The Delaware County Historic Preservation Plan guides preservation initiatives in the County.
The Historic Preservation Plan intends to capture the essence of the variety of historic resources in the County and seeks to better understand how to best identify, prioritize, and protect them. The Plan incorporates information on known historic resources and countywide history, shares preservation planning strategies, and identifies actions that will further the role of the County and its municipalities as good stewards of our rich heritage, and help to incorporate historic resources into what makes our communities thrive. It is a component of Delaware County 2035, the County’s comprehensive plan.
Questions about the Historic Preservation Plan? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
View the Historic Preservation Plan
Delaware County Planning assists the PA Historical and Museum Commission in reviewing federally funded projects on historic sites.
All projects that receive funding from the federal government, such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, are required to first undergo the Section 106 review – a “federal review process designed to ensure that historic properties are considered during the planning and execution of Federal undertakings.” This prerequisite is required under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Delaware County Planning Department has been designated as certified staff for review of federally funded projects in these cases, through a Programmatic Agreement with the PA Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Questions about Section 106 Reviews? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
The Planning Department can help connect citizens to Preservation organizations throughout the County.
There are a variety of preservation organizations throughout Delaware County and the Planning Department can help you connect with them. Please contact us to find out which organizations are active in your community or related to your area of interest.
DELAWARE COUNTY HISTORIC & PRESERVATION NETWORK
The Delaware County Historic & Preservation Network (DCHPN) is an excellent resource for connecting with historic organizations. The Network was created after the publication of the Delaware County Public History and Feasibility Study, which recognized a need for greater coordination between the County’s varied historic organizations. A historic preservation Facebook Group was also created to communicate events and post questions, which anyone is welcome to join.
A website is also available with a blog, events calendar, useful links and a forum.
Throughout the year, the Network hosts lectures to provide technical assistance on a variety of topics, which are announced on the listserv. The Network uses the Public History Study as a guide on lecture topics and on what other projects they should pursue.
For more information on historic preservation organizations in Delaware County, contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
The Planning Department assists with obtaining National Register recognition and understanding eligibility requirements.
The National Register is the official source for federally recognized historic resources of value. Eligibility of buildings, sites, districts or objects is based on specific criteria defined by the National Register. More information is available from the National Park Service.
A list of those resources in Delaware County listed in the National Register of Historic Places is available through PHMC.
Though National Register listing is a prestigious status, it has little regulatory power. Conversely, municipal regulation is the best way to ensure a municipality identifies and protects their most valued resources. The Planning Department can help explain and facilitate the use of many other tools that can protect a municipality’s heritage. For more information on protected historic resources, click here.
The Planning Department can assist with obtaining the National Register of Historic Places recognition and understanding eligibility requirements. Questions about the National Register of Historic Places? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
In February 2017, PennDOT announced one of its latest planning initiatives: PennDOT Connects. The process facilitates coordination with local governments and Metropolitan Planning Organizations on PennDOT projects.
In February 2017, PennDOT announced one of its latest planning initiatives: PennDOT Connects. The initiative requires PennDOT project managers to meet with local governments and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (DVRPC) early in the transportation project planning process. PennDOT Connects meeting requirements are being implemented on new projects on the state’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Along with these meetings, the new PennDOT Connects Project Initiation Form allows community needs to be documented. The revised process considers local planning studies, comprehensive plans, and other local government input at the onset. In this way, PennDOT can implement projects that not only improve the efficiency of the statewide transportation network but also address local community transportation needs where possible.
Questions about PennDOT Connects? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Delaware County can assist you in finding road ownership or subscribing to construction and traffic alerts through PennDOT.
Delaware County does not own any roadways. To find out if a roadway is owned by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), visit PennDot’s General Highway Map. Public roads on this map not labeled as a PennDOT road are owned by the municipality in which they are located. Municipal contact information is available here.
PennDOT provides Personal Travel Alerts. You can subscribe to stay up to date on local road closures, delays, and detours.
Questions about Roadways? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Delaware County Return on Environment Study
Date Published: April 2022
- Delaware County Return on Environment – Report [PDF File, 7.2 mb]
- Executive Summary [PDF File, 3.2 mb]
Have you ever wondered about the economic value of green space in Delaware County? What’s the economic benefit of investing in preservation over development? Does access to green space and trails increase my property value, and if so, by how much? Do green spaces and trail access drive economic activity and tourism to Delco? And what’s the economic benefit to public health?
With many competing needs and limited resources, justifying public spending has never been more rigorous. Research tells us that investing in green spaces, trails, and recreation improves all aspects of community wellness and provides excellent economic returns, but we also know that the impact on Boulder Colorado is certainly going to be different from the impact on Ridley Park, Pennsylvania.
To better understand how these investments specifically impact Delco, the County developed a study with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and their consultants at Econsult Solutions Inc. to get the full story as it applies specifically to Delaware County. The project was inspired by a 2011 study developed for the greater Philadelphia five-county region. It was funded in part through a grant from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The final report, titled "Return on Environment: The Economic Impact of Protected Open Space in Delaware County, Pennsylvania" was completed in April, 2022, and includes an outline of the history of green space in Delaware County, the County’s vision for the future, and six case studies demonstrating the economic value of green space in the County’s diverse communities.
The economic analysis shown in this study is critical to understanding the true value and impact of the policies and initiatives that support open space preservation. The report estimates the economic value of protected open space in Delaware County by measuring impacts across four areas:
1. Economic Activity Impact
It is estimated that open space-related activities generate an estimated total of $52 million in annual economic impact.
2. Environmental Services Benefits
$6.2 million is avoided annually Countywide for stormwater system maintenances.
3. Direct Use Benefits (Recreation and Health)
There is $142.6 million in annual recreation benefits to residents, & $153.4M medical costs avoided annually Countywide
4. Home and Property Value Impact
There is an accumulated $689 million added Countywide to the value of housing stock located within a ½ mile from protected open space.
The six case studies in the Report examine and explore the value that users and residents in places all around the County benefit from public green space. The case studies are:
1. The Property formerly known as Don Guanella in Marple Township, owned by Delaware County (Environmental Services Impact)
2. The County’s Chester Creek Trail in Middletown and Aston Townships (Direct Use Impact)
3. Rose Tree County Park in Upper Providence Township – focusing on the Summer Festival Concert Series (Economic Activity Impact)
4. Haverford Township’s Andy Lewis Community Park (formerly known as the Haverford Reserve) (Environmental Services Impact)
5. Upper Darby Township’s Naylors Run Park (Direct Use Impact)
6. The City of Chester’s Veterans Memorial Park (Direct Use Impact)
The report concludes with a Strategic Action Plan with the next critical steps for advancing the concept that funding for green space, parks, recreation, and trails in Delaware County is an investment - not a cost. The benefits presented in this report provide information to elected leaders, policy makers, and the general public on the value of protected open space and can contribute to informed decisions concerning both preservation and development in the County.
Questions about the Delaware County Return on Environment Study? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
DELCO TRAILS PLANNING
A well-connected and safe trail network is one of the top items people look for when choosing a place to live. Trails provide recreational prospects that diversifies economic opportunity, community health, and personal wellbeing. Access to trails provides a vital outlet for people seeking a safe activity. Beyond the positive wellness impact, trails make an important environmental and economic impact by taking pressure off road systems and encouraging tourism between urban and suburban communities.
DELAWARE COUNTY PRIMARY TRAIL NETWORK
Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Planning Department are proud to announce the launch of The Delaware County Primary Trail Network (PTN) Information Hub, a dynamic online resource that showcases the County’s growing trail system.
The PTN Information Hub is designed as a one-stop resource for both residents and communities. For residents, it offers easy access to interactive maps, trail status updates, and project details so they can enjoy and explore the network today. For municipalities, planners, and advocates, the Hub provides tools and resources to better understand the County’s trail vision, track progress on new projects, and plan for future connections.
Building on a Vision
The PTN reflects Delaware County’s commitment to providing residents with safe, accessible, and enjoyable non-motorized travel and recreation options. These trails are intended as wide, hard-surface, ADA-compliant paths that connect people to parks, neighborhoods, downtowns, and natural resources. Together, they form the “spokes” of a countywide network that also links with The Circuit Trails, a regional effort to create more than 750 miles of multi-use trails across Greater Philadelphia.
The idea for the PTN Information Hub came directly from Planning Department Director Gina Burritt, who recognized the need to make the County’s trail vision easier for the public to access and understand. The Hub was developed by the County’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team, led by Julie DelMuto, building on years of planning work and with support from regional partners including the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and the William Penn Foundation.
“This project is the result of true collaboration,” said Gina Burritt, Director of the Delaware County Planning Department. “I am incredibly proud of our team—especially Julie DelMuto and our GIS staff—for bringing this vision to life. The PTN Information Hub makes it easy for everyone to see where we’ve been, where we are today, and where we’re headed in expanding trails across Delco. It also reflects the commitment of our partners in DVRPC, the William Penn Foundation, and The Circuit Trails Coalition, who continue to champion a more connected, healthier region.”
Why Trails Matter
Trails are more than amenities—they are proven drivers of economic activity, public health, and environmental sustainability. Delaware County’s “Return on Environment” study, completed in partnership with DVRPC, found that open space, including trails, generates $52 million in annual economic impact and supports 590 local jobs. Trails also deliver $142.6 million in recreation benefits annually to residents, help avoid more than $153 million in medical costs through healthier lifestyles, and add nearly $689 million in value to nearby homes.
Environmental benefits are equally significant: protected open space reduces pollution, mitigates flooding, stores carbon, and avoids more than $120 million in stormwater management costs. Trails knit these spaces together, connecting communities and providing access to recreation and nature close to home.
“Delaware County residents value our open spaces and trails because they represent some of the very best uses of County resources,” said Delaware County Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer. “The PTN Information Hub demonstrates how we are investing in a healthier, more connected future. Trails improve quality of life by encouraging exercise, reducing medical costs, and providing access to nature for all. They also strengthen our local economy and help us preserve the natural beauty of Delco. Most importantly, this work is about building a better future for generations to come.”
A Partner's Perspective
Local partners have also praised the County’s leadership in advancing trail planning and development.
"Delaware County's Primary Trail Network Information Hub is more than just a map—it’s a tool that helps residents enjoy what’s open today while giving planners the information they need to shape tomorrow," said Ariella Maron, Executive Director of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. "With this tool, local leaders and residents can collaborate on projects that support the region's vision for region's vision for a safe, modern, multimodal transportation system. And, by making trail progress visible and accessible, Delaware County is showing how smart planning and public engagement can go hand in hand to create healthier, more connected communities across the region."
"Throughout the nine counties that make up the Greater Philadelphia region, there are 418 miles of existing Circuit Trails," said Patrick Monahan, Regional Organizer with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Co-Chair of the Circuit Trails Coalition. "The full vision includes more than 800 miles of interconnected trails that allow all users to reach their destinations safely. Delaware County’s new Information Hub will help advance that vision by inspiring more communities to complete their segments and strengthen trail connectivity throughout the County."
A Growing Network
Currently, the Primary Trail Network includes 135 miles of identified corridors, with more than 45 miles already open to the public. Another 12 miles are in active design, 40 miles are in feasibility studies, and nearly 40 additional miles are planned conceptually. Each trail has its own dedicated “StoryMap” with detailed project information, and the Hub allows users to track progress in real time.
The PTN also connects to some of the most iconic regional trails, including the East Coast Greenway, the Radnor Trail, the Chester Creek Trail, and the Darby Creek Trail. Many segments are already part of The Circuit, linking Delaware County residents with hundreds of miles of bicycle and pedestrian routes across southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
Accessing the PTN Information Hub
Delaware County’s Primary Trail Network Information Hub is now live and available to the public. Residents, municipal officials, trail advocates, and visitors are encouraged to explore the interactive map, review planning documents, and learn more about upcoming projects.
“Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a weekend walker, or simply curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood, the Hub is designed for you,” Burritt added. “It’s a tool that empowers our residents and helps ensure the trails we build reflect community priorities.”
DELCO TRAILS ALLIANCE
To effectively meet the County’s needs for connections, trail advocacy, and trail maintenance; County Council established the Delaware County Trails Alliance. The Alliance gathers representatives from various existing trail groups to coordinate, communicate, and serve trail access within Delaware County. The Alliance meets quarterly in open online meetings to share information and gain knowledge about best practices in trail planning, development, and management, and current projects in the trail network. The Alliance is also a sponsor of the Western Suburbs Trail Summit held annually in February. While Planning Department staff supports the Alliance, leaders are a volunteer chair and vice-chair.
Current leadership:
- Chair - Bill Kaplan
- Vice-Chair - James Bergman
To be added to the Trails Alliance mailing list and receive meeting notices, please contact the Planning Department at planning_department@co.delaware.pa.us.
DELCO TRAILS ALLIANCE
Trails are all the rage. A well-connected and safe trail network is one of the top items people look for when choosing a place to live. Trails provide recreational prospects that diversifies economic opportunity, community health, and personal wellbeing. Access to trails provides a vital outlet for people seeking a safe activity during the pandemic. Beyond the positive wellness impact, trails make an important environmental and economic impact by taking pressure off road systems and encouraging tourism between urban and suburban communities.
To effectively meet the County’s needs for connections, trail advocacy, and trail maintenance; County Council is establishing the Delco Trails Alliance. The Alliance will gather representatives from various existing trail groups to better coordinate, communicate, and serve trail access within Delaware County. The group will work collaboratively with municipalities, adjoining Counties, and the regional Circuit Traiks while promoting the Countywide Primary Trail Network.
For more on the Delco Countywide Primary Trail Network, go to Chapter 3 of the Countywide Greenway Plan, and to learn about the many aspects and benefits of trails as a recreation facility go to Chapter 4 of the County Open Space and Recreation Plan.
More to come –– check back soon!
DELCO GREEN SPACE TASK FORCE
DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE
The Green Space Task Force (GSTF) is charged with guiding the Delaware County’s vision and policy direction for green space. Its members have leadership experience, and knowledge of the natural world and civic affairs, and are motivated by preserving open space, natural lands, and access to quality public parks and recreation. Their experiences come from government, business, nonprofit, and advocacy.
The following is an outline of the tasks that County Council has already given the GSTF, starting from its inception in 2021:
- Reviewed the Delaware County Transition Working Group – Natural Resources, Parks, and Open Space Subcommittee Report to advise Council on open space priorities.
- Served as the Advisory Committee for the Delaware County “Return on Environment– Economic Value of Open Space” report developed for Delaware County by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.project.
- Helped the County develop the Program Guidelines for the Delco Green Ways municipal open space and recreation grant program.
GSTF members may be tasked with a variety of things in the coming years, such as promoting the Delco Green Ways Program, assessing specific types of conservation techniques, and assisting County Council develop a more permanent means to finance open space preservation and maintenance in Delaware County.
The time commitment for serving is three years. The Green Space Task Force currently meets monthly, except in April and August, on the second Wednesday of each month, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm.
CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE GREEN SPACE TASK FORCE
The current members of the Green Space Task Force are forward thinking, action-oriented, outdoor-loving residents who volunteered to serve. Appointments were made in areas of green space preservation, natural lands conservation, parks and recreation management, fundraising, economics, business, real estate, law, health, communications, and community organizing.
These Task force members represent the fabric of our communities and the wide range of constituencies that we serve.
- Alison Dobbins, Chair
- Peter Rykard, Vice Chair
- Andrew Bunting
- Mario Cimino
- John Crossan
- Phil Damon
- Ann Hutchinson
- Douglas Interrante
- Robert Jordan
- William Lighter, Jr
- Lenise Lockley.
- Pauline Wandeto
- Joi Washington
