Township Revisits PECO Power Line Trail

Approximately a year ago, the Parks and Recreation Committee submitted conceptual plans to PECO for the installation of a walking trail.

The trail would be a part of the PECO Power Line Trail program, which utilizes PECO's power line network to create a paved, multi-purpose trail.

Upper Moreland Township expressed interest by submitting conceptual plans that included a walking trail from Blair Mill Road to Maryland Road and back to Maryland Road, ending at Easton Road (Route 611) in Willow Grove [see photo gallery].

This plan would give the township approximately 2,500 more feet of trails, and provide a safer pedestrian route to Easton Road.

Should the trail be constructed, the township would then be able to lease the property from PECO for $250 a year.

According to the township’s Parks and Recreation director Pat Stasio, PECO is now ready to move on with the plans, but first asked the township for a more detailed construction plan from an engineer.

After speaking with the township’s engineers, such detailed plans would cost $3,500, which his department did not budget for, due to PECO’s delay in response.

However, Stasio, speaking at the Jan. 30 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, said that his department would find the funds for the plans, should the committee move forward with it.

The price of the construction document sparked a discussion on what construction actually should take place.

Ward 6 commissioner Sam Valenza, who sits on the committee, said that the terrain from Blair Mill Road to Maryland road might be difficult to build on, likely due to a creek, located in the middle of that stretch. Valenza suggested only constructing a trail from Maryland to the section of Maryland that leads to Easton Road.

According to Ward 2 commissioner Kevin Spearing, chairperson of the committee, was to get as close to Horsham Township’s own PECO Power Line Trail, which stops at Lower State Road. Later, he also made note that Horsham’s trail had a bridge creek crossing, but agreed it would be better to start Upper Moreland’s trail at Maryland Road.

The township could also consider building a playground and a community garden along the trail.

During public comments, township resident Jonathon de Jonge said that neighbors and property owners were once willing to provide some financial support to a community garden in that area, when a parking lot was proposed there years ago.

Spearing said that there were several more talking points to be made, and further discussion on the trail will take place at next month’s committee meeting.