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Springfield Township Trails Resource Page
Resources
-
Video and minutes from the June 2009 business meeting, with a presentation of the Cresheim Trail by Bob Thomas.
- Cresheim Trail Feasibility Study (2008) HTML version
- Map of Cresheim Trail (very large)
- Trails: Safety, Land Value, Fears a discussion of crime and property values
- Trails Frequently Asked Questions
- Listing of trails and sections in Springfield
- Springfield Trails Map [pdf, from Parks & Rec Comp Plan, 2009]
- Cheltenham's Endorsement of the Cresheim Trail [pdf, passed unanimously 1/21/09]
- Photo Examples of Trail Privacy
- Home Values Study [pdf, 2008]
- Greenways and Trails [html of Chapter 7 of The Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan (see below)]
- Whitemarsh Township's Pedestrian and Bicycle Network study [pdf]
- Letter to Commissioner Heller re Green Ribbon Trail construction problems
In the News
- Trail advocates to appear before township commissioners May 28, 2009 [Nick Malinowski, Springfield Sun]
- Board votes its approval of trails as a concept February 12, 2009 [Nick Malinowski, Springfield Sun]
- Neighbors uneasy about Cresheim Trail plan March 6, 2008 [Kristin Pazulski, Chestnut Hill Local]
- Cresheim Trail study released. Now what? February 7, 2008 [Joe Barron, Springfield Sun]
- Rails-to-trails effort proposed February 26, 2004 [Joe Barren, Springfield Sun]
Links to Other Websites
- The Cresheim Trail Project
- The Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, adopted January 14, 2009
- Cresheim Trail Feasibility Study from Cheltenheim's Township website, with link to pdfs
- The Lower Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail
The trail system in Springfield Township is a work in progress. Some trails are being built, some are in the planning stages, and others are simply "to be considered sometime in the future."
Springfield recently voted in favor of a policy statement of support for trails in our township. Without specifying where, we now have a policy position saying that we support trails.
Cheltenham recently endorsed the Cresheim Trail. Springfield's endorsement is now being sought. 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. A public, transparent, consideration of the trail is occurring now. Please let me know or come to a commissioners meeting to tell us your concerns.
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
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