Haverford's parks and trails are one of the best things about living here. The Township thinks so too, and has a detailed vision for making them even better.
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.
The plan recommends extending the Darby Creek Trail further south
Expansion of the Pennsy Trail to create more community connections in Haverford Township
Restroom improvements at priority parks are identified as the #1 resident request
ADA amenity upgrades across the park system are recommended as a high priority
Educational signage along trails and open spaces is recommended to support environmental education
Connect neighborhoods to parks so every resident can get to one without a car
The PROS Plan, a sister plan to the Comprehensive Plan which specifically discuss the community's vision for Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces, was built on community input. When the Township held public meetings to gather input, residents showed up and voted on their priorities.
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 informal gathering spaces — benches, shade, places to actually sit and stay
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 been a trail leader in Delaware County for over a decade. There are now 15+ miles of trails across the township, and every resident lives within a mile of one. You probably already have a favorite. The plan envisions giving you even more options and connecting the trails you already use.
Grants are already secured to extend it south toward Upper Darby, with engineering underway. The plan's longer-term vision connects it north to Haverford Reserve.
The recently completed bridge over Manoa Road pushed it closer to West Chester Pike. When finished, the plan envisions it connecting residents across Haverford Township.
This is a proposed trail linking Valley Forge National Historical Park to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, passing through Haverford along the M Line corridor. So far, a partial feasibility study is complete and Philadelphia is advancing its section.
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.
