For the first time in more than 30 years, Delaware County is getting a new County park. The County’s newest and largest County park will be located on the former Don Guanella site in Marple Township. The 213-acre park will be focused on the woodlands that now serve as one of the county’s largest forests. 

Public input is a cornerstone of the project and will guide key elements of the plan. Delaware County is seeking fifteen community leaders to join the new Master Plan Advisory Committee for the former Don Guanella property. The new committee is part of a public planning process that began earlier this year in order to engage the public in the planning process for the conservation and public use of the 213-acre property. The committee will meet an estimated six to eight times with the consulting team and key stakeholders from Delaware County through March 2023. Members will provide information, ideas, and perspectives to help develop a plan for the new park. The master plan, to be completed in the Spring of 2023, will be the guiding document that identifies long-term conservation, woodland protection, infrastructure, and recreation improvements for the future county park

“We are thrilled to begin planning work on the former Don Guanella site and we’d like to hear the community’s vision for what our newest and largest County park and forest could be,” said Delaware County Council Vice-Chair and liaison to the County’s Parks and Recreation Department, Elaine Schaefer. “The property is already a cherished regional destination for many residents and we are excited to think big and expand opportunities for park users that are inclusive and forward-thinking. We want people of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds to feel welcome in our parks. That starts with hearing from the public.”

The future park consists of 213 acres and is home to woodlands, wetlands, grassland, and many wildlife species. The creation of a park on the Don Guanella tract is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create an open and accessible public space that will provide immediate and ongoing economic, environmental and quality of life benefits to Delaware County. 

In June 2021, the County announced its intention to acquire the 213-acre Don Guanella parcel after its development into housing and institutional use was unanimously rejected by the Marple Township Board of Commissioners and opposed by the Planning Commission. In March 2022, Delaware County Council approved and funded a proposal to create a plan to transform the property into the largest public park in the county. 

Click below for more information on the Advisory Committee or to apply to serve as a member of the Advisory Committee.

Members of the public will also have a chance to share their input and opinion through surveys, public meetings, and events even if they are not serving on the advisory board. More information regarding ways to participate will be posted on the County’s website. 

Delaware County Council wishes Delco residents a very happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

There are many fun family-friendly activities going on throughout the July 4th weekend for Delaware County residents to enjoy.

Below is a brief list of just some of the planned activities, parades, and firework displays scheduled for this holiday weekend.

For additional details, visit the websites linked below, or check out the Visit Delco PA website at visitdelcopa.com for more information regarding things to do in Delaware County this weekend and throughout the summer.

As a reminder, the Delaware County Courthouse and Government Center will be closed on Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

DELAWARE COUNTY FIREWORKS

Upper Darby

Friday, July 1st at 9:30 p.m.

Ridley Park

Saturday, July 2nd at dusk

Bethel Township

Sunday, July 3rd at dusk

Aston Township

Monday, July 4th at dusk

Chester

Monday, July 4th at dusk

Lansdowne

Monday, July 4th at 9:00 p.m.

Clifton Heights

Monday, July 4th at 9:30 p.m.

PARADE OR EVENT ONLY (NO FIREWORKS)

Swarthmore Lions Independence Run/Walk

Friday, July 1 at 7:00 p.m./8:30 p.m.)

Garrett Hill-Rosemont July 4th Parade

Monday, July 4th at 10 a.m.

The Great Bike Race (Swarthmore)

Monday, July 4th at 8:30 a.m.

Llanerch 4th of July Parade

Monday, July 4th at 9:45 a.m.

Marple-Newtown 4th of July Parade

Monday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m.

Independence Day Celebration in Media

Monday, July 4th at 10 a.m. 

Thornbury Township July 4th Parade

Monday, July 4th at 10 a.m.

The 32nd annual Delaware County Senior Games, held from June 13 to June 24 at venues across the county, concluded this past week with the traditional final day of track and field events held at Garnet Valley High School in Glen Mills. 

This year’s games featured 471 athletes, ages 51-94, competing in 12 different sports, including Bocce, Bowling (singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team), Corn Hole, Golf (9 and 18 holes), Mini-Golf, Pickleball, Swimming, Shuffleboard, Table Tennis, Track and Field, and Wii Bowling.  

“The Senior Games are a wonderful example of how the County can provide unique services and experiences to residents,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “The games encourage older residents to stay socially and physically active throughout the year and achieve their personal best. The games also foster friendships among the athletes. Thank you to Barb Nicolardi, the Director of the County Office of Services for the Aging, and Marc Manfre, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation and their teams for another great year!” 

The 471 athletes represent a big increase from last year’s total of 331, a reduced number due in part to the limited nature of the 2021 games that were pared down to comply with COVID-19 guidance.

“I think this shows the staying power and value of these games,” said Director Nicolardi. “And our goal for next year is 500 athletes!” 

In all, competitions were held at 11 different Delaware County venues, including the Clayton Golf Course in Glen Mills, the Paxon Hollow Golf Club in Broomall, the Putt-Putt Golf Center in Clifton Heights, the Upper Chichester Field House, Rose Tree Park in Media, Sproul Lanes in Springfield, the Upper Darby Senior Center, the Upland Redwood Center, the Ridley Swim Club, Ridley High School, and Garnet Valley High School.

Competitors that finished in first, second, or third place in any competition received medals. A luncheon to celebrate the athletes, volunteers and sponsors will be held on July 19 at the Drexelbrook Banquet Center.

Thank you to the many residents, competitors, volunteers, staff members, and host locations that made the 2022 games a success.

A list of winners, along with pictures and information about the 2023 games, will be made available on the Senior Games website at www.delcoseniorgames.org in the coming weeks.

On Tuesday, June 28, the Delaware County Health Department held its first pediatric vaccination clinic at the Delaware County Wellness Center at Yeadon, 125 Chester Avenue, Yeadon PA., 19050. 

The addition of these services at the Yeadon location expands the health department’s ability to provide vaccines to more Delco residents in the fight against COVID-19, including babies 6 months to less than 5 years, as recently approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Currently, general COVID-19 vaccine clinics are scheduled one day a week, every other week at the Delaware County Wellness Center at Chester and the Delaware County Wellness Center at Yeadon. 

Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics, which provide COVID-19 vaccinations to babies 6 months to less than 5 years, are scheduled one day a week, every other week at the Delaware County Wellness Center at Yeadon (by appointment only).

To confirm clinic hours or to schedule an appointment, please visit the Delaware County COVID-19 website at delcopa.gov/vax or contact the Delaware County Health Department by phone at (484) 276-2100 or by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.

Delaware County is hosting a one-day Job Fair on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Upper Darby City Hall, located at 100 Garrett Road in Upper Darby.

The County has a large number of open positions and is actively hiring staff for multiple departments and agencies, including the 911 Center, Central Purchasing, County Courthouse, Fair Acres, George W. Hill Correctional Facility, the Health Department, Human Services, IT/Information Technology, Juvenile Justice Services, Medical Examiner’s Office, Park Police, the Planning Department, Public Works, and the Sheriff’s Department.

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the Recruitment Team to discuss open positions to gain a better understanding of the job duties and the benefits offered, and have the team review their resume and skill set to determine if they are a candidate for that position (or a different position that might be a better match).

Interested applicants are advised to bring copies of their resume and will have the opportunity to apply in person during the fair. On-site interviews may be held for qualified attendees.

Full-time positions include: Accountant, Administrator (Population Health), Administrator (Office of the Medical Examiner), Administrative Assistant (Human Resources), Assistant Director of Compensation, Assistant Public Defender, Audit Manager, Benefits Coordinator, Capital Project Manager, Caseworker 2 (Office of Mental Health), Clerical (multiple departments), Clerk Typist 2, Conservation Technician, County Nurse, Correctional Officer ($2,000 sign-on bonus), Court Information Officer, Database Administrator, Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Warden of Security, Direct Observation Therapy Specialist, Director of Planning, Domestic Relations Officer, Emergency Planner 1, Environmental Planner, Senior, Environmental Planner, Forensic Investigator, GIS Specialist, Disease Investigation Specialist (Health Department), Information Center Representative, Infrastructure Manager, IT Helpdesk Analyst, IT Security Analyst, Juvenile Probation Officer, Lead Emergency Planner, Maintenance, Maintenance Clerk, Maintenance Technician, Master Mechanic, OST Planner, Park Police Officer, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Assistant, Pre-Trial Bail and Diagnostics Service Director, Property Portfolio Manager, Senior GIS Specialist, Senior Transportation Planner, Sr. Financial Clerk, and Substance Abuse Counselor.

Part-time positions include: Autopsy Technician (weekends only) and Court Officer.

Positions offer competitive employee benefits as well as opportunities for advancement. Interested individuals can also review open positions and apply online at delcopa.gov/jobs.

Delaware County’s annual Rose Tree Park Summer Festival Concert Series continues, with free concerts scheduled throughout the summer, Wednesdays through Sundays, typically starting at 7:30 p.m. (check the schedule for times and other details).

Upcoming performers include: 

• Minas: Bossa Nova Beatles. Beatles songs reimagined in Brazilian styles and rhythms [Friday, 7/1]
• James Day & The Fish Fry. New Orleans Gumbo mix of Street Parades, Cuban Rumbas, Swamp Pop, Zydeco & Classics! [Saturday, 7/2]
• Gold Dust Woman. Chart-topping and timeless music of Stevie Nicks’ legendary solo career & Fleetwood Mac classics [Sunday, 7/3]
• Sensational Soul Cruisers. 60s, 70s, and 80s old-school Soul, R&B, Motown, and Disco [Wednesday, July 6]
• Melissa Martin & The Mighty Rhythm Kings. Leading Philly Blues & Swing Band [Thursday, July 7]

For the complete schedule, visit the Rose Tree Summer Festival website (linked below).

Concerts are weather permitting; there are no rain dates. Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available. For more information, please call (610) 891-4455. 

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website