PARKS & OPEN SPACE PLAN · East Greenville Parking Study (2013) The Comprehensive Parking...

East GreenvillePARKS & OPEN SPACE PLAN

Final Draft 9/13 /19

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1 East Greenville Parks and Open Space Plan

Contents1 Contents2 Introduction 3 Acquisitions Since 2006 5 East Greenville Borough Open Space Plan, 2006 5 Other Planning Efforts8 Existing Parks, Open Spaces, and Recreation Resources 8 Owned by East Greenville Borough 12 Owned by Other Entities but Located in East Greenville Borough 15 Parks and Open Spaces in Adjacent Municipalities 18 Recreation Providers20 Demographic Data and Public Outreach 20 Demographics of East Greenville 22 Public Outreach24 Environmental and Transportation Considerations 24 Surrounding Environmental Context 24 Tree Canopy and Street Greening 26 Trails and Connections 27 Bike MontCo Recommendations 29 Other Possible Project Partners30 Objectives and Recommendations 30 Overall Objectives 32 Park Specific Objectives36 Bieler Park Concept Plan42 Action Park Concept Plan46 Implementation Plan 46 Priorities 47 Early Implementation 47 Funding and Implementation Resources50 Table of Parks and Open Spaces within 2 Miles52 Survey Summary

East Greenville Plan Study Committee:

Angie Fegely Council President

James Fry Borough Manager

Greg Gaudreau Planning Commission

Robert Gery Planning Commission Chair

Stephen Granger Planning Commission

Ann Henry Former Planning Commission

John McAlister Planning Commission

Ryan Pugh Planning Commission

Jim Raftery Council Vice-President

2019 • East Greenville 2

In 2006, East Greenville completed work on an Open Space Plan that included an analysis of vulnerable natural resources, historic and cultural sites, and potential linkages among open space. The plan provided recommendations for protecting open space, enhancing active recreation, streetscaping, and historic preservation. In 2018, the Borough identified updating this document as a planning priority. Since the adoption of the 2006 plan, East Greenville acquired four new open space parcels and a parking lot with some green space on it. There is the potential to improve some of these lands as well as earlier acquisitions to enhance the natural and recreational opportunities available to borough residents. As this planning process got underway, it became clear that the plan needed to focus at least as much on adding recreation amenities and planning for existing parks as preserving open space. Thus, although this is an update to the 2006 Open Space Plan, its focus is on improvements to existing parks, while still containing the open space preservation element.

This document begins by chronicling and assessing current conditions and past efforts, then devises a vision for parks in the future and lists objectives and recommendations for action. This planning effort was undertaken by the East Greenville Borough Planning Commission along with two members of Borough Council in consultation with the Borough Manager.

Figure 1: Action Park in Colonial Village

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Introduction


Figure 3: Valley Walk in Colonial Village Figure 4: New Section of Nature Meadow

Acquisitions Since 2006East Greenville Borough acquired three open spaces in the Colonial Village development (See figures 1 through 3.) and expanded the existing Nature Meadow (See figure 4.). All of these parcels were existing open spaces in the Borough but had been privately owned. Together,

these four acquisitions more than doubled East Greenville’s previous park holdings. With municipal ownership, they become part of a parks, recreation, and open space system that can be viewed together and upgraded in a way that better serves the borough’s needs.

Figure 2: Open Space in Colonial Village

2019 • East Greenville 4Figure 5: Bank Street Parking Lot Figure 6: Tree-Lined Main Street

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East Greenville also acquired a parking lot on Bank Street. While this might not intuitively be seen as part of the parks and open space system, this parcel contains two picnic tables, a planter, and a number of medium-sized trees. (See figure 5.)

In addition to the land acquisitions, East Greenville conducted extensive streetscape improvements on Main Street, including planting approximately 90 new street trees. This creates a linear park, of sorts, and provides some of the same benefits to the borough as other green spaces. (See figure 6.)

Map 1: Parks and Open Spaces Acquired Since 2006


East Greenville Borough Open Space Plan, 2006The 2006 plan listed six main goals, each with several objectives. These were:

1. Enhance existing neighborhood parks to address the needs of all borough residents.

a. Offer active and passive recreational opportunities.

b. Improve ADA access.

c. Support cultural amenities in parks.

d. Enhance protection of natural areas at parks and throughout the borough.

2. Protect the natural features of the borough.

a. Update ordinances to improve protection of natural areas.

b. Explore land acquisition to protect natural resources.

c. Undertake natural feature protection measures.

d. Protect water resources.

3. Enhance the pedestrian connections within the borough and between neighboring municipalities.

a. Improve sidewalks and trails.

b. Ensure East Greenville residents can access regional open spaces.

4. Preserve and restore historic structures.

a. Evaluate the historic inventory for possible borough acquisitions.

b. Evaluate possible historic preservation methods.

c. Encourage volunteer participation and educate the public.

5. Join other communities in park and recreation development and programming.

a. Explore collaborating on regional athletic fields.

b. Maximize community recreation benefit from private and institutional facilities.

Other Planning EffortsA number of other planning efforts, some initiated by East Greenville and some by other entities, have taken place since the 2006 Open Space Plan was completed. These data and recommendations in these plans may have some relevance for this plan. A brief summary of each is provided here.

Montgomery County Regional Greenway and Stewardship Study (2019)This plan looks at ways to connect publicly owned parks and open space through a greenway system of other resource areas. The Main Street Greenways section of the plan integrates the economic and cultural destinations into the greenway system as connectors between greenway areas and as compliments to greenway access. There is a chapter of this plan specifically covering East Greenville which identifies and explains a number of possible improvements for pedestrian connectivity and recommends opportunities for “greening” Main Street.

Montgomery County Bike MontCo Plan (2018)Montgomery County has recently adopted a bicycle plan, with prioritized bicycle routes throughout the county. Gravel Pike, Water Street, and State Street are all on the plan as roads that the County would like to see improved for bicyclists. Montgomery County intends to partner with municipalities, PennDOT, DVRPC and others to implement the planned bicycle network throughout the county.

East Greenville Main Street Study (2016) East Greenville analyzed the Main Street area and assessed possibilities for improving the commercial corridor. Recommendations include improving façade design, streetscaping, parking, wayfinding, pedestrian access, and more. Holding additional programming and events in East Greenville is recommended, and specific types of businesses to try to attract are listed.

East Greenville Sustainability Audit (2014) This plan reviews many of East Greenville’s ordinances and suggests changes to the ordinances to improve sustainability outcomes in the borough.

MULTI-REGIONALGreenway and Stewardship Study


6. Educate residents about natural resources, open spaces, and historic areas and structures.

a. Establish interpretive signage for historic sites.

b. Utilize various sources of media to inform the public about open space efforts.

Some progress has been made in most of the above areas, especially Goals 2 and 3. Specific recommendations from the 2006 plan were:

A. Acquire acreage adjacent to Nature Meadow

B. Enhance amenities at Bieler Park

C. Facilitate use of Institutional recreational facilities

D. Partner with other communities to preserve natural areas in the region

E. Purchase development rights of Goshenhoppen Church property on 3rd Street

F. Participate in regional planning and development of regional facilities

G. Increase access to open space through additional trail and road access

H. Maintain street trees and create wayfinding

I. Extend sidewalk network

J. Educate stakeholders about natural resource protection

K. Improve the façade of the historic East Greenville Firehouse and other important landmarks

Recommendations A, D, and H were achieved. Progress was made on recommendations B, D, E, F, I, J, and K. Recommendations C and G were attempted or discussed, but no results were achieved.

East Greenville Parking Study (2013) The Comprehensive Parking Improvement Study for the Borough was completed in 2013 and identified shared parking as a viable option for meeting the overall parking demand within the Main Street area. Shared parking agreements would allow the owners of large parking lots with daytime peak demand (such as office uses) to provide some parking to the restaurants and movie theater along Main Street that require more evening and weekend parking. The study also provided recommendations for targeted acquisition and development of additional public parking resources on side streets and improved wayfinding signage to identify existing public parking locations.

Upper Perkiomen Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan (2011) This document jointly plans for the future of East Greenville Borough, Pennsburg Borough, Red Hill Borough, Green Lane Borough, Upper Hanover Township, and Marlborough Township. The plan intends to protect natural, historical, and cultural resources of the area through growth-management techniques such as directed infrastructure investments. Specific to parks and open space, plan objectives include preserving and protecting environmentally sensitive and natural resource areas, coordinating parks and recreational opportunities among municipalities, providing a network of trails linking open space and recreational areas, and developing additional active and passive recreational opportunities.

East Greenville Revitalization Plan (2010)This plan envisions East Greenville as an economic center for the Upper Perkiomen Valley. It focuses on physical improvements, economic incentives, and community identity. Recommendations include

• acquiring properties to add to the borough’s park and open space system,

• improving facilities at existing parks,

• establishing linkages between downtown and parks through signage and pedestrian improvements

• completing the streetscaping on Main Street, and

• creating a trail that connects to the YMCA.


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Map 2: Parks and Open Space by Ownership


Part I

Existing Parks, Open Space, and Recreation Resources

Owned by East Greenville BoroughAction ParkAction Park is a 4 acre parcel that contains a skate park, a basketball court, and the East Greenville Borough Police Station. There are 21 parking spaces and some open fields with a backstop. A drainage ditch runs through the park, conveying water to the western corner of the park where there is a large storm drain. A line of trees at the back of the park screens the park from a neighboring home in Upper Hanover. Bank Street Parking Lot This parking lot contains approximately 32 public parking spaces along with two picnic tables and 11 shade trees. There is an Upper Perkiomen Valley wayfinding sign indicating the public parking and a wooden planter that has not been maintained.

Figure 7: Action Park

Figure 8: Bank Street Parking Lot

Name Acreage Location

Action Park 4.2 524 Colonial Drive

Bank Street Parking Lot 0.4 Bank Street

Frederick J. Bieler Community Park 1.7 3rd St. & Blaker Dr.

Colonial Village Open Space 1.6 Hamilton Rd.

Main Street Linear Greenway n/aMain Street from Front Street to Fifth Street

Nature Meadow 2.8 411 6th Street

Valley Walk 0.2Colonial Drive & Valley Road

East Greenville Water Authority – located outside of borough 41.5

Water Street, Upper Hanover Township

Table 1: Parks and Open Spaces Owned By East Greenville Borough

East Greenville Borough residents have access to parks and recreation resources that are owned by the borough and that are privately owned. They utilize locations within the borough limits and some in surrounding municipalities. This section summarizes the recreation opportunities, natural areas, and green space that are available to residents, organized by their ownership and location. Privately owned natural areas that do not allow public access are included here because they still provide benefits such as adding to the beauty of the community, providing stormwater management, and improving air quality. Organizations offering recreation programming are also listed in this section.


Frederick J. Bieler Community ParkBieler Park is a 1.7 acre park that contains a tot lot, lawn area, some mature shade trees, and one bicycle rack. Colonial Village Open Space

This 1.6 acre triangular space is entirely mowed grass. It has very little street frontage and is not easily seen from nearby streets or sidewalks.

Main Street Linear GreenwayAbout 90 street trees along Main Street from Front Street to Fifth Street create a pleasant, green outdoor area.

Figure 9: Bieler Park

Figure 10: Colonial Village Open Space

Figure 11: Trees On Main Street


Nature MeadowEast Greenville’s Nature Meadow is a natural area along a small tributary stream to the Perkiomen Creek. It is 2.8 acres of trees, native grasses, and flowers. There is one bench and a sign. Part of the Nature Meadow is on the northeast side of State Street and part of it is on the southwest side of the street. There are no trails through the park, making most of it not accessible to residents. The sign and bench area is maintained by the Girl Scouts.

Valley WalkValley Road leads from Colonial Drive southwest into a cul-de-sac in Upper Hanover Township. The road does not continue northeast from Colonial Drive to Blaker Drive, but a public sidewalk does connect the two as Vally Walk. This 0.2 acre parcel contains only sidewalk and lawn. East Greenville Water AuthorityThe East Greenville Water Authority property is located outside of the Borough, but is owned by the borough. The Perkiomen Creek runs through this 41.5 acre property, and hiking and fishing are permitted on the land.

Figure 12: Nature Meadow

Figure 13: Valley Walk

Figure 14: Water Authority Property


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Map 3: Parks and Open Spaces by Access


Owned by Other Entities but Located in East Greenville BoroughThe following open space or recreation amenities are also located in East Greenville, but vary in how accessible they are to the public. For example, the Upper Perkiomen 4th and 5th Grade Center allows the public to use the fields anytime school is not in session. In contrast, Arlington Street Open Space is entirely privately owned and not open to the public.

Table 2: Open Spaces In East Greenville Not Owned By The Borough

Arlington Street Open SpaceThe approximately 2 acres that make up this area are entirely privately owned, undeveloped parcels. In the past, East Greenville Borough has considered purchasing the space to make a public park. East Greenville Fire Company

The Fire Company Property has a lawn area, some trees, and a drainage ditch that sometimes functions like an ephemeral stream. The parking lot and lawn area of the Fire Company property are occasionally used for community events.

LifeSpan Day Care Most of this property is fenced off from the public. However, for those who use the daycare, there is a playground. There is also a stream with a naturalized area around it that attracts wildlife such as birds and butterflies.

Figure 15: Area behind East Greenville Fire Company

Figure 16: Area behind LifeSpan Day Care


Arlington Street Open Space 2.2 Arlington Street & Sixth Street

East Greenville Fire Company 3.2 401 Washington Street

LifeSpan Day Care 1.3 399 Washington Street

New Goshenhoppen Park 6.8 618 Third Street

Open Link: The Center 0.1 517 Jefferson Street

Upper Perkiomen 4th and 5th Grade Center 11.6 510 Jefferson Street


New Goshenhoppen ParkThis entirely fenced-in park contains a meadow and play equipment owned by Goshenhoppen Church. There is a bandshell and restrooms, and many beautiful shade trees throughout the property. The church holds concerts, picnics, dinners, vacation Bible School, and other events, including some open to the entire community, in this space. The church also owns some adjacent farm fields which have been permanently preserved through the farmland preservation program. Open Link: The Center The Open Link is a community service center serving the elderly as well as other populations in need of assistance or support. The 0.1 acre open space at the Center has a picnic table, some garden beds, and a few shade trees.

Upper Perkiomen 4th and 5th Grade Center

The Upper Perkiomen 4th and 5th Grade Center has 11.6 acres of land around the building that are open to the public when school is not in session. The area contains three ball fields and other grassy areas.

Figure 17: New Goshenhoppen Park

Figure 18: Open Link: The Center

Figure 19: Upper Perkiomen 4th and 5th Grade Center


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Map 4: Regional Parks and Open Spaces


Parks and Open Spaces in Adjacent MunicipalitiesNearby areas around East Greenville have other parks and open spaces, some of which are used by East Greenville residents. provide amenities to the public. A few of these that offer amenities to the public are described below.

Table 3: Parks and Open Spaces Outside of the Borough


Camelot Park 102 1124 Church Road (Upper Hanover)

Green Lane Park 3,400 Ward Road & Knight Road (Upper Hanover)

Kistler-Bitting Park 17.2 Taggart Road (Upper Hanover)

Macoby Run Park 51.3 1044 East 11th St. (Pennsburg)

Mill Hill Preservation 237 Mill Hill Rd. & Zeigler Rd. (Upper Hanover)

Peevy Road Open Space 85.6 1100 Peevy Rd (Upper Hanover)

Pennsburg Borough Hall 3.9 76 W. 6th St. (Pennsburg)

Pennsburg Community Park and Seachrist-Kurtz Ballfield 18.3 8th St. (Pennsburg)

Pennsburg Nature Preserve 10.7 E. 5th St. (Pennsburg)

Saint Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Field 2.7 81 Main St. (Pennsburg)

Upper Hanover Municipal Building 2 1704 Pillsbury St. (Upper Hanover)

Upper Perkiomen Valley YMCA 28 1399 Quakertown Rd. (Upper Hanover)

Camelot ParkThis nearby Upper Hanover Township Park offers walking trails, a playground, baseball and soccer ball fields, restrooms, and picnic pavilions. There is ample parking and its large size and many amenities mean that it functions as a community park – drawing people in from a wider geographic area than a smaller neighborhood park.

Green Lane Park A large county park located primarily in Upper Hanover Township, Green Lane Park contains a large reservoir and many acres woodlands with trails. There is a campground, a playground, picnic areas, and parking lots. Visitors can go boating, fishing, or hiking. Summer concerts are offered in a band shell, and rangers lead nature walks and wildlife programs throughout the year. There are many entrances to Green Lane Park. Figure 21 shows a trail head at Ward Road and Knight Road that is close to East Greenville and has parking.

Figure 20: Camelot Park

Figure 21: Green Lane Park


Kistler-Bitting ParkThis YMCA-owned park is located at the edge of East Greenville Borough in Upper Hanover Township. The park contains a pavilion with picnic tables, benches, a playground, several ball fields, a basketball court, and a roller hockey area. The property also has many shade trees and the Macoby Creek runs through it. There are community garden beds and a gaga court inside of a locked, fenced area.

The YMCA has a trail leading from Kistler-Bitting Park to their building. The total trail length, including a loop around the YMCA’s parking lot, is 0.91 miles.

Figure 22: Kistler-Biting Park


Macoby Run ParkThis Upper Hanover Township Park contains a playground, a walking trail, a lawn area, and a wooded area.

Mill Hill PreservationMill Hill Preservation in Upper Hanover Township is a large, heavily wooded area. This open space area contains the highest point in Montgomery County. Hunting and hiking are permitted on this land.

Peevy Road Open SpaceUpper Hanover Township plans to add trails to this open space, which currently has open lawns and wooded areas.

Pennsburg Nature PreserveThis natural area contains walking trails through woods and meadows. Visitors can enjoy the Macoby Creek area and a butterfly garden.

Pennsburg Borough HallPennsburg’s municipal building has a grassy field with a gazebo on the property.

Pennsburg Community Park and Seachrist-Kurtz BallfieldThe Borough of Pennsburg has a popular ball field that is used by many groups in the area. Adjacent to the ball field there are some lawn and wooded areas. Pennsburg hopes to add a playground and picnic spots to this park.

Saint Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church FieldSt. Mark’s Church is on Main Street in Pennsburg, just outside of East Greenville Borough. The Church has a large lawn area which fronts on Main Street and contains a gazebo. The annual community tree lighting takes place there.

YMCAThe Upper Perkiomen Valley YMCA is a center for recreation in the region. With indoor and outdoor swimming pools, workout equipment and fitness classes, the YMCA offers many opportunities for residents to engage in exercise and recreation. While most activities are indoors, the trail, meadow area, and outdoor pool do offer some outdoor amenities.

Upper Hanover Municipal Building The Upper Hanover Township Building is at the edge of East Greenville. There is a large grassy field with a few trees.

Figure 23: Upper Hanover Municipal Building Grounds


Recreation ProvidersA number of groups and entities provide recreation opportunities to East Greenville Borough residents. These include:

1) Upper Perkiomen School District

2) Valley Soccer

3) Upper Perkiomen Mohawks Youth Football and Cheer

4) Upper Perkiomen Indians Youth Football and Cheerleading Association

5) Upper Perk Lacrosse

6) Upper Perk Girls Softball League Inc.

7) Upper Perkiomen Valley YMCA

8) Upper Hanover Parks and Recreation Committee

Some of these recreation providers may prove to be good partners in improving East Greenville’s parks and open spaces.




Figure 26:Bieler Park


1990, and is forecast1 to remain around 3,000 residents into the future. Though some fluctuations are likely, major population changes are not anticipated. These demographics tell us that parks should make sure to serve youth populations and that there is not likely to be a lot of increased pressure for development on any remaining undeveloped or subdividable lots in the borough.

1 The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission provides population forecasts for all municipalities in the nine-county Philadelphia region.

Part II

Demographic Data and Public OutreachDemographics of East GreenvilleThe composition of a community and its demographic trends can inform how parks, open space, and natural resource areas are managed and what types of plans are needed for the future. Overall the population of East Greenville is very young and is hovering around 3,000 people. The chart below shows that East Greenville’s population has held relatively steady since

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Figure 27: Recorded and Forecast Population (Source: U.S. Census Bureau and DVRPC)

Recorded and Forecast Population


Figures 28 and 29 show that the population of East Greenville is young. The median age of an East Greenville resident is 33 years old. County-wide, the median resident is 41. East Greenville has a much higher proportion of young people than the county does as a whole.

Countywide, 23% of the population is under 18. In East Greenville, that number is 27%. However, only 8% of the 2010 population of East Greenville is 65 and over, while county-wide seniors make up 15% of the population. The large population of younger people indicates a need to provide recreation amenities that appeal to that demographic.

Figure 29: Youth and Senior Population Compared to County (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

Figure 28: Population by Age, 2010 (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

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Public OutreachOnline SurveyEast Greenville Borough conducted an online survey to gather input into this plan. Survey respondents felt that the borough should focus on all of the issues that were listed as options for focus in the survey, in this order of priority: stormwater management and prevention of flooding, preserving undeveloped open space, adding active recreation, creating trail or bike path connections, greening the town by adding landscaping and trees, and adding sidewalks and crosswalks. The most requested active recreation amenity was tennis courts. There was interest in having some organized pick-up games of basketball, softball, baseball, or kickball.

The most visited parks were Green Lane Park and Camelot Park. Of the East Greenville Park spaces, Bieler Park is the most used by survey respondents. Many respondents (68%) would consider supporting a

tax increase to improve the parks and recreation system.

For specific park amenities, survey respondents wanted existing parks improved with benches, lighting, restrooms, shade trees, gazebos, and picnic tables. Respondents would like to activate park spaces and bring the community together with a farmer’s market, beer gardens, food trucks, and similar temporary events. The community would also like to have more and better playground equipment and an off-leash dog park. A full survey summary is provided in Appendix II.

Open HouseEast Greenville held an open house on June 18, 2019, to share draft objectives and park plans from this planning effort. Feedback from that event was incorporated into this plan document.

Figure 30: Open House for this Plan


Figure 31: Open House for this Plan


The Upper Perkiomen Valley is a beautiful area with many trees and waterways. East Greenville Borough’s parks and natural areas are a small-town compliment to the surrounding natural beauty. Creating connections from East Greenville to nearby green spaces and green corridors will help borough residents and visitors appreciate East Greenville in the context of the Upper Perkiomen Valley. Connections from East Greenville’s parks to the surrounding green spaces and green corridors can be made with signage, tree-lined streets or other vegetation, trails, bicycle and pedestrian routes, or maps and brochures.

Tree Canopy and Street GreeningA 2014 assessment of the tree canopy in Montgomery County done by the US Forest Service and the University of Vermont took the total land area and then subtracted out waterways, roads and building. They looked at the percentage of the remaining land area was covered by tree canopy. This analysis shows that East Greenville has less than 25% of what is possible for tree cover. (See Map 6)

East Greenville’s Main Street has approximately 90 street trees (in the right-of-way) that provide many benefits to that area. Maintaining, improving, and

Part III

Environmental and Transportation ConsiderationsSurrounding Environmental Context

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expanding the linear “park” of Main Street should be considered as a part of this plan. Additional trees in parks and open spaces, along other streets, and on private property will add to the tree canopy, providing many benefits to the community. Trees decrease the temperature on hot summer days, improve air quality, create attractive places to walk, and absorb stormwater.


Pedestrian Access to East Greenville ParksEast Greenville has a nearly complete Pedestrian Network. There are some sidewalk gaps along Washington, East Second Street and East Sixth Street. Third and Sixth Street have sidewalk gaps at the railroad bridges. Completing the sidewalk network in the borough will allow residents better access to the parks in and adjacent to East Greenville. (See Map 7)

Figure 32: Rendering of Possible Future Sidewalk Under 6th Street Railroad Bridge

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Map 6: Tree Cover in Montgomery County

Source: Urban Tree Canopy Assessment, University of Vermont, Spatial Analysis Laboratory, 2014.


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Trails and ConnectionsEast Greenville would benefit from off-road, multi-use (bicycle and pedestrian) trail connections to Green Lane Park, Camelot Park, and the Perkiomen Trail. This amenity is desired by residents (86% responded “very important” or “somewhat important” on the survey to

the addition of trails). Local and regional trails found throughout the county are well-used by nearby residents. Future trails accessible to East Greenville residents would be a wonderful amenity for the borough.

Map 7: Existing Sidewalks


Montgomery County has a growing trail network that extends through many parts of the county. The closest completed trail to East Greenville is the Perkiomen Trail, which originates in Audubon and follows the Perkiomen Creek up to Green Lane Park. Montgomery County plans an extension of the Perkiomen Trail that may go through East Greenville. Although the route has not been finalized and the timeline is uncertain, there is a possibility that a County Trail will eventually come through the borough and connect East Greenville to Green Lane Park and the entire Regional Trail System.

Camelot Park is quite close to East Greenville, but no safe bicycle or pedestrian access is currently available. Creating an off-road trail would greatly improve access to this community amenity for East Greenville residents. Map 9 shows the parcel lines between East Greenville and Camelot Park. Finding a workable route through private property will likely be a challenge. However, discussions with Upper Hanover Township and property owners are worthwhile to see if possible solutions exist.

Bike MontCo RecommendationsMontgomery County’s Bike MontCo Plan (2018) prioritizes certain roads throughout the county to designate as bicycle routes. The plan recommends that these roads receive some type of bicycle improvement; this could include marked bicycle lanes on roadways, wider shoulders, signage, and/or pavement markings such as sharrows (see Figure 33).

Figure 33: A Sharrow painted on a roadway indicates a bicycle route.

Map 8: Existing and Proposed Trails, Proposed Bicycle Network

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As shown in Map 8, State Street is designated as a bicycle route, as is Main Street. The State Street route, if it comes to pass, will connect cyclists almost all the way to Camelot Park. The proposed route on Gravel Pike eventually connects to the Perkiomen Trail to the south.

Montgomery County and the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau are working to designate some scenic bicycle routes to try and attract bicycle tourism. Several of the draft routes go through East Greenville. These routes, once finalized and advertised, will add recreation opportunities for residents and will attract additional business for shops and restaurants.

Other Possible Project PartnersIn addition to the recreation providers listed in section II, several other organizations might partner with East Greenville Borough to implement this plan. These include:

1) Upper Perkiomen Valley Garden Club

2) Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce and PerkUP

3) The Environmental Club at Upper Perkiomen High School

4) Project Live UP

5) Bike & Sol

6) Girl Scouts

7) Boy Scouts

8) Upper Perk Rotary Club

These organizations should be notified of the progress of this plan and consulted for their feedback. Some of them may be able to assist the borough in achieving some of the objectives of this plan.


The vision for the future of parks, recreation, and open space in the borough is:

East Greenville is an attractive, walkable borough with trees, plants, and flowers throughout the town that offers residents quality parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. Residents and visitors enjoy living a healthy active lifestyle with well-maintained parks that offer something for all ages.

Through this plan, East Greenville has identified some broad overall objectives, in addition to recommendations and designs for specific park areas. The objectives are presented first, with some recommendations to reach them. Following that, park specific recommendations are included that may help achieve the overall objectives. Finally, detailed concept designs are included for two parks. These designs are identified as high priority for action. Successful implementation of these two park improvement planswill achieve many of the objectives of the plan.

Overall ObjectivesObjective #1: Improve the parks in East Greenville to create inviting spaces and encourage outdoor activities. Recommendations:

a. Make parks more pleasant and practical to use by adding amenities such as shade trees, benches, gazebos, pavilions, drinking fountains, and restrooms.

b. Request help from community volunteers for park improvement projects to encourage community investment and reduce costs.

c. Consider allowing leashed dog walking in some park areas. Erect signage directing dog owners to clean up after their dogs and ensure there are dog bags and trash receptacles available.

Part IV

Objectives and Recommendations

d. Consider adding a tennis/pickleball court to a borough park.

e. Consider adding a dog park to the East Greenville park system if appropriate space is available.

Possible partners: community groups, granting agencies, area businesses, community volunteers, Montgomery County Planning Commission

Objective #2: Bring the community together through events, activities, and attractive public spaces.Recommendations:

a. Encourage temporary or seasonal vending such as a food truck festival or outdoor craft fairs.

b. Establish a regular farmer’s market in East Greenville Borough.

c. Recruit and coordinate volunteers to set up occasional times for pick-up basketball, softball, or baseball games.

d. Encourage local exercise and yoga class providers to hold an occasional class in a park.

e. Hold occasional community events in borough parks.

Possible partners: PerkUP, UP Chamber of Commerce, community groups, area businesses, community volunteers

Figure 34: Sample Dog Bag Station


Objective #3: Create additional and improved recreational amenities for children and youth.Recommendations:

a. Improve playground infrastructure in Bieler Park.

b. Conduct regular playground safety assessments.

c. Maintain and improve amenities for teens and young adults including the skate park and basketball courts.

d. Work with the YMCA to ensure the roller hockey area in Kistler-Bitting park remains in good condition. Publicize to residents that it is available.

Possible partners: YMCA, granting agencies, Montgomery County Planning Commission, area business, community volunteers, Project Live UP

Objective #4: Improve stormwater management in East Greenville.Recommendations:

a. Add rain gardens and other green stormwater management infrastructure on borough-owned land.

b. Provide information to private landowners on stormwater management options and best practices. Partner with landowners to install green stormwater management infrastructure where needed.

c. Solicit feedback from residents on areas that hold water in storm events and try to improve drainage in those areas.

Possible partners: Montgomery County Planning Commission, borough engineer, granting agencies, community groups, area business, community volunteers

Objective #5: Preserve and enhance the natural environment in East Greenville.Recommendations:

a. Preserve remaining open spaces in East Greenville Borough as opportunities arise. Consider an official map as a tool for future acquisitions.

b. Extend the streetscaping on Main Street north to the borough line. Prioritize tree maintenance along East Greenville’s “linear park.”

c. Look for opportunities to add green space and natural landscaping throughout the borough. Include landscaping improvements that benefit birds, butterflies, and other native species in need of habitat.

d. Remove noxious and invasive plant species from public parks.

Possible partners: Montgomery County Planning Commission, borough engineer, granting agencies, PerkUP, community groups, area businesses, community volunteers

Objective #6: Effectively manage, maintain, and improve borough-owned parks and open spaces.Recommendations:

a. Create a schedule for future park upgrades and work towards achieving the open space and parks vision.

b. Recruit residents, businesses, and community organizations to “adopt” parks.

c. Create ongoing and long-term maintenance plans. Divide maintenance tasks between borough staff and volunteers. Consider an annual “love your park” day for volunteers.

d. Invite individuals and organizations to sponsor a tree, bench, brick, etc. in a park. Put name plates on the sponsored item and use the money to fund park maintenance or improvements.

e. In Borough code, update the information about borough parks. (Currently there is a reference only to “East Greenville Borough Playground.”)

Possible partners: PerkUP, community groups, area business, community volunteers


Objective #7: Improve pedestrian and bicycle connections between Main Street, borough parks, and regional parks and recreation sites. Create trails, bicycle routes, and walking paths that enhance connections between parks and provide opportunities for exercise. Improve active transportation safety.Recommendations:

a. Install or improve sidewalks and crosswalks where needed in East Greenville Borough.

b. Ensure adequate pedestrian-scale lighting on borough sidewalks for safety and to improve the walking experience.

c. Work with neighboring communities, Montgomery County, and PennDOT to establish safe pedestrian and bicycle access to:

i. Camelot Park

ii. Green Lane Park

iii. The YMCA

A. Install a sidewalk or trail connection along Taggart Road/ Bank Street from the East Greenville Borough line to Kistler-Bitting Park.

B. Extend the trail that currently exists from the YMCA facility through Kistler-Bitting Park to 2nd Street.

d. Create a map of various park and recreation opportunities in and near East Greenville borough. Share this information with the public on the borough’s website and at borough hall. Include information on a walking route that connects several parks. (See Map 10.)

Possible partners: Montgomery County Planning Commission, borough engineer, YMCA, Upper Hanover Township, PennDOT

Park Specific RecommendationsEach park or open space area that is owned by East Greenville is listed below with specific recommendations for that park. Recommendations in this section align with the objectives above.

Action Park

• Screen the park from neighboring homes with attractive, low-maintenance landscaping.

• To help create community, have a public input contest to name the area around the police station and skate park. The skate park can still be known as “Action Park,” but the whole area can have a different name. Creating that name as a community will help residents identify with it and want to go there.



• Create a long-term plan for gradually upgrading the skate park: remove metal elements and replace with wood or concrete, replace aging components, and conduct repairs as needed.

• Communicate with users of the skate park and basketball court to find out what they would like to see in the future.

• Naturalize the stormwater drainage areas for better stormwater management and added habitat for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.

• Remove unused paved areas and replace with planted areas.

• Consider adding community garden space if desired by residents.

Bank Street Parking Lot

• Remove the planter that is not in good repair from the turnaround space.

• Consider planting a rain garden in the lowest-lying parking space.

• Evaluate whether this parking lot is the best location for the picnic tables.

• Consider adding a small flower bed in a grassy area.

Frederick J. Bieler Community Park

This park is envisioned as a community hub for families with children under 12 years old. A new pathway, replacement play equipment, and a picnic pavilion will make this an inviting gathering place for families and neighbors. Recommendations:

• Include play equipment for ages 6-23 months, 2-5 years, and 5-12 years.

• Ensure play equipment is high quality and well maintained.

• Maintain an open area for informal games such Frisbee and soccer.

• Add a walking path along the street that serves as a walkway for enjoying the park and as a sidewalk for Blaker Drive.

• Add a pavilion for picnicking and shade.

• Add a rain garden and additional shade trees for environmental benefit and enjoyment.

• Ensure pathways, pavilion, and play equipment meet universal access (ADA) requirements.

• Create a loop pathway for neighbors to walk for exercise.

Colonial Village Open Space

• Consider other possible uses of the space such as naturalized meadow or long growing grasses, trees, orchard, or community garden.

• Install a dog bag station and allow leashed dog walking.

East Greenville Water Authority

• Improve public access

• Designate public parking

• Create walking trails

• Install informational signage about fishing and hiking

• Work with Montgomery County and Upper Hanover Township to plan for a walking trail from Camelot Park north through Water Authority property to Peevy Road open space and possibly to the Mill Hill Preservation.

• Remove invasive plant species such as purple loosestrife (lythrum salicaria).



Main Street Linear Park

• Expand plantings to northern borough limit

• Prioritize maintaining and replacing trees to retain “park” feel

• Gradually extend tree canopy from Main Street to nearby side streets.

• Extend tree-lined streets in a loop around East Greenville to connect parks. This would include 3rd street, 6th street, and through Colonial Village. (See Map 10)

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East Greenville Borough Nature Meadow

• Maintain natural area and riparian buffer to a high standard in accordance with best practices.

• Consider adding a picnic table to the entry area.

• Continue partnering with the Girl Scouts for maintenance.

• Consider developing an education program for area students to monitor stream health, bird species, or other indicators of the importance of this natural area.

• Consider creating a pedestrian pathway to the stream for public access.

• Remove invasive species.

Valley Walk

• Create an attractive pedestrian pathway and screen from neighboring homeowners.

• Add a bench, landscaping, and pedestrian scale lighting.Figure 38: Nature Meadow

Figure 37: Nature Meadow


The concept plan for Frederick J. Bieler Park (Figure 40) includes a new sidewalk that will also be a pathway along the edge of the park. With no sidewalk along this section of Blaker Drive and no paved areas in the park, there is currently no place to walk a stroller or provide access to the park for someone using a wheelchair or walker. The proposed pathway along Blaker Drive will allow for added park access and safety and comfort for those simply passing by walking along Blaker Drive. A second, smaller pathway is proposed along the interior property line of the park. This could be a natural surface such as crushed stone, and would allow visitors to walk a small loop around the park. Perhaps some

Part V

Bieler Park Concept Plan

Figure 39: Aerial View of Bieler Park

parents or caregivers would enjoy exercising by walking the perimeter of the park while the children use the playground.

The addition of a pavilion with a drinking fountain and picnic tables will create a comfortable area for families to rest and eat when visiting the park. There are already a number of large shade trees in and near Bieler Park. Additional shade trees are proposed to complete the canopy along both Blaker Drive and Third Street, and to shade the play area. These additional trees will improve the aesthetic experience in the park and provide shade for people walking and playing.


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Barry W. Jeffries

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MCPCPO Box 311

Norristown PA 19404

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425 Swede Street, Suite 201Norristown PA

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PerformanceSpace


Figure 40: Bieler Park Design

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Frederick J. Bieler Community Park Sign

Existing Play Area-- Replace Equipment

Proposed Shade Tree(Typical with cross)

New Park Pathway- entire perimeter +/- 550 ft.

New Recreational Area- Consolidate Equipment (new) in this Area- Improve with Accessible Surfacing

Accessible Sidewalk Connected to New Recreation Area

New Pathway Connection to Residential Community

Proposed Nature Pathway- natural materials

Existing Utility Shed-To remain

Existing Canopy TreesOff-Site- (Typical)

Proposed Rain Garden

Proposed Nature Pathway-natural materials

BLACKER DRIVE

TH

IRD

ST

RE

ET

Proposed Bench (typical)

Bike Rack (Existing)

Pavillion- 20 ft. X 24 ft. & drinking fountain on concrete pad with access from pathway (proposed)

Multi-Use TurfPlay Area

ADA DetectableWarning Plate

(typical)

Existing Shade Tree(Typical)

Sheet No.

Scale


Drawn By

Reviewed By

Date

CAD File Name

Bieler Park 1/1

1 inch = 20 ft.


Barry W. Jeffries

Reviewed By

Revised May 16, 2019

Filename 1

of

Sheet Title

Project Title

Concept Improvements Plan

Project Title

Consultant

Design Firm

MCPCPO Box 311

Norristown PA 19404

MCPC

425 Swede Street, Suite 201Norristown PA



PerformanceSpace


A rain garden is proposed along Third Street at the low end of the park. This small planted area will improve stormwater retention on site and add an attractive garden to the park. All other plants in Bieler Park are tall trees. This will add some interesting greenery that can be observed up close by children and adults alike.

A small multi-purpose stage-like surface such as the one shown in figure 42 can function as a performance space for children or for other purposes, such as a stand for making announcements to a group.

Figure 41: Example Rain Garden

Figure 42: Example Multi-Purpose Stage


Figure 43: Example Playground Musical Instruments

Figure 44: Example Natural Surface Pathway

Finally, new playground equipment is proposed for Bieler Park. The existing equipment is in need of replacement and new equipment will be an inviting addition to the park. Community feedback indicates

that the new play equipment should include a variety of types of swings, a play structure for ages 2-5, a climber such as a “spider web” for older kids, and possibly another amenity such as outdoor musical instruments.


The implementation of the Bieler Park Improvements will likely need to be phased. Bieler Park phasing should start with items on the top of this list and move through them as funding is available.

1) Improved playground equipment with new playground surfacing

2) Install paved sidewalk/walking path along Blaker Drive

3) Install pavilion with drinking fountain

4) Install a natural surface pathway to create a walking loop around the park

5) Install additional trees

6) Install a rain garden

7) Create a small stage or performance space

Figure 45: Possible new playground designs (Source: General Recreation)


The Concept Plan for Action Park (Figure 48) prioritizes screening neighboring properties from the park area. Clusters of trees and shrubs are placed around the perimeter of the park to provide a visual buffer from neighbors. This should both help visitors to the park feel like they are in a public space rather than in someone’s backyard and help neighbors have more privacy. Trees and other plantings along the drainage basins in the park will naturalize those areas, helping to retain and infiltrate stormwater slowly into the ground. These bio-retention swales will provide aesthetic interest and habitat for butterflies and other native wildlife. Trees and bio-retention swales are proposed in the parking lot as well, improving stormwater management and aesthetics in that area.

Two paved areas extend from the entrance to the park. These are minimally used at present, and the Concept Plan proposes to remove the paving and add plantings and grass to those areas. Extending the existing parking to allow a few new spaces and adding additional parking spaces on each side of the police station will create parking for the improved Action Park.

A walkway is proposed throughout the park, allowing visitors to stroll through the newly improved area. A possible future addition of a court painted both for tennis and pickle ball would add to the recreational amenities available here.

Restrooms on the exterior of the police station are proposed. This park already draws people in from beyond the immediate neighborhood and will likely do so even more once it is improved. Providing restrooms for park visitors will improve comfort and safety in the park.

Two bicycle racks are proposed, as is removing the paved area around where the pool used to be.

Part VI

Action Park Concept Plan

Figure 46: Aerial View of Action Park Area

Figure 47: Example Landscaped Buffer


Figure 48: Action Park Design

00 40 80 120 160 FT

Multi-use recreational

area

Remove pavement &

establish Turf- Potential

area for multi-purpose

activities

Multi-use recreational area

Establish turf area- remove

parking and pavement

Establish naturalized buffer

using clusters of native

trees/shrubs

Naturalize Swale with

Native Trees & Shrubs

Rearrange parking spaces with

use parking strip for

bio-retention plantings

Canopy Trees along the

Park boundary

Paved Pathway - 6

ft. wide / bridge

crossing

Paved Pathway - 6 ft. wide

Proposed Tennis Court

&

Pickle Ball (painted)

Establish turf area-remove

parking and pavement

11 new parking spaces

Skate park remains-

Improvements may be

needed

Basketball Court

to remain

Canopy Trees along the

Park boundary

Proposed bench along

pathway - 5 benchs

Accessible Restrooms & bike rack

on both sides of bldg.

Sheet No.

Scale


Drawn By

Reviewed By

Date

CAD File Name

Sheet 1

1"= 20 ft


Barry Jeffries, ASLA

Reviewed By

02/-19/19 -- 01/15/2019

Filename Total Sheets

of

Sheet Title

Project Title

Park Improvement ConceptsAction Park-

East Greenville Borough

Action Park ImprovementsEast Greenvile, PA

Consultant

Design Firm

Montgomery County Planning Commission PO Box 311

County CourthouseNorristown PA 19404

Design Firm Name

Design Firm Address



00 40 80 120 160 FT

Sheet No.

Scale


Drawn By

Reviewed By

Date

CAD File Name

Sheet 1

1"= 20 ft


Barry Jeffries, ASLA

Reviewed By

02/-19/19 -- 01/15/2019

Filename Total Sheets

of

Sheet Title

Project Title

Park Improvement ConceptsAction Park-

East Greenville Borough

Action Park ImprovementsEast Greenvile, PA

Consultant

Design Firm

Montgomery County Planning Commission PO Box 311

County CourthouseNorristown PA 19404

Design Firm Name

Design Firm Address



Establish naturalized buffer using clusters of native trees/shrubs


Improvements for Action Park will also likely need to be phased. Implementation should start at the top of this list and move down through these items as funding is available.

1) Install landscaping around the perimeter of the park to buffer the park from neighboring residences.

2) Naturalize the existing swales within the park to create better functioning bio retention and stormwater management.

3) Extend the current parking aisle to add additional spaces.

4) Add bio-retention areas in parking lot.

Figure 49: Example Bio-Retention Area in a Parking Lot

5) Remove side paving areas at entrance to park. Reconfigure parking areas to create spaces on the sides.

6) Install a pedestrian walkway throughout the park.

7) Install public restrooms on the exterior of the police station.

8) Remove paving area behind the police station where the pool used to be.

9) Install two bicycle racks.

10) Install a sports court for playing tennis and pickleball.


Figure 50: Ezample Porous Pavement Walkway

Figure 51: Example Bio-Retention Area


The general objectives and recommendations as well as recommendations for each park are more than East Greenville will be able to accomplish in the next few years. To aid in implementation of this plan, priorities and funding sources are identified below.

PrioritiesPriority Recommendations

Although all of the objectives and recommendations in this plan are important, some of the recommendations are identified here as the top priorities for implementation by East Greenville Borough. These are the items are those that have been identified by the community or borough leaders as the most important items in the plan. Borough Council and the Borough Manager will be responsible for implementation.

1. Improve playground infrastructure in Bieler Park.

2. Extend the streetscaping on Main Street north to the borough line. Prioritize tree maintenance along East Greenville’s “linear park.”

3. Create a schedule for future park upgrades and work towards achieving the open space and parks vision.

4. Make parks more pleasant and practical to use by adding amenities such as shade trees, benches, gazebos, pavilions, drinking fountains, and restrooms.

5. Establish a regular farmer’s market in East Greenville Borough.

6. Maintain and improve amenities for teens and

Part VII

Implementation Plan young adults including the skate park and basketball courts.

7. Work with neighboring communities, Montgomery County, and PennDOT to establish safe pedestrian and bicycle access to:

a. Camelot Park

b. Green Lane Park

c. The YMCA

8. Conduct regular playground safety assessments.

9. Solicit feedback from residents on areas that hold water in storm events and try to improve drainage in those areas.

10. Install or improve sidewalks and crosswalks where needed in East Greenville Borough.

11. Add rain gardens and other green stormwater management infrastructure on borough-owned land.

12. Request help from community volunteers for park improvement projects to encourage community investment and reduce costs.

13. Look for opportunities to add green space and natural landscaping throughout the borough. Include landscaping improvements that benefit birds, butterflies, and other native species in need of habitat.

14. Create ongoing and long-term maintenance plans. Divide maintenance tasks between borough staff and volunteers. Consider an annual “love your park” day for volunteers.


Specific Park Improvement PrioritiesThe concept designs for improvements to Bieler and Action Park are both high priority for the borough. Bieler Park has been selected for implementation first, with Action Park next as funding is available. Accomplishing the Bieler Park renovations is a high priority for the borough and will ensure East Greenville has a great park to meet the recreational needs of the many young families in the borough. Bringing the Action Park concept plan to fruition will ensure East Greenville has a high-quality park in which teens and adults can walk and play.

Recommendations for other parks and open spaces on pages 33-35 are listed in priority order for each park, and can be accomplished as capacity and funding permit. The park specific objectives should be evaluated as regular maintenance is performed, since some smaller implementation items may be able to occur on an ongoing basis. As an implementation strategy, train borough employees who perform park maintenance in recognition of the most common invasive plant species and in basic maintenance of green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens. If borough employees have that knowledge, they may be able to work towards some of the park recommendations in the course of performing their daily duties.

Early ImplementationFive of the recommendations are identified here as possibilities for early implementation. These recommendations may be easier to implement than the others, and may not require as long of a time frame.

1. In Borough code, update the information about borough parks. (Currently there is a reference only to “East Greenville Borough Playground.”)

2. Consider allowing leashed dog walking in some park areas. Erect signage directing dog owners to clean up after their dogs and ensure there are dog bags and trash receptacles available.

3. Encourage local exercise and yoga class providers to hold an occasional class in a park.

4. Create a map of various park and recreation opportunities in and near East Greenville borough. Share this information with the public on the borough’s website and at borough hall. Include information on a walking route that connects several parks. (See Map 10.)

5. Hold occasional community events in borough parks.

Funding and Implementation ResourcesFunding for the recommendations and actions in this plan will likely come from a variety of sources. The municipal budget has some designated funding for parks maintenance and improvements, and additional moneys might be able to be set aside by Borough Council in some years. Additional funding will primarily come from grants, but less common sources of funding should also be considered. Crowd funding for donations with a public display of funds raised will encourage the community to invest in their parks and contribute to improvements.

Additionally, some park improvements may be able to incorporate a sponsored tree, bench, brick, or other item. Individuals or organizations can have name plates on the sponsored item and the money can fund the item plus additional park maintenance or improvements.

Below is information about granting agencies with information about the types of financing they may provide for parks or open space acquisition or improvements.


Figure 52: Example of a Sponsored Bench

DCNR

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is one of the best resources for park development funding. They also provide grants for land acquisition and to fund recreation providers. All DCNR grants give preference to applications that improve ADA access to parks and trails and that include green and sustainable aspects. DCNR likes to see a robust public participation process in developing the project and the grant application asks how the public will be able to participate in the process moving forward. The DCNR programs that may be appropriate for projects in this plan are:

• Small Community Park Development & Park Rehabilitation and Development

• Land Acquisition and Conservation Funding

• Trail Funding

• Peer & Circuit Rider – funding for hiring a parks & recreation director shared between multiple municipalities

MontCo 2040

Montgomery County provides funding to municipalities to implement elements of the county comprehensive plan. Goals of the plan include:

• Expand and connect county trails, local trails, greenways, natural areas, and parks

• Support strong downtowns and community destinations, including mixed use areas, arts and culture focal points, libraries, and other gathering places

• Improve stormwater management and reduce the impact of flooding

• Conserve natural resources, environmentally-sensitive areas, and farmland

• Provide more opportunities for residents to exercise and have healthy lifestyles

• Enhance community character and protect neighborhoods

PECO Green Regions

Any municipality that receives gas and/or electric service from PECO is eligible to apply for a grant from the PECO Green Regions Program, administer by Natural Lands. Grants are for any project that preserves, protects, or improves open space. Grant funding is limited to a maximum award of $10,000.

Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) administers funding for this program of park and trail development grants.

CDBG

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) can be used for a wide variety of projects including park development. Priority is given to applicants whose projects benefit low- and moderate- income persons. Calculations of income are based on census block group and eligible income levels are set annually for the program.

TreeVitalize

TreeVitalize can provide trees for planting in parks or along streets. Grants cover only the costs of the trees.


Figure 53: Water Authority

Figure 54: Water Authority


Appendix I

Table of Parks and Open Spaces within 2 Miles

Park/OS/Rec Location Address Size (acres) Distance from EG

(miles) Ownership Comfort amenities

Recreation amenities

Open/natural areas

Acquired by EG

Action Park (whole area, not just skate park)

524 Colonial Drive

4.2 0Public - East

Greenville Borough

1 bench1 trash can,

parking

Skate park,Basketball

courtLarge mowed

grass field 2011

Arlington Street Open Space

Arlington & 6th 2.2 0 Private – multiple

owners n/a n/a n/a n/a

Bank Street Parking Lot Bank Street 0.4 (most is

asphalt, though) 0Public – East

Greenville Borough

2 picnic tables, parking n/a

Shade trees, landscaping box,

[UPV sign]2014

Bieler Park 3rd St. & Blaker Dr. 1.7 0

Public - East Greenville Borough

3 benches1 bicycle rack

Playground equipment

Lawn areas, some large

trees1997

Camelot Park1124 Church Road, East

Greenville (Upper Hanover)

102 0.6Public - Upper

Hanover Township

Restroom,Picnic pavilion,

Benches, parkingn/a

Shade trees, landscaping box,

[UPV sign]2014

Colonial Village Open Space

Hamilton Rd. 1.6 0Public – East

Greenville Borough

n/a n/a Mowed grass 2011

East Greenville Fire Company

401 Washington St.

3.2 (most is building and parking lot)

0Public – East

Greenville Fire Company

parking n/aLawn areas, a few trees, ephemeral stream/drainage

ditch

n/a

East Greenville Water Authority

Water Street, (Upper Hanover) 55.2 0.6

Public – East Greenville Borough

Fishing Wooded areas and creek

Finland Road Park

3294 Finland Rd., Pennsburg (Marlborough)

85.2 acres 4.2Public –

Marlborough Township

Pavilion, parking

Ice skating (seasonal),

volleyball, trails, playground, 2 soccer fields

Pond, wooded areas, grassy

areasn/a

Green Lane Park

Ward Rd. & Knight Rd.

(Upper Hanover)3,400 3 (to closest

Parking Lot)Public –

Montgomery County

Pavilions, restrooms,

benches, camping areas, grills,

parking

Boating, fishing, playground, hiking trails,

band shell, wildlife viewing

Lake, wooded areas n/a

Kistler-Bitting Park

Taggart Rd. (Upper Hanover) 17.2 0.1 Private – YMCA

Pavilion, parking,

picnic tables, benches

Basketball court,

playground, gaga court

Shade trees, Macoby Creek + tributaries,

woods, grassy areas, community garden beds

n/a

LifeSpan Day Care

399 Washington St.

1.3 (mostly behind fences) 0 Private – LifeSpan Parking Playground

(behind fence)

Stream, naturalized area,

wildlifen/a

Macoby Run Park

1044 East 11th Street, Pennsburg

51.3 1.4Public – Upper

Hanover Township

Parking PlaygroundTrail

CreekLawn area

Wooded area2014


Park/OS/Rec Location Address Size (acres) Distance from EG

(miles) Ownership Comfort amenities

Recreation amenities

Open/natural areas

Acquired by EG

Mill Hill Preservation

Mill Hill Rd & Zeigler Rd.

(Upper Hanover)237 1.3

Public – Upper Hanover

TownshipParking Hunting

permitted Creek 2011

Nature Meadow 411 6th St. 1.9 +0.9 across

State Street 0 Public - East Greenville Borough 1 bench n/a

Creek, Naturalized meadow and wooded area

1999, 2009

New Goshenhoppen Church fields

1071 Church Road, East

Greenville (Upper Hanover)

20.8 0.1Private – New

Goshenhoppen Church

n/a n/a Fields n/a

New Goshenhoppen Park

618 3rd St., East Greenville 6.8 0

Private – New Goshenhoppen

Church

Picnic table, restrooms inside

buildingsPlayground Trees, meadow,

bandshell n/a

Open Link (Pennsburg)

452 Penn St., Pennsburg 0.2 0.3 Public – Open

Link Parking n/a Field n/a

Open Link: The Center 517 Jefferson St. 0.1 0 Public – Open

LinkPicnic table,

parking n/aShade trees,

grass, garden beds

n/a

Peevy Road Open Space

1100 Peevy Road., East Greenville

(Upper Hanover)85.6 0.7


Townshipn/a n/a

Wooded area; mowed grass

fieldsn/a

Pennsburg Borough Hall

76 W. 6th St., Pennsburg

3.9 (includes building area) 0.6

Public – Pennsburg

BoroughGazebo, parking n/a Field n/a

Pennsburg Community Park (with Seachrist-Kurtz Ballfield)

8th St., Pennsburg 18.3 0.9


BoroughBenches, parking 1 ball field Grassy area,

some trees n/a

Pennsburg Nature Preserve

E. 5th Street, Pennsburg 10.7 0.5


BoroughParking Walking trails

Macoby Creek, woods, meadow, butterfly garden

n/a

Perkiomen School

200 Seminary St., Pennsburg 128 0 Private –

Perkiomen SchoolParking Ball field,

Basketball, track, tennis courts

Some open areas n/a

Phillips Field* this is being sold and will no longer be used as a park

1560 Hendricks Rd., Pennsburg (Marlborough)

6.6 + an additional parking lot

parcel next to it3.5

Private – owned by Debra Phillips,

used by Valley Soccer and

perhaps others

Parking 2 full-sized soccer fields

Stream, naturalized area,

wildlifen/a

St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Fields

81 Main Street (Pennsburg)

2.7 including parking lot but

not building0.1 Private – St.

Mark’s Church Parking, gazebo n/a Mowed grass n/a

Upper Hanover Municipal Building Park

1704 Pillsbury St., East Greenville

(Upper Hanover)2 0.1


TownshipParking n/a Mowed grass n/a

Upper Perkiomen 4th and 5th Grade Center

510 Jefferson St. 11.6 (does not include building) 0

Public – Upper Perkiomen

School DistrictParking 3 ball fields Grassy area n/a

Valley Walk Colonial Dr. & Valley Rd. 0.2 0

Public – East Greenville Borough

n/a Sidewalk Grass 2011

YMCA1399 Quakertown

Rd., Pennsburg (Upper Hanover)

28 (includes building and

parking, but not K-B park)

0.5 Private - YMCA ParkingPool, indoor recreation

opportunities, trail

Meadow n/a


Appendix II

Survey SummaryIntroductionTo obtain input on East Greenville’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, an online survey was conducted by the Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC). The survey, open from August 7, 2018 through October 31, 2018, had 98 responses. This opportunity allowed the general public to have input into the early stages of the planning process. Residents and other stakeholders were able to share their priorities and ideas for the future of East Greenville’s park space and recreation amenities. Below you will find the survey questions restated and the responses summarized after each question. The total number of people who responded to any particular question is given as n=x, where x is the number of people who answered that question.

Demographic InformationQ1: Please check all that apply. (N=98)When asked about their connection to East Greenville, 71 respondents reported that they reside within the borough. Five of these residents also work in East Greenville. Nine additional respondents work but do not live in East Greenville. Five respondents own a business or property in the Borough, but do not live in East Greenville.

Only 13 respondents do not live, work, or own property in East Greenville Borough. That is, 87% of survey respondents have a very close tie to East Greenville. Of the remaining 13 respondents, 12 are residents of one of the surrounding municipalities in Upper Perk. One lives nearby, but in Lehigh County.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

OtherI am a resident of Pennsburg or

Red Hill Borough.

I am a resident ofUpper Hanover or

MarlboroughTownship.

I work in East Greenville.

I am a business orproperty owner in

East Greenville.

I am a resident of East Greenville.

Please check all that apply.


Q2: How old are you? (N=98) Nearly 40% of respondents fell in the age range of 30 to 39 years old, though the population of East Greenville is only about 18% ages 30-391 . Residents 20-29, 50-59, and 60-69 were represented about proportionally with their percentage in the population. Not surprisingly, residents under 20 were underrepresented in the survey responses. Hopefully some of the residents ages 30-39 also voiced the needs of residents under 20 in their responses, since many of them likely have children under 20. Residents over 70 were also underrepresented. The charts below show the ages of survey respondents as well as the ages of all residents (per U.S. Census data) for comparison.

2

1 U.S. Census, American Community Survey, 2012-2016.2 U.S. Census, American Community Survey, 2012-2016.

Survey Respondent Ages

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

70 and Older60 - 6950 - 5940 - 4930 - 3920 - 29Under 20

East Greenville Resident Ages

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

70 and Older60-6950-5940-4930-3920-29Under 20


Q3: Are there children under 18 years old in your household? (N=96) Almost exactly half of survey respondents have children under 18 in their homes.

General Goals and PrioritiesQ4: How important do you think it is for East Greenville to focus on each of the following issues? (N=91) Survey respondents feel that the top three parks, recreation, and open space related goals that the borough should focus on are stormwater management, preserving open space, and adding active recreation. However, if we look at the sum of those who chose very or somewhat important, even the least popular choice still has 85% of respondents that think it is at least somewhat important.

Responses from East Greenville residents only come out in the same order as in the graph above for the all of the survey respondents.

Are there children under 18 years old in your household?

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

NoYes

How important do you think it is for East Greenville to focus on each of the following issues?

2.0

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

Adding sidewalksand crosswalks

“Greening” the townby adding landscapingand trees throughout

the Borough

Creating trail orbike path connections

through East Greenvilleand beyond; connecting

to Perkiomen Trail

Adding active recreation(sports courts or fields,

playgrounds, etc.)

Preserving undeveloped

open space

Stormwatermanagement and

prevention of flooding


Household Parks and Recreation Participation and InterestQ5: How frequently do you go to a park, trail, gym, or other recreation site? (N=91) More than half of survey respondents find themselves using some type of recreation amenity on at least a weekly basis. An additional 37% go to a recreation location at least once a month, for a total of 88% of respondents who are already using a park, trail, gym or other recreation site at least once a month.

About 87% of East Greenville residents use a recreation site at least once a month.

Answer Choices Responses Not important

Frequently (at least once a week) 51% 46

Occasionally (at least once a month) 37% 34

Rarely (a few times a year) 10% 9

Occasionally (at least once a month) 2% 2

Goal Very or somewhat important Not important

Stormwater management and prevention of flooding 94% 6%

Preserving undeveloped open space 92% 8%

Adding active recreation (sports courts or fields, playgrounds, etc.) 88% 12%

Creating trail or bike path connections through East Greenville and beyond; connecting to Creating trail or bike path connections through East Greenville and beyond; connecting to Perkiomen Trail 86% 14%

“Greening” the town by adding landscaping and trees throughout the Borough 85% 15%

Adding sidewalks and crosswalks 85% 15%


Q6: In the past three months, which of these parks and open space areas have you visited (check all that apply)? (N=86) Survey respondents have visited many area parks within the past few months. 83% have visited Camelot Park in Upper Hanover, and 74% have visited Green Lane Park. Within East Greenville, the most visited park is Bieler Park, with 26% of respondents having been there within the past three months.

Respondents could write in if they had another park that they had been to. The six write-in responses were:

• Macoby• Macoby Creek Park off of 11th street• Macoby Park• 11th Street Park in Upper Hanover • Hereford park• I do not like such parks. Native land, open-space parks are more desired.

Responses from East Greenville Residents only appear in the same order as the general responses above, with very similar percentages.

0%

10%

20%

30%40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

NatureMeadow

ActionPark/Police tation area

Kistler-Bi�ingPark

Upper PerkiomenMiddle School fields

Bieler ParkGreen Lane ParkCamelot Park

In the past three months, which of these parks and open space areas have you visited?


Q7: Do you or someone in your family participate in these activities? (N=92) This question asked about what types of recreational activities survey respondents already participate in, and what their latent interests might be – what they might participate in if it were convenient. About 75% of survey respondents have someone in their family who already walks or runs for exercise. In addition, over 60% of respondents walk their dogs. About 60% of responding households have picnics or cookouts, and over 55% of respondents go for nature or bird-watching walks or take their children play in a playground.

The most popular activities that respondents might like to do if there were better access to them were bicycling, picnics/cookouts, pick-up sports games, swimming, and nature or bird-watching walks.

Respondents could write other activities they do, or would like to do. The write-in responses were:• Tennis• Tennis, bocce ball, horseshoes• Pickleball. Tennis • Pickle ball• Horseback riding• Slow pitch softball/baseball• Soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball• Roller Hockey• Roller Hockey

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Skateboarding or roller skating

Pickup sports games

OtherOrganized sports as part of a

team

BicyclingWorkout at the gym

Exercise or yoga classes

SwimmingPlaygroundNature walks

or bird watching

Picnic/cookout

Dog walking

Walking/Running/Jogging

for exercise

Do you or someone in your family participate in these activities?

Yes, someone in my household does this

We would do this if we had better access to facilities for this


• Kickball, slow pitch softball, pickup games • Pump track for bikes or turn an empty basketball quart into a fenced futsal quart.• It would be great to have a nice community pool.

• Why just sports? Why not outdoor movies and music? Non-sports, open space is just as important.

For residents of East Greenville, the activities they would most like to do if there were better facilities available were (in this order) bicycling, pick-up sports games, swimming, or picnic/cookout. Residents were most interested in tennis, roller hockey, and basketball for pick-up games or additional facilities.

Ideas for Specific ParksThe survey asked specifically about improvements that respondents would like to see in Action Park (the area behind and around the police station) and Bieler Park. In the responses to both questions, playground equipment came up as a top choice. Other top choice amenities would draw people to the parks and create nice places to spend time for the community.

Q8: East Greenville Borough Planning Commission is considering recommending adding amenities to the area near the skate park (see pictures above). What would you most like to see there? (choose up to three) (N=88) Between 35 and 40% of survey respondents chose the following things to add to Action Park: playground, dog park, farmer’s market, temporary or seasonal vending, restrooms, and shade trees.

Amenity Percent

Playground 40%

Dog park (off-leash fenced area for dogs) 38%

Farmer’s Market 38%

Temporary or seasonal vending (food trucks, beer gardens, etc.) 38%

Restrooms 36%

Shade trees 36%

Gazebo or pavilion 32%

Picnic tables 31%

Trash cans 31%

Community garden 28%

Benches 26%

Butterfly/flower garden 23%

Lighting 22%

Ice rink (small, uncovered, open only in winter) 19%

Drinking fountains 17%

Nothing – leave it just as mowed grass 16%

Street hockey rink 10%

Tennis courts 10%

Baseball/softball field 9%

Soccer field 8%

Volleyball court 7%

Bocce ball court 6%

Band shell 5%


Respondents could write in additional ideas or comments. The ten responses were:

• A Giant Christmas tree for a tree lighting ceremony. A full grown tree can be implanted.

• The things that will build community, get people to come outside to participate in activities, and will get others to come into East Greenville to build our community.

• A rentable park for picnics/parties/etc. with some of the above mentioned amenities

• Walking path

• With the right design, flexibility for most of the above could be included.

• Futsal

• Horseshoes

• Pickleball

• Summer time fireworks lighting area

• Remove metal ramps at park, too loud for residents

• Take away the skate park. The kids are too noisy, and a nuisance to those that live in the area.

• Not sure - hope survey provides direction

The items that at least one-third (33%) of East Greenville residents wanted for Action Park were (in this order): farmer’s market, temporary or seasonal vending, playground, restrooms, shade trees, and a gazebo or pavilion.

Q9: East Greenville Borough Planning Commission is considering recommending adding amenities to Bieler Park (see pictures above). What would you most like to see there? (choose up to three) (N=81) By far the most requested amenity for Bieler Park was additional playground improvement. 40% of respondents chose that answer. No other responses were above 26%, but the next most requested items were a dog park, gazebo or pavilion, picnic tables, restrooms, shade trees, benches, and lighting.


Respondents could write in additional ideas or comments. The seven responses were:

• An off street walking path - handicap or elderly accessible• Anything that builds the community, anything that gets people out and involved and participating in activities that will enrich the community, also, things that will bring people from outside East Greenville into our town to enrich it and make it a destination like Emmaus has with their farmer’s markets/festivals etc.• Design seasonal flexibility• Horseshoe• Pickleball • This park is incredibly under equipped. It needs better equipment.

• Nothing - it will get ruined

East Greenville residents show even stronger support for additional and improved playground equipment in Bieler Park, with 47% of residents choosing that as a desired amenity. The next most desired items by residents only are a gazebo or pavilion (27%), a dog park (26%), more shade trees (24%), lighting (24%), and temporary or seasonal vending (23%).

Amenity Percent

Playground - add more play equipment 40%

Dog park (off-leash fenced area for dogs) 26%

Gazebo or pavilion 25%

Picnic tables 23%

Restrooms 23%

Shade trees 23%

Benches 22%

Lighting 22%

Temporary or seasonal vending (food trucks, beer gardens, etc.) 21%

Trash cans 21%

Community garden 20%

Farmer’s Market 20%

Ice rink (small, uncovered, open only in winter) 19%

Drinking fountains 17%

Nothing – leave it as is 17%

Butterfly/flower garden 16%

Basketball Court 11%

Bocce ball court 9%

Tennis courts 9%

Volleyball court 5%


Tax Increase and Other IdeasQ10: Would you support a small tax increase to improve parks, recreation, and open space in East Greenville? (N=86)

When asked if they might consider a small tax increase to support some of the ideas in this plan, the largest group of respondents (41%) said “yes.” One-third (33%) of respondents said “no.” The “yes” and “not sure” groups of respondents added together make up 68% of respondents.

East Greenville residents were very slightly more in favor of a tax increase, with 43% saying “yes” and 32% saying “no.”

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

Not sureNoYes

Would you support a small tax increase to improve parks, recreation, and open space in East Greenville?


Q11: Are there any other comments or ideas that you have for parks, recreation, open space, or trails in East Greenville? (N=22)

Respondents were offered the opportunity to share additional thoughts and ideas at the end of the survey. The 22 comments received were:

• East Greenville is beautiful and I love living here, I think it’s great that we are taking comments from community members to make it even better.

• Continuing from before, whatever helps grow our community and gets people out and together. Also, giving people new and interesting purposes to come out , try new things, participate in activities, and help build a stronger community

• Give these kids activities

• We need to focus on the youth of the community. Get them outside away from the tv. Have organized events for kids. They are the future. Have meet and greets with local law enforcement firefighters ambulance they can tour the vehicles of each division try on fire suits. Dunk tanks and they can dunk their favorite officer, firefighter, EMT

• Thank you for taking the initiative and surveying residents.

• Others benefit more from the taxes and fees that I pay. These park plans just means I get to pay more for something else I cannot use. An activities/events coordinator could attempt organizing specific activities/ events and see what the response is, to guide planning.

• An area for remote control cars/trucks and drones would be popular.

• Be nice to have a community pool that would be cheaper than the Y.

• Better lighting for walking at night (dog walking)

• Kids are playing street hockey on side roads and dead ends. We should replace the hockey rink that was lost to the Skatepark.

• More walking paths and outdoor space for yoga!

• Get rid of the skate park. Connect with the UP trail.

• I thought there was a long term plan to connect the skate park/police station to the trails at Camelot park! I would love to see that! More walking trails!

• Remove metal ramps at skate park. Very loud for locals.

• I think East Greenville needs to focus on the police situation before adding more taxes.

• Revitalize Colonial Village first and fix the trees and sidewalks on Main first.

• Taxation is theft. There’s already plenty of recreation in the Upper Perk area. If people choose not to get off the couch now then stealing tax money from the area’s most productive members to build more parks won’t change that.

• Why in that area (village)? They will just destroy it.

• Baby swings. And shade on playground.

• Dog park dog park dog park

• Farmers market!

• Improve the equipment. The playground in the village is crap.


ConclusionSurvey respondents are interested in many types of parks, recreation, and open space improvements in East Greenville Borough. They would like to see stormwater well-managed, open space preserved, and a greener borough. They would like new recreation amenities, trails, and additional sidewalks and crosswalks. Many of them would support a tax increase to fund these types of improvements.

In both of the park-specific questions and in the requests for better access to do additional outdoor activities, sports courts and fields did not rank very highly on the list of desired amenities. Respondents seem to want items that are practical for spending time in parks like benches, lighting, and restrooms. And they want nice places for the community to gather and spend time with shade trees, gazebos, a farmer’s market, beer gardens, food trucks, and picnic tables. The community would also like to have more and better playground equipment and an off-leash dog park.


East Greenville Borough Hall 206 Main Street, East Greenville, PA 18041 • (215) 679-5194 • Fax: (215) 679-3931

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