Haverford's parks and trails are among the Township's greatest assets. The Comprehensive Plan and PROS Plan outline a long-term vision for making them more connected, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.
The Township envisions Haverford's parks and trails as genuinely great public spaces — accessible to every resident, connected to each other and to the regional trail network, and worthy of the community that uses them every day.
Extend the Darby Creek Trail and improve connections to parks and neighborhoods
ADA amenity upgrades across the park system are recommended as a high priority
Restroom improvements at priority parks are identified as the #1 resident request
Continue expanding the Pennsy Trail to connect more neighborhoods and destinations
Educational signage along trails and open spaces is recommended to support environmental education
Improve walking and biking connections so more residents can reach parks without driving
The Parks, Recreation & Open Space PROS Plan complements the Comprehensive Plan by focusing specifically on parks, trails, recreation, and open space. Its recommendations were shaped by extensive public input through surveys and community meetings.
Restrooms in parks where they're missing — the single most-requested improvement
More shade trees and native plantings (this request was tied for first with restrooms)
More walking paths and better trail connections
Better field maintenance
Adding connections to the regional trail system
Make every park accessible to every resident, regardless of ability
Link neighborhoods to parks so you don't need a car to get there
More places to gather, including benches, shade, and informal seating areas
Protecting our remaining open spaces from new development
Extend CREC hours so more people can actually use it
"Haverford Township sits within three major proposed trail networks — the Darby Creek Circuit Trail, the Forge to Refuge Circuit Trail, and the Pennsy Trail. These three major trail networks would connect the Township to Philadelphia's rapidly expanding bike network and to well-established mobility routes such as the Schuylkill River Trail."
— Haverford 2035 Comprehensive Plan
Haverford has steadily expanded its trail network over the past decade. Today, residents can access more than 15 miles of trails, with additional connections planned for the future. The plan envisions giving you even more options and connecting the trails you already use.
Grant funding has already been secured to extend the trail south toward Upper Darby, with engineering work underway. The long-term vision also includes expanding the trail north toward Haverford Reserve.
The recently completed bridge over Manoa Road pushed it closer to West Chester Pike. The long-term vision is a continuous east-west trail connecting neighborhoods, parks, and destinations across Haverford Township.
The proposed Forge to Refuge Trail would connect Valley Forge National Historical Park and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, passing through Haverford along the M Line corridor. Planning is underway, with portions of the route already advancing.
We are a new community-led initiative bringing together neighbors who believe Haverford Township deserves better parks, stronger public spaces, and more vibrant places to gather. We'd love to have you with us.
