The Delaware County Digest

Your source for the latest news from Delaware County | June 6, 2025

As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency and community engagement, Delaware County Council invited two department leaders to provide public presentations during the June 4 Council Public meeting. The first of these featured an update from Interim Parks and Recreation Director Anne Stauffer, who delivered comprehensive overview of the department’s work, resources, and accomplishments over the past year.

The presentation celebrated not only recent improvements and programmatic growth but also the dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners who help keep Delaware County’s parks vibrant, safe, and accessible.

A Robust and Diverse Park System

Delaware County’s Parks and Recreation Department oversees 14 parks totaling nearly 870 acres of green space. These parks offer a wide range of amenities, including:

• 25 athletic fields for baseball, soccer, and other sports
• 4 paved trails, including 2 designated Circuit Trails
• 5 playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and restroom facilities
• A members-only dog park, a 9-hole golf course, and a community garden with 118 active plots
• 7 buildings including office and community centers, and an environmental center

Together, these spaces offer both active and passive recreation for residents of all ages and abilities. The department also manages popular venues such as the Redwood Community Center and the Rose Tree Park amphitheater, which are hubs for public programs, concerts, and seasonal events.

Programs, Events, and Record Participation

The department experienced strong public engagement in 2024. Highlights included:

• 3,334 league permits issued for use of athletic fields
• A record-setting $335,969 in revenue from the County golf course
• Over 500 seniors participating monthly at the Redwood Community Center
• 378 classes offered in 2024, with cardio drumming and line dancing especially popular
• The Rose Tree Summer Festival drew an estimated 34,000 attendees
• The Festival of Lights attracted 97,600 visitors, with 25,000 attending the Vendor Village nights

Stauffer noted the increasing popularity of newer park spaces such as Little Flower Park, as well as longstanding favorites like Smedley Park, which continue to draw high permit use and community interest.

Major Milestones and Capital Investments

2025 marks the 50th anniversaries of Rose Tree Park, the Summer Festival Concert Series, and the Festival of Lights. To commemorate these milestones—and to enhance the park for future generations—the County invested in a series of capital improvement projects, including ADA-accessible restroom upgrades, a refurbished amphitheater, and additional facility enhancements.

The recent amphitheater renovation, completed ahead of schedule and under budget, was highlighted as an example of effective collaboration between the Parks Department, Public Works, Central Purchasing, and local contractors.

These improvements reflect the County’s broader capital commitment—$9 million in 2025 alone—to modernize and restore parks, trails, and open space after years of deferred maintenance.

Partners in Stewardship and Public Service

Stauffer praised the role of external partners and volunteer organizations in making these successes possible. Groups like Visit Delco, Penn State Extension’s Master Gardeners, PRC (Pennsylvania Resources Council), the Friends of Smedley Park, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Williamson Trade School, the Marple Tree Commission, the Friends of Chester Creek Trail, and the Stormwater Collaborative—among many others—help support programming, beautification, environmental education, and ongoing stewardship throughout the County’s park system.

Members of County Council echoed their appreciation—recognizing both the strength of the department’s partnerships and the dedication of its small but highly effective team. “Our parks are second to none,” said Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “The team delivers a high-quality experience with a small but mighty staff. Please pass that along—especially to the grounds crew who take care of over 800 acres with such skill and pride.”

Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor added, “You can really feel the momentum—from capital improvements to community events, our parks have never been more alive. We’re incredibly grateful to the staff and partners who make that possible.”

With summer just around the corner, Delaware County’s parks are entering their busiest—and most vibrant—season. From concerts and festivals to fitness classes and garden plots, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

To explore upcoming events, park amenities, and seasonal programming, visit DelcoPA.Gov/Parks.

At the June 4 public meeting of Delaware County Council, following a well-received update from Parks and Recreation, Council welcomed a second presentation focused on environmental progress. Sustainability Director Rebecca Yurkovich provided a forward-looking report on the County’s green initiatives, operational improvements, and growing community partnerships.

County Council praised the Office of Sustainability’s efforts early in the presentation. “It’s not about creating more work,” said Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “It’s about making small, smart changes to how we already work—and your team is helping departments do exactly that.”

A Strategic Plan for Resilience and Equity

Created in 2021, the Office of Sustainability leads the County’s efforts to address climate change and strengthen environmental resilience—both within government operations and through programs that serve residents. The work is guided by Sustain Delco: A Sustainability Plan for Delco, the County’s first sustainability plan, adopted in 2023, six key areas: Climate Resiliency, Natural Resources, Transportation, Energy, Waste, and Health and Wellness.

“We look at where we can lead, where we can influence, and where we can educate,” Yurkovich explained, noting that the office—currently staffed by just two full-time employees—has already participated in 18 outreach events this year and will soon welcome a third team member.

Efficient Operations, Tangible Results

Among the department’s recent highlights:

• Transitioning desk-side waste bins to recycling bins across County buildings
• Launching a toner recycling program that earns credits from vendors
• Hosting a supply swap that engaged 22 departments and exchanged over 1,500 reusable items
• Supporting back-of-house composting at Capozzoli’s Café (7.1 tons of food waste composted in year one)
• Leading a joint renewable energy strategy with Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks Counties
• Preparing a $400,000 LED lighting replacement project for County lobbies and common areas
• Collecting and recycling over 8,000 pounds of political signs after the 2024 election

Collaborating Across the County and Beyond 

The office is also leading community initiatives, including the Keep Delco Beautiful campaign and a forthcoming countywide tree canopy study. And through a recent Sister Counties agreement with Pingtung County, Taiwan, Delaware County is expanding its global engagement in sustainability—at no cost to local taxpayers.

Council Member Christine Reuther applauded the breadth of the work, particularly its regional impact. “It feels like you’re doing so much every year—always another big program, another way to support our municipalities.”

That support includes hands-on guidance to municipalities like Glenolden (on litter reduction) and Concord Township (on tree planting), as well as close collaboration with County departments such as Emergency Services and the County's Health Department to incorporate sustainability into flood mitigation and public health planning.

Yurkovich also emphasized the office’s focus on responsible funding. “With just two staff, we’ve applied for over $16 million in grants,” she said. “We’ve already secured over $400,000, with another $6.3 million in active consideration.” 

Sustainability Conference Invites Community to Engage

Yurkovich closed by inviting residents to participate in the 4th Annual Delaware County Sustainability Conference, running June 9–15. The expanded week-long hybrid series includes:

• Virtual sessions from June 9–13
• A guided hike at Ridley Creek State Park on Friday, June 14
• An in-person Sustainability Expo at the Lazaretto in Tinicum Township on Saturday, June 15

The Expo will feature keynote speaker Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz, over 30 community organizations, an Electric Vehicle Expo, and museum tours of the Swedish and Italian Heritage Museums.

Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor encouraged residents to get involved: “This is a chance to learn, connect, and take meaningful steps toward a greener, healthier Delaware County.”

Learn More and Get Involved

To read the Sustain Delco plan, register for the conference, or explore other County sustainability initiatives, visit DelcoPA.Gov/Sustainability.

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