Delaware County’s newest park to be created at site of the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer’s Little Flower Nursing Home

Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer, Councilman Richard Womack, and Councilwoman Christine Reuther were excited to join Kathy Lopez, Chair of the Delaware County Parks and Recreation Board, Darby Borough Mayor Darren Burrell, representatives of the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation and the County’s Department of Public Works, and other elected officials at a groundbreaking for the future park adjacent to the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer’s Little Flower Nursing Home in Darby Township on July 13. 

The as-yet named 33-acre park, referred to as simply “Little Flower” or “Little Flower Open Space,” will be the County’s newest park, providing much needed public green space for the local community. 

“Little Flower is a beautiful space, and a perfect location for a park,” said Vice Chair Schaefer. “This community needs green space and we’re thrilled to be able to make this investment that will really impact the quality of life in this area.” 

“We understand that outdoor space enhances our quality of life and it also has a tangible economic benefit in our community, added Councilman Richard Womack. “It’s money well spent.”

Recognizing the inherent natural beauty and historical significance of the location, Delaware County officials worked with the late State Rep. Nicholas Micozzie and community leaders and elected officials from Darby Borough, the Borough of Clifton Heights, Upper Darby Township, and the Borough of Collingdale to purchase the land in 2016, with help from State grants obtained with input from Natural Lands.

The County’s Planning Department then worked to create a park master plan, which included extensive public engagement of local citizens and officials. Residents strongly supported the creation of a park over the possible commercial development of the space.

“I’m happy that all levels of government came together for the common good, to make this park a reality,” said Darby Borough Mayor Burrell, who noted that it was his involvement in the neighborhood efforts to create a park at Little Flower that inspired him to get involved in local government.

The property of Little Flower, which once served as an encampment for British soldiers during the Revolutionary War and is one of larger undeveloped tracts along the Great Minquas Path used in the pre-colonial beaver pelt trade between the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans and European settlers, has long provided the community with green open space, though not accessible to the public. 

This current phase of work — assisted with a generous grant in the amount of $300,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) — will allow for the creation of the park’s core infrastructure. JMC Contractors will complete the construction of the phase 1 improvements informed by drawings from the Engineer of Record, Pennoni.

Work to be done this year will include:

• Installation of a new driveway entrance
• New ADA compliant parking
• New Lighting 
• Installation of a paved walking trail
• Improved path into the woods to an overlook
• Creation of a community garden
• The addition of shade trees, and  
• Stormwater management features  

The work will also include new curb and sidewalk along the park frontage on Springfield Road, as well as park signage, and the County Park Board will soon recommend an official name for the park to County Council.

The Master Plan envisions many other future park improvements, including a trail connecting to new section of the Darby Creek Trail. 

The County will continue to reach out to the local community to discuss these possible improvements in the coming years, to make sure that what we build here reflects the needs and preferences of the nearby residents. 

Pictured (left to right): Marc Manfre, Director of Parks and Recreation, Danielle Floyd, Director of Public Works, Councilman Richard Womack, Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer, Darby Borough Mayor Darren Burrell, Councilwoman Christine Reuther, and Rudy Taylor, representing the Office of State Senator Anthony H. Williams, 8th District

Little Flower Groundbreaking Ceremony Video. Total Running Time 5:06

Community Conversations planned in Morton and Upper Darby

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) is announcing two Community Conversation health events to be held in Morton Borough on July 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and in Upper Darby Township on July 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. These Community Conversations are an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts regarding community factors that guide healthy choices, existing barriers to good health, and insight for improving health opportunities in Delaware County. 

The conversations will include time to talk about how Opioid Settlement Funds should be used to address the opioid epidemic in Delaware County, and will include a brief presentation, followed by table discussions about health in Delaware County. 

Results from the Community Conversations will help DCHD and its partners set health priorities and develop a plan to address the health needs of residents across the County. 

Morton

July 19, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. 

Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) Conference Center

200 Yale Ave., Morton, PA

Upper Darby

July 20, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Watkins Ave. Senior Center

326 Watkins Ave., Upper Darby, PA

A light and healthy meal will be provided at each event, and children are welcome to attend. Volunteers will be available to help look after kids at the craft table while parents join in the conversation.

Note: RSVPs are not required but are requested for those who intend to assist with planning. To RSVP, visit the DCHD Community Health Assessment Engagement Website or call the Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100.

Additional conversations are planned for August, which will be announced at a later date, and will be posted on the DCHD website.

More about our Community Health Assessment Survey

The Community Health Assessment (CHA) Survey, first launched in May, will be open through August 31.

More progress is needed to reach people of color, males, young adults (ages 18-24), people with high school or GED as highest level of education, those with an annual household income of less than $50,000, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. More responses are also needed from residents of: Chester City, Collingdale, Colwyn, Darby, Eddystone, Folcroft, Millbourne, Newtown, Radnor, Tinicum, Upland, and Upper Darby.

To take the CHA survey or review preliminary survey results, visit the CHA Engagement Platform linked below, linked below, or review the preliminary survey results on the DCHD Dashboard.

The League of Women Voters of Central Delaware County recently presented Delaware County Libraries with an award for Outstanding Community Service. Delaware County Libraries collaborates with the League of Women Voters (LWV) to help county residents find voter registration, election, and candidate information using their Vote 411 website.

The award was presented virtually at the League of Women Voters’ Board meeting on June 6 and was delivered in person on July 11 to Diane Arnold, Reference and Outreach Coordinator for Delaware County Libraries, who orchestrated the effort between the local libraries and the LWV. The award was presented by LWV Central Delaware County Chapter President Ann Mosakowski and Board Member, Joanna Nealon. 

As part of the partnership between Delaware County Libraries and the LWV, local libraries displayed yard signs promoting Vote 411 — a website that provides nonpartisan election related information to the public. Delaware County Libraries also features Vote 411 in the We Recommend section of their website, under "Voter Info." 

“Through our efforts with the League of Women Voters, we are able to help the public find the nonpartisan election information that they need,” said Catherine Bittle, Director of Delaware County Libraries. “This type of community centered collaboration enables us to provide vital services to Delaware County residents.”

Delaware County Libraries is grateful to the League of Women Voters for this recognition and looks forward to continuing this collaboration in upcoming elections. 

Pictured: From Delaware County Libraries, Diane Arnold, Reference and Outreach Coordinator; From League of Women Voters Central Delaware County Chapter, Ann Mosakowski, President; and Joanna Nealon, Board Member.

League of Women Voters' "Vote 411" information sign outside the Rachel Kohl Library in Glen Mills

The 2023 “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” approved by Delaware County Council, provides $50,000 in assistance to Delaware County parents and caregivers who are currently unemployed and looking to return to the workforce. 

The popular program, first launched in 2021 by the Delaware County Office of Workforce Development and the Delaware County Commerce Center, provides unemployed residents up to $1,000 in financial credit towards the cost of a child’s summer camp — which can be applied towards attendance fees and other fees charged by the camp — so that parents and caregivers are better able to focus on their search for employment and return to work. 

The “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program helps reduce barriers experienced by families that are struggling to find work—a situation made more challenging during the summer months with the closure of schools and the challenge of finding adequate childcare to allow parents and caregivers the time and energy to conduct a successful job search. While caregivers seek employment or transition back to the workforce, they will have the peace of mind knowing their children are safe and in a positive environment.

The program not only benefits caregivers, but also the children who are provided with rewarding and enriching summer experiences.

New camp just added!

This week, Upper Providence Township added to the list of participating camps, offering three weekly camps, from 9 a.m. - 12 noon, July 31 - August 4, August 7 - 11, and August 14 - 18, for children enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th grade, at Ridley Creek State Park.

Interested caregivers can call (610) 565-4944 (Ext. 105).

Other participating camps include Boys & Girls Club of Chester, Chef Dad's Table in Broomall, Delaware County Community College Kids Camp in Media, the Media-Providence Friends School, the Greater Philadelphia YMCA (the Haverford branch, with camps at the Haverford Community Recreation & Environmental Center, the Haverford YMCA, the Torah Academy, the Haverford College), and the YMCA of Eastern Delaware County (with camps at the Lansdowne branch (including the Kindergarten Center in Upper Darby), Ridley, and Springfield branches). 

Unemployed residents of Delaware County with children under the age of 15 are encouraged to take advantage of this program. A complete list of participating summer camps, as well as applications for parents, caregivers is available at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org/summer-camp. Additional camps may be added in May.

For additional information of interest to job seekers and employers, please visit the PA CareerLink of Delaware County website at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org/.

The Delaware County Health Department reminds residents that the dangers of summer heat can affect even the healthiest individuals, and that heat stress comes in stages — moving from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to heat stroke.

These stages all occur when excess amounts of water and salt are lost from the body due to excessive sweating.

Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature rises to a dangerous level and can result in death. Thankfully, heat stress is completely preventable.  

DCHD also reminds residents that dehydration can be a serious heat-related illness with dangerous side effects.

Children, and those over 60 years of age, are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Dehydration can occur when individuals are overexposed to the sun and do not drink enough water.

Symptoms include: fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, dry mouth, increased heart rate and breathing. Just like heat stress, dehydration is completely preventable.  

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Councilwoman Christine Reuther, and Delaware County Controller Joanne Phillips were proud to join Senior Games Committee Co-chairs Marc Manfre, Director of Parks & Recreation, and Barbara S. Nicolardi, Director of the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and over 250 Delaware County Senior Games participants and volunteers to celebrate another successful year at the Delaware County Senior Games Winner’s Circle Luncheon held at the Drexelbrook Banquet Center in Drexel Hill on July 10.  

This year’s games featured 535 athletes, ages 51-95, competing in over a dozen different sports, including Bocce, Bowling (singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team), Corn Hole, Golf (9 and 18-hole), Mini-Golf, Pickleball, Swimming, Shuffleboard, Table Tennis, Track and Field, and Wii Bowling. 

The games were held from June 12 to June 23 at venues across the county, including gymnasiums, bowling alleys, parks, fields, tracks, pools, golf courses, and community centers, concluding with the traditional final day of track and field events held at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield. 

“The Senior Games always provide a fun experience for our residents,” said Delaware County Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “The logistics of putting on these games for more than 500 athletes is breathtaking, and Council commends the amazing efforts of the staff and the volunteers under the direction of Barb Nicolardi and Marc Manfre.”

“Congratulations to our athletes,” added Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther during the luncheon. “Council is thrilled with this amazing tradition here in Delaware County, and we’re happy Council’s sponsorship and support ensures that our seniors can continue to look forward to these games each summer.”

The oldest medalist was Phil Martelli, aged 95, who won a Silver medal in the 90+ age group for 18-hole golf, and the oldest female medalist was Fran Coates, aged 93, who won Gold medals in both the Football and Softball Throws at the Track & Field events.

Other standouts included Robert Jones, 71, who competed in all 7 swimming events, and Anthony Belfiglio, 82, who competed in all 11 of the track and field events.

Delaware County Council thanks the many residents, competitors, volunteers, staff members, and host locations that made the 2023 games a success. A list of winners, along with pictures and information about the 2024 games, will be made available on the Senior Games website at www.delcoseniorgames.org.

The Delaware County Department of Parks & Recreation annual Rose Tree Park Summer Festival concert series continues, with free concerts scheduled throughout the summer, Wednesdays through Sundays, typically at 7:30 p.m.

Concerts are weather permitting; there are no rain dates. Admission and parking are free and handicapped parking is available.

Upcoming performers include: 

• Eternal Rhythm Band. Media’s best kept secret is a high-energy dance show band, doing R&B, Motown, Jazz and more. Featuring vocalist Michael “Motown” Carter, amazing four-part harmony and outstanding musicians. [Friday, July 14]
• Upper Darby Summer Stage. High energy performing group lights up the stage with song and dance routines from Broadway, hit movies, and pop music, plus casts from the summer stage program. [Saturday, July 15]
• Land of Oz. The Ultimate Ozzy Osbourne Experience! A stunning experience focusing on the Randy Rhoads era, prime Jack and Zakk years, and classic Ozzy era of Black Sabbath. [Sunday, July 16]
• Merion Concert Band. A Midsummer Night of Favorites! Under Bret Mascaro's direction, this community band plays music from stage and screen, contemporary pieces, and classic patriotic tunes. [Wednesday, July 19]
• Steve Pullara* . Interactive children's family concert with Grammy-winner Steve Pullara & His Cool Beans Band! Smile and dance to songs about sneakers and aliens babies from outer space. [Thursday, July 20 at 10 a.m.]
• James Day & The Fish Fry. All Louisiana all the time! Enjoy the greasy gumbo grooves of authentic New Orleans music: Zydeco, R&B, Cajun, Mardi Gras, sizzlin' Swamp Pop and featured harmonica. [Friday, July 21]

* The grand opening of the new Destination Playground at Rose Tree Park is scheduled to follow the Steve Pullara children's concert. Come out for the music and be one of the first to experience the excited new state-of-the-art playground!

For the complete schedule, visit the Rose Tree Summer Festival website (linked below). For more information—including recorded messaging about cancelations that may occur to inclement weather or air quality concerns—please call (610) 891-4455.

The Regular Public Meeting scheduled for Wed., July 19 is unaffected

A Reminder: Delaware County Council’s Preliminary Agenda Meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 18, with a start time of 10:00 a.m.

The Regular Public Meeting, held on the day following the Preliminary Agenda Meeting, will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19.

What are “Preliminary Agenda Meetings” and “Regular Public Meetings”?

The bi-weekly Preliminary Agenda Meetings, typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, serve to update County Council, other government representatives in attendance, and the public on matters of discussion pertaining to County Government before Council votes on agenda items at the Regular Public Meeting. During the Regular Public Meetings, typically held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, County Council members discuss County activities and important developments, make announcements, issue reports and resolutions, and review and vote upon administrative matters ranging from County contracts and purchases to agreements, ordinances and amendments to the County code.

In addition to County Council members, the Chief Administrative Officer, County Controller, County Solicitor, and County Clerk, invited speakers, and members of the public are typically present during these meetings.

County Council meetings are open to the public and Council encourages public participation. Meetings are held in the County Council Meeting room, on the first floor of the Government Center Building at 201 W. Front St., in Media, PA.

Members of the public may discuss any matter listed on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting, and any matter of interest during a second public comment period held at the end of the meeting. 

Downloadable agendas, including key documents related to items enumerated on the agenda, are available for download from the County website linked below as are full recordings of all County Council meetings. The website also includes a link to the live-stream of any County Council meetings in session.

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website