Cresheim Trail: Springfield Endorsement

RESOLUTION NO. [to be assigned at time of vote]

RECOGNITION OF MUNICIPAL SUPPORT FOR THE CONTINUED PLANNING, DESIGN, AND GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CRESHEIM TRAIL WITHIN PORTIONS OF SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Township of Springfield previously supported the concept of completing a feasibility study for the development of the Cresheim Trail and provided a letter of support to the Friends of the Cresheim Trail which was used to successfully leverage and secure grants to prepare the feasibility planning study documents; and

WHEREAS, the final draft of the feasibility planning study was completed in 2008 and recommends a multi-purpose trail that would link the Wissahickon Trail in Fairmount Park in the City of Philadelphia with Fort Washington State Park in Montgomery County, and provide a connection between the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and Cheltenham, Springfield and Whitemarsh Townships in Montgomery County, enabling individuals and groups to better experience the environment, promote trail recreation, and generally support regional tourism interaction within all four communities; and

WHEREAS, the final draft feasibility planning study was presented to Springfield Township for review and public comment in January 2008; and

WHEREAS, the Commissioners of Springfield Township found the "Wyndmoor Section" (Stenton Avenue to Cheltenham Avenue) favorably, and found the Willow Grove Avenue/Paper Mill Road/Penn Oak Road sections requiring more design consideration and public support; and

WHEREAS, the Township recognizes the Wyndmoor section of the Cresheim Trail to be generally consistent with the Springfield Township Open Space Plan of 2005 and to be a benefit to the citizens of Springfield Township.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Springfield Township, Montgomery County, PA, that it supports the efforts of the Township Administration to work with the Friends of the Cresheim Trail Committee in applying for the County, State and Federal grants for design and construction of portions of the Cresheim Trail with the nearby municipalities of Cheltenham and Whitemarsh Townships and the City of Philadelphia.