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Parks officials highlight national recognition, 620,000 users and plans for accessible field and bathroom upgrades
Summary
Parks and recreation staff described a new park logo, reported 620,000 park users in their NRPA submission and estimated $10 million in annual deferred health-care savings from park activity; capital priorities include bringing public water (2026) and renovating playground bathrooms (2027), and pursuing a Miracle League accessible field.
Parks and Recreation staff and Park Commission members reviewed their 2024–25 accomplishments, new branding and upcoming projects.
Staff described a newly selected park logo developed through public input, then cited the most striking number in their report: 620,000 park users recorded in the department's NRPA submission for the year. Staff summarized an estimated $10,000,000 in deferred health-care savings tied to park use, calculated from activity and participation metrics.
The commission and staff described broad programming that supports that usage: native-plant and pollinator gardens, the Nature Warriors youth program, senior activities (card games, movie nights, book club with Malvern Library), adaptive programs (ping-pong for people with Parkinson's) and partnership fundraising from a local 501(c)(3) that contributes annually. Staff said revenues cover about 57% of expenses, above national averages for comparable programs.
Capital projects highlighted included a goal to extend public water to the park in 2026 followed by a bathroom renovation in 2027, and a collaboration with the Miracle League of Chester County to pursue an accessible Miracle Field at Goshen Parkway to improve inclusive play opportunities.
Park staff asked supervisors for continued support on volunteer recruitment and programming space; no formal board votes were taken at the meeting.
