Friends of Cresheim take first step in extending trail

The Friends of Cresheim Trail are hosting a hike through the Cresheim Trail on Wednesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. Carl Shaifer, a member of the group, said the Friends will meet at the Trolley Car Diner at 7619 Germantown Ave. From there they will go into the Cresheim trail area, where the total hike should last approximately two hours, according to Shaifer. Shaifer encouraged everyone from the community to join the hike. All that's needed are long pants and a positive attitude.

The Friends of Cresheim Trail was formed this winter with the purpose of extending the Cresheim Trail to connect different communities such as Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill — in the City of Philadelphia — and Cheltenham and Springfield Township in Montgomery County.

While the Friends are hopeful about creating this trail, they are still only in the initial phases.

They need to receive funding and approval for a feasibility study from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Reources.

The trail would connect communities in Philadelphia and Montgomery County to the parklands and the Green Ribbon Trail along the banks of Wissahickon Creek. Starting at Valley Green in Fairmount Park, the trail follows Cresheim Creek and the abandoned railroad grade through Philadelphia, Cheltenham and Springfield Townships. The trail would connect to the village center of Flourtown and finally Fort Washington State Park.

The proposed trail would also connect recreational facilities, such as the Wissahickon section of Fairmount Park, Fort Washington State Park and Springfield's Mermaid Park

The proposed trail would also connect educational and research institutions including Arcadia University, Springfield High School, the New Covenant Campus and the Agricultural Research Institute.

Commercial centers, such as the Chestnut Hill and Mount Airy business districts and Flourtown would also be connected.

Historic areas, such as the Chestnut Hill Historic District, Historic Germantown Avenue, Historic Bethlehem Pike, Fairmount Park and Fort Washington State Park would also be connected.

In a press release, the Friends said that there are many benefits to this new project: joining communities, providing recreation space, protecting and providing an environment that supports a more healthy, active lifestyle and enhancing mobility for those without cars

Friends of Cresheim Trail has been formed to support the project. The Chestnut Hill Rotary Club and Friends of the Wissahickon are key supporters of this vision.

Members of the committee include residents of Chestnut Hill, Bucks and Montgomery counties.

If you are aware of related efforts in developing part of the Cresheim Trail, or wish to become involved, you can contact Carl Shaifer at 215-242-8200 or e-mail him at cshiafer@hirshorn.com.