The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Director Lauren Imgrund recently presented Haverford Township in Delaware County with the fourth annual Green Park Award sponsored by DCNR and the PA Recreation and Park Society.

Imgrund participated in a ceremonial tree planting on April 21 with township officials.

Haverford Township was chosen for its exemplary integration of green and sustainable park practices at the Haverford Reserve and Community Recreation and Conservation Center.

In 2002, the Township purchased 209 acres of the lands of the former Haverford State Hospital. This was the largest remaining undeveloped tract along the Darby Creek in Delaware County. The township protected 124 acres as open space, designated 45-acres as active community recreation and sold the remaining 40 acres for over-55 housing.

The proceeds of this sale allowed the township to build three natural grass fields; a synthetic turf field; a 12,000-square-foot fully accessible playground; and the 35,000-square-foot community center.

The Community Recreation and Environmental Center opened in June 2012, on a brownfield, where the state hospital’s coal burning facility used to stand. It is a LEED Gold Certified building powered by 40 geothermal wells.

The thoughtful conservation of water was a top priority at the site. Headwater streams were protected by the installation of riparian or vegetated buffers. Pervious pavement was extensively used and any additional runoff generated at the site is captured in bio-swales, seepage beds and retention ponds planted with native species. The roof of the center has rain chains that feed infiltrating water gardens and the building is outfitted with numerous water saving devices.

The township recycled all the concrete and masonry from the demolished hospital buildings and used the material for roads and infrastructure. Deck planks are made from a composite material made out of recycled plastic bottles. The track and gym floor, the playground surface material and the 130,000-square-foot synthetic turf field are made out of recycled material. All wood used on the site was designated as certified.

Other highlights of the park include five miles of walking/mountain biking trails and a natural materials playground. A natural areas stewardship plan was developed to guide the township’s action in managing a variety of wildlife habitats, combating invasive species and protecting a rare orchid.

Programmatically the recreation department connects folks to nature by sponsoring trail runs, seasonal hikes and themed programs for school children, environmental education for all ages as well as seminars and courses on environmental topics.

The green theme also is an important consideration in the day-to-day operations of the site. All new plantings are native to the area reducing watering and care needs. They limit turf mowing and have planted the hillsides with native grasses.

Compost is used extensively throughout the site from the township leaf collection program, and all lighting fixtures are Energy Star rated and have sensors or timers to limit wasted energy.

Finally, environmental messaging is used throughout the site. Signage describes the elements of the LEED certified building, energy use, materials and how visitors can reduce their carbon footprint at home.

The township received a wall plaque, tree and commemorative marker to be placed in the vicinity of the tree in recognition of its efforts at the site.

For more information on DCNR’s Green and Sustainable Park Initiative, see the DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Green and Sustainable Park page.

(Reprinted from DCNR’s May 1 Resource newsletter.)

5/6/2013