20-year process results in walking paths, beautiful vistas
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Local and state officials gathered Monday to celebrate the formal opening of Unionville Park in East Marlborough. From left: state Sen. Dominic Pileggi, State Rep. Chris Ross, Township Supervisor John Sarro, Township Supervisors Chair Cuyler Walker, Township Supervisor Bob Weir and Township Supervisor Buzz Hannum.
EAST MARLBOROUGH — It was nearly two decades in the making, but Unionville Park was formally opened Monday, as township officials, local legislators and residents gathered to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the project in Unionville Village, behind the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Station.
“This is a significant moment for East Marlborough,” said township Board of Supervisors Chair Cuyler Walker.
And the end of a long, complicated process over two decades, as the vacant lot, once home to little more than debris and junk has been transformed into rolling hills, paths and open vistas. Later phases, if funding is found to complete them, would include more walking trails and a planned playground.
But the journey was not an easy one, or a quick one. The previous owner of the property wanted to build 89 townhouses on the property — which alarmed residents of the village area, fearing a drastic change to the essential character of the area.
After years of stop and start negotiations, the township was ultimately able to purchase the land, ending talk of building townhouses. It would be a number of years before specific plans began to fall into place for Unionville Park, and much effort was needed to acquire the grants and funding to build the initial phase. In the end, the state was able to contribute about $842,000 and Chester County was able to fund an additional $355,000 for the bulk of the project funding.
State Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-9), and State Rep. Chris Ross (R-158) were among those on hand Monday for the ribbon cutting, and both were offered thanks from Walker for their help in getting the needed funding for the project.
“Without the support of the county and the state, this project would never have moved forward,” Walker said.
Various groups in the community stepped up as well, Walker noted, including Longwood Gardens, which donated $25,000, East Lynn Grange, which contributed $9,000 (including funding for new signage for the village area), Wal-Mart donated $1,000 and The Land Trust of Southern Chester County added $500. The Red Clay Valley Association helped with hands-on work, including tree planting back in May — RCVA Conservation Director Robert Struble was on hand to guide township officials and resident volunteers on the finer points of tree planting.
Noted village craftsman Doug Mooberry donated two benches Walker said were officially valued at $2,000 but said were more fairly valued at “priceless” are expected to be installed later this year.
The park includes walking trails — much of it paved and handicap accessible — bridges and walkways over some of the wetland areas in the park, and rolling open spaces.
