Springfield Township Trails Resource Page

The trail system in Springfield Township is a work in progress. Some trails have been built, some are being supported by volunteer groups interested in trails, and others are simply on a master trail plan for the county and "may be considered sometime in the future."

Springfield has already voted in favor of a policy statement of support for trails in our township. Further, it has provided a letter of endorsement for sections of the trail to the Friends of Cresheim Trail. Cheltenham had previously endorsed the Cresheim Trail. This letter will permit the group to look for funding to create a design plan. It is only at that time when we will know exactly WHERE the trail is being proposed to be built. At this point there is no specific location for the trail.

Opposition

The residents of Penn Oak have clearly stated their objection to the trail, as have the owners of the property on Willow Grove, abutting 309. Further, some of the business owners along Ivy Hill Road have voiced their concerns and objections.

The Process

The process starts with a local volunteer grassroots group forming to look at the feasibility of expanding the trail system, within the long-term goals established by the county. The feasibility plan answers the questions, "What needs to be done to make this successful? What are the issues? What do we suggest?" It considers cost, property ownership rights, safety, lighting, access, and opposition from neighbors. It obtains donations and grants to underwrite the study, conduct public meetings, and create a design plan for a trail. This group has no legal authority whatsoever. It exists solely to explore and document a concept.

In discussing trails, the following concerns and issues are often raised by the homeowners whose properties abut the trails:

• Crime (vandalism and burglary)
• Loss of privacy
• Trespassing on property
• Increased street parking to enter trails
• Concerns for who will patrol the trails, especially after dark
• Legal exposure for injuries suffered by trail users
• Impact on home value
• Litter, dog droppings, etc.
• ATV use
• Fear of eminent domain ("They'll just take my property anyway.")
• Disempowerment ("They'll do what they want. I have no voice.")
• Other (exposure to power lines, danger from stray golf balls, etc.)

Read Trails: Safety, Land Value, Fears for a discussion of crime and property values

Quick Summary of Findings

• What effect do trails have on incidents of vandalism and burglary? Police reports show that they are well below neighborhood average.
• Properties adjacent to trails enjoy a trivial to substantial increase in home value, and in all cases a significant reduction in the "time to sell" (length of time on the market).

The usual method for getting trails built takes many years, as ours has. The first step is for the trail to be designated on the County's trail map. This map shows where trails should be built and how they will connect. The next step is for a non-governmental group to form to move the process forward. In this case, the group is called the Friends of Cresheim Trail, and was endorsed by the following individuals, groups and organizations:

• Allyson Schwartz, U.S. Representative
• Leanna M. Washington, State Senator 4th District
• Arcadia University
• Chestnut Community Association
• Chestnut Hill Historical Society
• Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
• East Mt. Airy Neighbors
• Friends of Cresheim Valley
• La Salle College High School
• Mt. Airy Business Association
• Mt. Airy USA
• Rotary Club of Glenside
• Rotary Club of Jenkintown
• Rotary Club of Cheltenham-Rockledge
• Rotary Club of Springfield Township
• School District of Springfield Township
• Springfield Township Board of Commissioners
• West Mt. Airy Neighbors
• WWVA
• Hawthorne Lane Neighbors Association
• Springfield High School
• LaSalle College High School
• Arcadia University
• US Dept of Agricultural Research Center
• PECO

The Friends of Cresheim Trail have held a great number of public meetings, including presentations to the following civic and community groups:

• Fairmount Park Commission
• Cheltenham Township Commissioners
• Whitemarsh Township Commissioners
• Springfield Township Commissioners
• Montgomery County Planning Commission
• Montgomery County Trails
• Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association
• Watershed Commission for Delaware/Tacony
• Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
• Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
• Green Towns
• Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
• Cheltenham (Park and Recreation Department)
• Springfield (Park and Recreation Department)
• Whitemarsh Township (Park and Recreation Department)

Presentations in Springfield

The Friends of Cresheim Trail held three public meetings at the Springfield High School to present their concepts and to get feedback from the public. These meetings are often contentious, and ours did not disappoint, with many neighbors voicing their concerns about privacy, safety, and the value of their property (see comments above).

Who will pay?

The trails have, in the past, been funded by public-private money, the lion's share coming from the county. With the fiscal situation what it is, how this trail would be funded is a question that needs to be answered by the Friends of Cresheim Trail and is part of their current challenge.

Springfield has endorsed the Friends of Cresheim Trail's efforts to seek additional funding and to attempt to negotiate agreements with landowners. They do not have the power of the government; they are a volunteer support group. Springfield has not approved any plans, has not agreed to any funding. We have said only that further investigation is needed and we support that further investigation.