trees added to existing hedgerow
Loading / drop-off access
JEFFREY ROAD PARK (ALDAN BOROUGH PARK)
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Existing conditions view Summer ‘23
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Add rain barrels to apartments or pavilion (no water access currently)
• Discuss gardens with Aldan Garden Club
• Stress free zone! Utilize sensory play/plants, habitat for birdwatching
Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations at Jeffrey Road Park.SWIM CLUB PARK (ALDAN PARK)
EXISTING CONDITIONS
• Size: 3.5 acres
• Cross Streets: 315 Birchwood Rd, Aldan, PA 19018
SITE ELEMENTS
• Swim Club
• Basketball Courts
• Parking Lot
• Woodland Path along Lobbs Run
• Play Area
ALDAN BOROUGH BOUNDARY RAILROAD TRACKS
Pool & grounds have maintenance items that need to be addressed on site
Portion of site falls within the floodplain
Parking lot is very large & impermeable
One-way streets & do-notenter signage create confusion over Swim Club access
SWIM CLUB PARK (ALDAN PARK) DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Refurbished maintenance truck access
Portable/temporary outdoor games - gaga ball pits, shuffleboard, ping pong, etc.
Keep existing wall for flood resistance
Greenway riparian buffer with pathway
Condensed parking with added trees to reduce heat island and temporary permeable event parking adjacent to creek
Additional nature trails though existing forest
Dual racing slides embedded into hillside
Additional sidewalk for pedestrian access
access drive
SWIM CLUB PARK (ALDAN PARK) DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Existing conditions view Summer ‘23
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Open the space behind the Swim Club to the public in the off-season when Swim Club is closed
• Min 15’ required buffer from stream in ordinance, but more is recommended for climate resilience
• See grant opportunities related to riparian restoration
Illustrative view of proposed design recommendations at the space behind the Swim Club.DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND EXISTING CONDITIONS
• Size: 1.1 acres
SITE ELEMENTS
• Natural / wooded lot
• Mature trees
• Stream access
• Views toward bridge
DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
ADA parking at trailhead
ADA walking trails / nature trail
Non-ADA trails
Flexible overlook platforms
Elevated boardwalk
Bridge and creek view platform
Connection to Hoffman Park trails
Primary parking at Hoffman Park (consider in parking needs)
ADA path and crossing from Willows Lane
Trailhead
DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN LAND
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Existing conditions view Summer ‘23
Illustrative view of proposed bridge connection to Upper Darby’s Hoffman Park across Darby CreekVETERANS PARK (FIVE POINTS)
SCHOOL FIELDS
HISTORICAL PARK
HOPELY ATHLETIC COMPLEX
MAYOR JACK EDMUNDSON (TRIANGLE PARK)
JEFFREY ROAD PARK
SWIM CLUB PARK (ALDAN PARK)
DARBY CREEK AND LOBBS RUN