Delaware County Council joined representatives from Aston Township, Middletown Township, and PennDOT to hold a ribbon cutting to officially reopen the Mt. Alverno Road Bridge on July 6. The County bridge connects Aston Township and Middletown Township.

Community members have anxiously been awaiting the reopening of the bridge for a year and a half. The re-opened bridge will once again provide access to the Chester Creek Trail and the parking lot for the trail from the Aston Township side of Chester Creek.

The original bridge was a reinforced concrete arch constructed in 1926 that ran across the Chester Creek.

The reconstruction of the Mt. Alverno Road Bridge began in January 2022. The scope of work for the bridge included:

• The conversion of the bridge from a concrete arch to a steel structure, which means it can now carry all legal loads
• A widened shoulder and extra height parapet were provided to accommodate a future sidewalk to provide a connection to the Chester Creek trail
• A larger hydraulic opening to decrease the water surface elevation of 100-year floods
• A relocation of existing utilities
• Upgrades to safety features, including the installation of a guide rail to current standards and advanced curve warning signs.

“Safe and reliable infrastructure is critical,” said Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther. “Delaware County Council remains committed to investing in our bridge infrastructure. As noted in the transportation section of our County Comprehensive Plan, improving the safety and capacity of our transportation network is a key goal.”

The $4.5 million project was funded using federal, state, and county funds.

“The County of Delaware is grateful to our funding partners and we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to investing in infrastructure that benefits county residents,” said Danielle Floyd, the Delaware County’s Director of Public Works. “Today’s bridge opening reconnects two thriving communities and provides safe and easy access to recreational amenities here in the county.” 

Pennsylvania has the ninth largest bridge inventory in the nation. Despite a 4.5% decrease in the number of poor condition bridges, Pennsylvania contains the second highest number of poor condition bridges among the 50 states. While the state has significantly reduced the number of poor condition bridges through traditional and non-traditional means such as Public-Private Partnerships, inadequate funding over the years has failed to address the ever-increasing repair deficit.

“This is why passage of the 2021 Bipartisan infrastructure Law was so important,” said Reuther. “Over the next five years, Pennsylvania can make advancements to offset the growing deferred maintenance backlog.”

Of the 43 Bridges owned by the County, nine bridges are in poor condition. As of 2023, four of these structures are or will be under construction by the fall of 2023 and three structures are currently in design with a fourth to start by the end of 2023. Construction of two of these bridges will be completed in 2024 with another two to be completed in 2025.

Through the County’s bridge program, we continue to demonstrate good use of federal and state dollars to improve the safety of the County’s transportation network. The County remains committed to working with DVRPC, PennDOT, and our state and federal delegations to advocate for increased funding to invest in our roads, bridges, and highways on behalf of County residents and taxpayers.

Bridge image courtesy of the Delaware County Daily Times 

Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Planning Department, Delaware County Parks and Recreation, the Toole Recreation Planning Team (which includes JMT and Natural Lands), and the New Park Master Plan Advisory Committee formally presented its vision for the County’s newest and largest park on Monday, June 26 to a packed room at the Delaware County Government Center in Media, with hundreds of additional residents watching the proceedings via the County’s YouTube channel. 

A slate of community-inspired concepts for the as-yet named park—a 213-acre parcel of largely forested land located at the former Don Guanella School complex in Marple Township—was presented during the public meeting as part of the evolving master plan.

The presentation provided residents with its first glimpse of the master plan that has resulted from ongoing community engagement efforts that began over six months ago. During this time, Delaware County residents have been asked to share their ideas and preferences for the new park through open houses, community discussions, pop-up events, focus groups, and an online survey that to-date has garnered over 3,000 responses from Delaware County residents.

“From the minute that we announced we were going to preserve this property we have had outstanding, extraordinary public input and participation,” announced Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer at the start of the presentation, noting that 330 individuals sought to be on the park’s advisory committee and thousands of residents had contributed feedback. “It’s clear to Council that people are keenly aware of the value of open space, and that this is an exciting opportunity for us to preserve open space and create a park to attract residents and visitors from around the region.”

Park planners presenting to residents on June 26

The New Park’s Theme: Community, in Nature

The June 26 presentation began with the introduction of “Community, In Nature”—an overarching theme for the park that communicates to residents that this park will foster a strong sense of community while being strongly connected to and immersed in nature. 

The park will feature accessible amenities that will provide a welcoming, enjoyable, inclusive, and sustainable space for all, but will carefully balance conservation, open space, and natural features.

The roughly 170 acres of forested land, including some many acres of old growth forest unchanged since the 1930s, will be left almost entirely intact except for improvements to the already extensive network of trails that will meander through picturesque landscapes, offering mesmerizing views of the lush forest, the creeks, and vibrant meadows.

Proposed Park Features: The Big Reveal!

Here are some of the exciting features and facilities that will await visitors to the new park, to be phased in over time with funding and support from the County grants, gifts, donations, and partnerships:

• Scenic Trails: Embark on a journey of exploration traversing well-maintained and interesting trails. Whether you're a casual stroller or an avid hiker, there will be a route to suit your preferences and fitness level.
• Picnic Areas: Enjoy quality time with family and friends in our thoughtfully designed picnic areas. With ample seating, restrooms, picturesque surroundings, and well-placed grills, the new park will be the perfect setting for a joyful outdoor gathering.
• Playground: Our state-of-the-art, nature-based playground will offer a safe and fun environment for children of all ages. Equipped with modern play structures that evoke our history, culture, and environment specifically designed for this park, kids can let their imaginations soar while parents relax in uniquely comfortable seating areas.
• Programming: Programming, environmental education, and community engagement will advance the use of the park for those who may be new to visiting parks as well as this who already use the site.
• Dog Park: Bring your furry friends along to enjoy our dedicated off-leash dog park. With separate areas for large and small dogs, your pets can socialize and romp around freely in a secure space.
• Community Recreation Hub: To be located on the campus of the former residential school now housing buildings that will be razed, the recreation hub will offer a great lawn surrounded by a variety of recreation facilities including game courts, picnicking areas, restrooms, parking, and an iconic pavilion.
• Iconic Park Pavilion: A unique park pavilion, designed to become the crown jewel of Delaware County, will be a stunning architectural masterpiece with a design inspired by nature. Features such a roof with solar panels, which not only generate renewable energy but will also create a mesmerizing play of light and shadow throughout the day. The structure itself will be made predominantly of sustainable materials like reclaimed wood and eco-friendly concrete. The pavilion is designed to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

A slide from the June 26 presentation showing proposed locations of park amenities

New Park Master Plan: What’s Next?

The County is already starting with some projects, including the creation of a small parking area that is anticipated to be open by the end of July, and improving trails so that park visitors can embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure right in their own backyard.

A second public opinion survey will be released in July to enable the residents to provide feedback on the new park master plan. Once the project is complete plater this summer, the County will move forward in the next phases of design and continue making improvements in the park. For the bigger projects, such as the pavilion, trails, playground, recreation facilities, and restrooms, the County will explore potential funding sources.

The County is excited to announce that a naming contest will be formally announced in the coming weeks – get ready to get your creative juices flowing!

The County will also be creating a Park Friends organization to help move the park forward. More to come.

Delaware County Council and all of the New Park Master Park Plan partners extend our heartfelt thanks to the Delaware County community for the ongoing support and collaboration that are making this park a reality.

To watch the June 26 New Park Public meeting, visit the County’s YouTube channel, linked below.

Designation comes less than a year after being named among “America’s Best Nursing Homes for 2023” by Newsweek

Delaware County Council is proud to announce that on June 28, 2023, the Fair Acres Geriatric Center in Lima—which provides individualized skilled nursing care for over 700 residents, ranging in age from young adults to the elderly—was given the coveted Five-Star rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The 5-Star rating is the highest rating awarded by CMS and has been earned by Fair Acres twice in the past three years, with the highest scores awarded for “Overall Quality” and “Staffing.”

“I am extremely proud to be the administrator of Fair Acres and want to express my sincere gratitude to all of our hardworking Directors and staff,” said Bill D’Amico, Director of the Fair Acres Geriatric Center. “It’s always good to know your work is being recognized, and we’re very pleased to receive five stars from CMS.”

The 5-Star rating is based on a variety of quality measures, health inspections, staffing ratios, proper documentation, and direct interviews with facility residents to determine the overall performance of the facility.

The 5-Star designation comes only a little more than six months after Fair Acres was named one of “America’s Best Nursing Homes for 2023” by Newsweek. Out of 11,722 nursing homes analyzed across the country, Newsweek selected the top 4% — just 475 nursing homes — for recognition. Performance data, peer recommendations, the handling of COVID-19, and the facility’s accreditations were taken into consideration, with Fair Acres ranking 25th among Pennsylvania nursing homes. 

“The Fair Acres staff, under the direction of Mr. D’Amico, works incredibly hard to deliver high-quality care and also compassion to the residents they serve each day,” said Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther. “The recognition is reflective of their dedication, work ethic, and skill and is very well deserved.” 

Fair Acres, located in Lima, is the largest skilled nursing facility in Delaware County and has been in operation and providing quality care to the residents of Delaware County for over 200 years.

Fair Acres provides long-term care for adults, young or old, with a demonstrated need for 24-hour-a-day nursing care and offers short-term rehabilitation as well. In addition, Fair Acres serves as a geriatric training site for local colleges, universities, and nursing schools.

More about CMS Ratings

CMS Ratings and information about doctors, clinicians, hospitals, nursing homes (including rehab services), home health services, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, long-term care hospitals, dialysis facilities, and hospice care can be accessed on the CMS Care Compare website, which allows individuals to compare health care providers and healthcare settings, providing individuals with the ability to make informed health care decisions.

To access the Care Compare tool and see their review of Fair Acres and other healthcare facilities, visit the CMS Care and Compare website, linked below.

Delaware County Councilwoman Christine Reuther and Honoree Ms. Ophelia Voorhees

In the past fiscal year, COSA had 55 Foster Grandparents. 

“You each have many gifts to share and are a positive influence in many ways,” Councilwoman Christine Reuther shared with those attending. “Your life experiences and compassion greatly affect the lives of the children you are caring for and mentoring. We’ve all heard the saying “it takes a village to raise a child,” and that is so true. A village of people who care for children provides them with a safe and healthy environment, where they are given the security they need to develop, flourish, and realize their hopes and dreams.”

During the recognition lunch, Ms. Ophelia Voorhees was honored for her exemplary dedication and years of service as a Foster Grandparent. At 87 years old, Ophelia Ann Voorhees is celebrating 20 years as a Foster Grandparent volunteer. She began volunteering January 23, 2002, with DCIU Head Start in Chester and currently volunteers at the Delco Early Learning Center in Holmes. Prior to volunteering as a Foster Grandparent, Miss Ophelia worked as a licensed practical nurse and then a government employee for 17 years.

Council commends Ms. Voorhees and all of the Foster Grandparent volunteers. The County is grateful for the time, energy, and compassion they give to our young residents.

To learn more about how your organization can become a volunteer station or how you can become a Foster Grandparent volunteer, please call the Foster Grandparent Program at (610) 490-1498.

Delaware County is joining communities across the nation to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary on July 4, 2026. As part of the buildup to 2026, local communities across the nation have formed committees—such as Delaware County’s America250PADelco—to host events and activities to raise awareness and generate excitement for the upcoming July 4, 2026 semi-quincentennial (a fancy way of saying it’s been 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776).

As part of this effort, the America250PADelco Committee created the Revolutionary Reads Program, and is selecting one book each year through 2026 that examines the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence. This year, the Committee has chosen Frontier Rebels: The Fight for Independence in the American West, 1765-1776 by author Dr. Patrick Spero.

In this book, Dr. Spero, the Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library housed within the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon, sheds new light on the origins of American Independence.

Residents interested in participating in Revolutionary Reads and learning more about our nation’s origins are encouraged to check out Frontier Rebels at their local library or bookshop this summer. Revolutionary Reads will culminate with an Author Visit with Dr. Spero, to be hosted by Widener University on Sunday, November 12, at 1:00 p.m.

Dr. Spero will discuss his 2018 book, which tells the story of the Black Boys, a band of rebels whose protests against the Stamp Act contributed to the start of the American Revolution and participate in a discussion and Q&A with attendees.

“We are excited to once again be partnering with Delaware County Libraries and Widener University on our signature education program, Revolutionary Read,” said Kate Clifford, Chair of the America250PADelco Committee. “Our mission is to tell all the stories of the American people in the years leading up to and since 1776 and this book features lesser-known stories of the American West during the early history of our country.”

“Widener University is pleased to partner with the Delaware County Libraries and America250PADelco to once again host a distinguished scholar who illuminates less examined roots of the American Revolution,” said David Leaman, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Widener University.

The event is free and open to the public. 

For more information about America250PADelco, how you can volunteer, and details about the author event, visit america250padelco.org. For information about the wide range of library services available to all county residents, visit delcolibraries.org. 

More about America250PADelco 

America250PADelco is a group of community members from throughout Delaware County who are interested in organizing events, projects, and partnerships to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026. Their mission is to engage all Delaware County residents in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by providing and supporting experiences, now through 2026, that ignite imaginations, elevate diverse stories, inspire service, and highlight the American founding and 250 years of American history through Delco’s unique lens.

The Delaware County Treasurer's Office, led by Treasurer James P. Hackett, has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for its outstanding efforts in increasing dog license sales in 2022.

In 2022, Delaware County dog license sales increased to 119% compared to 2021 levels, with a total of 9,826 dogs licenses sold to dog owners in the County’s 49 municipalities. 

Treasurer Hackett attributed the increase to a combination of diligent hard work from his staff and the recent implementation of new, user-friendly technology that assists with license processing and automated renewal reminder postcards to all yearly license holders near the expiration date in December.

“The procedural improvements to the system that we’ve implemented have certainly helped simplify the licensing process,” said Treasurer Hackett. “But I can’t say enough about the dedication of my staff in processing applications in a timely manner and working with our residents to resolve issues in an expeditious manner.”

Dog licenses are critical in ensuring that injured dogs can be identified and quickly returned to their owner. When license sales go up, fewer dogs are separated from their owners and both dogs and owners are spared the anxiety and sadness of separation.

Additionally, increased license sales provide increased funding to dog wardens charged with protecting dogs and puppies in kennels, shutting down puppy mills, keeping dangerous dogs monitored and off the street, and our communities safe.

Dog wardens inspect more than 2,500 state-licensed kennels (minimum of twice annually), investigate and prosecute illegal kennel operations ("puppy mills") control the spread of infectious and contagious diseases, track and monitor dangerous dogs, pick up stray or abandoned dogs, reimburse shelters for holding stray dogs, and reimburse farmers for damages to livestock caused by dogs or coyotes.

Information on Obtaining a License for Your Dog

Pennsylvania State Law mandates that all dogs three months or older must be licensed. Dog Licenses must be purchased by January 1 of each year regardless of when the license was purchased the previous year. Licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31 for the current year.

Delaware County residents can purchase dog licenses on an annual basis or can opt to purchase a lifetime dog license (requires the dog to be tattooed or micro-chipped). 

Depending on whether the dog is spayed or neutered, prices range from $4.50 to $8.50 for annually renewed licenses, with discounts for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. 

To purchase your dog license online with a credit/debit card or echeck, go to www.padoglicense.com. After completion of payment, a proof of license can be printed, and the license and tag will be mailed to you the following business day. 

You can also purchase your dog license with a printed application that can be mailed or returned in-person (with a check payable to "Delaware County Treasurer") to the following address:

Delaware County Treasurer's Office, 

Attn: Dog License

201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063

Please spread the word to family and friends on the importance of registering their pets!

Congratulations to the Treasury Office Team!

Pictured (left to right): Diane Phillips, Jim Hackett (Treasurer), Nicole Fisher, Stephanie Beese)

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer, and Councilwoman Christine Reuther were excited to join Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Rep. Greg Vitali, Rep. Lisa Borowski, other County representatives and elected officials and thousands of Delaware County residents in Marple Newtown’s annual 4th of July Parade!

County Council and local elected officials enjoyed a wonderful time meeting many of the residents along the parade route that stretched along West Chester Pike from St. Alban’s Circle in Newtown Square down to the Broomall Fire House.

Thank you to the Marple Newtown officials and the Marple Newtown Parade Committee for their hard work in putting this parade together, and thank you to the countless participants—walking, marching, playing music, driving vehicles, riding in floats, tossing candy, providing security, and handing out water—that made this Fourth of July parade a great time for all.

We look forward to seeing you again next July 4th!

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. Handicapped parking is available.

Upcoming performers include: 

• FuseBox. A 7-piece cover band playing the greatest songs from the '60s thru today, from the Rolling Stones, Beatles, Motown, Elvis, Bruno Mars, Country hits and more. [Friday, July 7]

• MINAS Brazilian Jazz. Tribute to Cole Porter & Jobim Sultry blending of American Jazz and Brazilian rhythms on piano, guitar and vocals, accompanied by drums, bass, sax, flute, trumpet. [Saturday, July 8]

• The Core: Clapton. Celebrating guitar legend Eric Clapton with all the hits from his 55-year career in bands and solo. From Crossroads to Cream, it's going to be Wonderful Tonight! [Sunday, July 9]

• Jimmy & The Parrots. Celebrate summer in beachside style! It's all your favorite Jimmy Buffett songs and sunny classics by Bob Marley, The Beach Boys, Zac Brown, and more. [Wednesday, July 12]

• Chester County Concert Band. This large community band gets faces smiling and toes tapping! Wide variety of musical selections includes Big Band, Broadway, Classical, Pop, Patriotic & Marches. [Thursday, July 13]

• 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]

Please note the change to the schedule, with the Eternal Rhythm Band replacing the Ebonys on Friday, July 14. For the complete schedule, visit the Rose Tree Summer Festival website (linked below). 

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

For more information—including recorded messaging about cancelations that may occur to inclement weather or air quality concerns—please call call (610) 891-4455.

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website