Delaware County Council was thrilled to join the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation, the County’s Department of Public Works, members of the Parks and Recreation Board, elected officials, and dozens of local children and their families to officially open the new Rose Tree Park Playground on July 20. 

“County Council has been envisioning the new destination playground for several years and our County team worked to ensure it’s a playground that all residents can enjoy, and we are absolutely thrilled to officially open it” said Delaware County Department of Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre. “The playground is a great addition to our beloved Rose Tree Park.”

The new playground was designed for children ages 2 to12 and has different areas for different age groups including a swing zone, a spinning zone, and an area for children ages 2 to 5 and a large climbing tower for children ages 5 to 12. There are also features that allow children with disabilities to actively play- including monkey bars that are at lower height and swings that can accommodate children with disabilities. 

Other features of the Playground Project include:

• An expansion of the pedestrian mall which will provide an improved setting for festivals and special events
• New walkways connecting the Amphitheater and rear parking lot 
• New landscaping and stormwater management

“Delaware County Council is committed to the preservation of local parks and expanding open space for residents to enjoy,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “Open space provides places for recreation and exercise, preserves vital environmental and ecological functions, and greatly enhances the quality of life for residents. Green spaces such as parks, sports fields, and wooded areas give residents the space to enjoy physical activity and relaxation and Council is committed to investing in our green spaces across the county.”

Council’s appreciation of open space is evident in the dramatic expansion and improvement of the County’s parks and greenways. The County’s 2023 capital improvement program includes $9M for parks, trails, and open space projects. The County has also invested over $17M in helping municipalities invest in their own green spaces through our Delco Greenways grant program.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provided a grant in the amount of $200,000 to support the design and construction of the new Rose Tree Park playground.

Playground equipment was provided and installed by Kompan, a national leader in playground design. 

Pictured (left to right): State Senator Tim Kearney (PA-26), Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer, Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre, Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Delaware County Parks & Recreation Board Vice Chair John McMullen, Delaware County Controller Joanne Phillips, and Delaware County Department of Public Works Director Danielle Floyd.

Delaware County Council unanimously voted to approve funding for a new Teacher Education Program during its July 5 public meeting.

The pilot program is a partnership between the County of Delaware and Delaware County Community College. The program offers Delaware County high school students in their junior year the opportunity to attend Delaware County Community College to pursue a degree in education. Students enrolled in the Teacher Education Program will attend classes at the Marple Campus of Delaware County Community College in their junior and senior years, at no cost to the students or their families. Students who complete the two-year program will earn 38 college credits from Delaware County Community College. These credits can be transferred into an associate degree program at the College or used to transfer into a four-year institution such as West Chester University.

The program was created to address the critical shortage of teachers in the county. Local school Superintendents voiced their concern to Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor last fall. Dr. Taylor worked with the County’s Office of Workforce Development and school Superintendents to brainstorm about ways to address the shortage of teachers.

“Teachers play a vital role in shaping our future generations,” said Dr. Taylor. “The goal of the program is to train bright young students to become our future education leaders in Delaware County. The hope is that once they graduate with their bachelor’s degree in education that they will begin a career teaching in Delaware County.”

Council’s vote approved the tuition funding for the first 70 students who go through the program, which is the first of its kind in the state. The first group of students in the Teacher Education Program Cohort begins this fall.

“In response to the current state-wide and regional teacher shortage, Delaware County Community College has created a new, two-year Teacher Preparation Program for high school juniors and seniors through funding by the Delaware County Council,” said Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, President of Delaware County Community College. “At no cost to students, their families, or the school districts, candidates can complete 38 credits toward an associate or bachelor's degree in education. This program hopes to shorten the time to prepare up to 70 students as qualified teaching professionals.”

High school students and their families who are interested in the program can apply at dccc.edu/apply. For additional information or questions, call (610) 359-5050 or email admiss@dccc.edu. 

Students should also consult with their high schools if looking to participate in this program.

Delaware County Council was proud to present a resolution to Delaware County Parks and Recreation Department Director Marc Manfre in recognition of Park and Recreation Professionals Day.

Park and Recreation Professionals Day, held on June 21, is a national celebration honoring essential industry professionals across the country who make our communities better places to live, work and play. The day is designated to show appreciation for Park and Recreation professionals and volunteers who provide and maintain recreational spaces that enrich the lives of community members. 

Parks and recreational areas promote physical, emotional, and mental health and wellness, and support the economic vitality of communities by providing jobs and promoting community revitalization.

Delaware County Council commends the Delaware County Parks and Recreation Department, who work to ensure that the county’s parks and recreational spaces are clean, safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all Delaware County residents and visitors. 

Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer, Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre, and Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor

Popular COSA program provides eligible residents with $50 vouchers for fresh produce from local farmers

The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) reminds Delaware County seniors that they may be eligible to receive $50 worth of vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables from locally run farmer’s markets.

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and administered by COSA, is available to any Delaware County resident, 60 years of age and older (by December 31, 2023), who meets the income requirements of $26, 973 for an individual and $36,482 for a dual household.

Residents interested in participating in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program must first request an application. Applications for the program are being accepted between June 1, 2023, and September 30, 2023. 

Applications can be obtained through participating Delaware County Senior Centers, listed below. Completed applications should then be returned to the participating senior center, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. After the application is approved, applicants will receive five $10 vouchers through the mail. Eligible applicants can also elect to pick up their vouchers in-person at any Senior Center distribution site (see locations and times below).

Participating Delaware County Senior Center Voucher Distribution Sites:

Chester Senior Center

721 Hayes Street, Chester

Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

(610) 497-3350

Friendship Circle Center

1515 Lansdowne Avenue

Mondays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

(610) 237-6222

Good Neighbor Senior Center

1085 Hook Road, Sharon Hill

Tues., Wed., Thurs., 11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.

(610) 586-8170

Schoolhouse Center

600 Swarthmore Avenue, Folsom

Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

(610) 237-8100

Surrey Senior Center

302 South Jackson Street, Media

Fridays, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

(610) 566-0505

Wayne Senior Center

108 Station Road, Wayne

Mon., 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Wed., 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

(610) 688-6246

For an up-to-date list of Farmers Market Nutrition Program-participating Farm Markets and Farm Stands, use the Farmer's Market and Farm Stand look-up tool, linked below.

Unsure of the name of a nearby market? Just enter in a street address and/or city and the web tool will display a list of participating markets within a short distance of that location.

For additional program details, residents are asked to call their local senior center, or to call (610) 497-3550.

The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) was honored to receive special recognition for their long-standing contributions to the community from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) during a 50th Anniversary Gala held this week at the RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve in Phoenixville.

The gala, held to commemorate RSVP’s half century of accomplishments and successes in service to vulnerable populations in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties, provided a forum for RSVP to thank numerous non-profits, governmental agencies, and corporate partners who have provided generous support to RSVP over the years. 

Barbara S. Nicolardi, Director of COSA, accepted a “Community Impact Through Collaboration” award on behalf of COSA, recognizing the agency’s collaborative efforts to provide volunteer and community support programs for Delaware County’s senior population.

“RSVP has long been a collaborative partner with COSA, significantly enhancing our ability to engage our senior community and provide them with a variety of volunteer opportunities here in Delaware County,” said Director Nicolardi. “We’re appreciative of this recognition and thank them for their longtime service to our community.”

Through COSA and RSVP, hundreds of Delaware County volunteers contribute their time and energy through numerous programs, tutoring children in the classroom and virtually, packing and delivering meals for over 500 homebound residents, providing counseling services to Medicare recipients, and so much more. During the pandemic, COSA and RSVP volunteers conducted months of outreach to isolated seniors and even provided groceries and other critical items for individuals unable to safely leave their residence.  

Joining Director Nicolardi in accepting the award were Denise Stewart and Louis Colbert, two former longtime COSA Directors who worked with RSVP for 20 years. 

Other honorees included Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services Valerie Arkoosh, Walter Fisher, Jr., and Rosalie (Perky) Cohen of Community Pillar, The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, Johnson & Johnson, the Peoples Security Bank & Trust.

Delaware County Council congratulates COSA and thanks the countless Delaware County residents have volunteered their time though RSVP, COSA, and the many other organizations and nonprofits who continue to work to improve our community.

Pictured, left to right: Louis Colbert, COSA Director from 2001-2013; Barbara Nicolardi, COSA Director from 2020 to present; Denise Stewart, COSA Director from 2013-2020.

More About RSVP

RSVP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 1,200+ individual volunteers dedicated to improving communities through programs with measurable outcomes. Their mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable populations in the local community by focusing on education and wellness and by supporting nonprofits through skill-based volunteer programs.

RSVP volunteers, through the support of COSA and other partners, provide educational programs including reading and math literacy for young learners, senior wellness assistance to low-income and vulnerable seniors, Medicare counseling through State-trained counselors, and free managerial assistance to nonprofits through consulting and educational workshops.

Learn more about RSVP at rsvpmc.org.

Hey Delco! Feeling the need to escape without venturing too far? Have you already taken a vacation — and still want more — but don’t have the time, or maybe don’t want the hassle of packing and those airport headaches? Or, are you eager to head out for fun and adventure, but traveling just isn’t in your budget this summer?

Well, luckily you live in Delco, which means you can stay local, take a Staycation right here in Delaware County, and enjoy all that Delco has to offer—right in your own backyard! 

Check out just a small sample of the many fun things to do in Delaware County, courtesy of Visit Delco PA, and get ready to explore, unwind, and indulge, right here in your own backyard.

Show me Staycation accommodations!

Show me some family fun activities!

Show me Delco History sites and museums!

Show me Delco arts & theater

Show me Delco sports!

Show me some hidden gems in Delco!

So fellow Delaware County residents, take a break, take a breath, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. A Delco Staycation can be the ultimate recipe for happiness, relaxation, and adventure – all rolled into one.

Unleash the fun! Embrace Staycations, and create memories with loved ones. Don't miss out on the incredible experiences that await you right here in your own backyard! 

Want to know more about everything Delco? Check out the Visit Delco, PA website, linked below!

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.

Below is the slate of upcoming concerts!

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

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

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website