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Delaware County parks report growth in permits, events and capital improvements ahead of 50th Rose Tree Summer Festival
Summary
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Anne Stauffer reported increased permit activity, record golf revenue in 2024 and capital upgrades to the Rose Tree amphitheater ahead of the 50th summer festival and other seasonal events.
Anne Stauffer, interim director of Delaware County Parks and Recreation, gave council a year‑in‑review Wednesday, reporting higher permit activity, record golf revenue in 2024 and capital improvements to the Rose Tree amphitheater ahead of the 50th summer festival.
Stauffer told council the department maintains about 870 acres across 14 parks and cited a set of 2024 metrics: more permits issued than in 2023, 33–34 organized leagues using ball fields, a total of roughly 118 community garden plots at Rose Tree and an all‑time golf revenue figure for 2024 of $335,969. She cautioned golf revenue is weather dependent and that 2025 conditions so far have reduced playable days.
Why it matters: Council members highlighted the parks system’s role in county life and noted the department operates with a comparatively small staff while managing many facilities and events. The presentation preceded a busy summer season that includes the Rose Tree Summer Festival concert series, the Festival of Lights and senior programming.
Capital projects and programming: Stauffer said the amphitheater received its most extensive refresh in 25 years, including a new roof, weather‑resistant stage flooring and updated ADA‑accessible restrooms. She credited VisitDelco and sponsors such as TD Bank, PECO and local unions for supporting last year’s Festival of Lights, which the department estimated drew about 97,600 attendees across all nights in 2024 and 24,900 for the five nights that included vendor villages.
Senior and community programming: Stauffer reported roughly 500 seniors attend classes monthly at the Redwood Senior Center and that Senior Games—celebrating its 30th year—had more than 500 seniors signed up. The department issued more permits and hosted 34,000 estimated concert attendees in 2024, and held 378 classes at the Redwood in the previous year.
Council response: Several councilmembers praised parks staff and the grounds crew for managing a large portfolio of facilities with limited resources. Councilmember Schaeffer and others publicly thanked the parks board and volunteer partners that support trails, gardens and programming.
What’s next: The summer festival runs June 11–August 10 with free admission and parking; opening night features the Delaware County Symphony. Stauffer encouraged residents to attend and noted the county has printed schedules available at county facilities and libraries.
Ending: Council thanked Stauffer and her staff; members said they would attend summer concerts and senior games and continue to spotlight volunteer partners who support park activities.
