Our Get Up and Go series on visiting and getting the most out of our local parks presents the final installment in the series today, and Montgomery Township will be the destination.  Whispering Pines Park is conveniently located in Montgomery Township off Orchard Drive, situated within a large housing development, which makes it handy for the neighborhood kids. Being in close proximity to both Route 309 and Horsham Road, the park provides easy accessibility from other parts of the township.       This five-acre parcel affords plenty of open space for a game of Frisbee or touch football. In …

Autumn Woods Fitness Trail is located off Richardson Road and consists of a meandering wooded trail that is used by joggers, dog walkers, neighborhood children, and those seeking a cool, shady place to just walk and get some exercise. The paved trail encircles the Autumn Woods townhouse development and offers those residing there the perfect place for recreation and exercise without having to use the car or travel miles away. Exercise stations are set up along the trail, as well as benches for those who want to sit and linger rather than exercise.  Part way down the trail, bright, modern …

Gazebo Park’s location is in close proximity to many Montgomery Township residents, and its ease of accessibility makes it a natural place for the township’s concert series.    The covered gazebo is sited at the base of a sloping field that acts as a natural amphitheater for the structure when concerts take place during the months of June, July, and August.   Concerts are scheduled for Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., and in the case of rain, they are moved indoors to the township building.  Concertgoers are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets and to pack and enjoy an al fresco …

Fifth Street Park in Lansdale is truly a neighborhood park that is locked into the western section of Fifth Street with railroad tracks abutting one side of the park.  Although this line is generally not in use, it does see some occasional activity when freight trains reposition themselves near the Lansdale freight yard.  The section of the park closest to Cannon Avenue comprises a tot lot and a basketball court. This part of the park is well-loved by the neighborhood and sees heavy use.  Lighted fields secure the opposite side of the park, and they can be used for either baseball or football…

Whistlestop Park just makes it into the confines of Montgomery County and the Montgomeryville area since it is located directly off County Line Road in Montgomery Township.  The park is comprised of 13 acres, with one complete side abutting the railroad tracks of the SEPTA Doylestown line.  The Link Belt stop, adjacent to the park, was named for a former industry that the stop serviced at one time.  Team sports are big here, since two soccer fields, one softball field, plus a Connie Mack field, call this acreage home. Four tennis courts are offered, as well as a regulation size street hockey …

The weather is hot and steamy, and the Fourth Street Park and Pool in Lansdale will soon be rockin'.  This week’s highlighted park doesn’t have the largest pool in the borough, but according to long-time patrons, it is the best.  In addition to the pool complex, there is a basketball court for a quick pick-up game, a tennis court that beckons after a refreshing swim, and two T-ball fields for the little guys and gals dreaming of a future with the Phillies.  A tot lot rounds out the active area that boasts a climbing wall feature, and with two acres of open space, there is room for the kids to…

The next park to be highlighted is located right in the heart of downtown Lansdale adjacent to the SEPTA Lansdale/Doylestown railroad station in the 200 block of W. Main Street.  Railroad Plaza, even though it consists of just one-third of an acre, packs a punch with its central location and its famous Kugel ball. This small spit of real estate was once home to the old Beinhacker Building that was built in 1880 and was originally known as Zane's store. Many businesses occupied this stately Victorian structure over the years, including the Lansdale News Agency, and a bakery. But the one most …

Bluebird skies, brilliant sunshine, cool breezes and mild temperatures ruled this past week. We hope that you have been able to get out there and visit some of the parks and open space that Patch has been highlighting every Friday, and that you have been able to take advantage of all their facilities and options for outdoor fun and exercise. Montgomery Township certainly has its share of stellar parks, and going to the top of the class is the William F. Maule Park at Windlestrae. This park, which consists of three sections, was recently renamed to honor Bill Maule and all of his achievements …

This week we are going to spend some time in Montgomery Township exploring two extensive natural areas that connect to each other and offer plenty of walking trails and wooded areas.  We will then end up, literally, across the street in Lansdale at Wissahickon Park. Off of Lansdale Avenue on Pecan Drive is located a small parking lot that leads to the first area of dedicated open space.  An open, grassy field leads to a foot bridge that crosses the headwaters of the Wissahickon Creek — which eventually flows into Fairmont Park in Philadelphia and beyond.    Meandering trails twist and turn …

The next installment in our series on parks will take us back to the heart of Lansdale with a visit to the “jewel in the crown,” Memorial Park, located in the 300 block of East Main Street. This tranquil park was built as a tribute and in memory of all those fallen heroes from World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam and Kuwait.  Located in the center of the park, as the focal point, stands a stone memorial built to commemorate their dedication and service to our country.  Every Memorial Day, a patriotic parade marches down Main Street and culminates at Memorial Park with a …

            In our on-going series about local parks, two parks in Montgomery Township will by highlighted—Fellowship Park and the Bark Park.   Each is unique and offers different amenities for area residents.             These hidden gems are located off the beaten path in out-of the way locales, but both parks have a lot to offer those who care to seek them out and discover what they have waiting in store. Fellowship Park is comprised of 13 acres, and can be found at the end of Meadowood Drive, which is off of Holly Drive, tucked into a quiet niche surrounded by woodlands.  While hiking …

The Lansdale and Montgomeryville area is fortunate to have had leaders with foresight and a vision for the future.  They were able to appropriate land for many parks and recreation areas, and their planning, sometimes decades ago, enables us to reap the benefits today.   The next park to be highlighted in our series is Stony Creek Park, located on 21.5 acres in the 100 block of East Hancock Street in Lansdale.  Stony Creek Park was dedicated on June 7, 2008, and is the winner of the Land Development Award presented by the Montgomery County Planning Commission.  The park’s unique design and …

With all the sleet, snow, and ice storms (almost) finally behind us, and the weather warming up, it’s time to shake off the cobwebs, get rid of those winter doldrums, and eliminate that cabin fever. The area has more than enough parks and recreational areas to provide ample opportunities for exercise and outdoor fun, and the best part is that they are free.  Lace up those shoes because each week we will explore a different park and showcase what they have to offer, including programs and activities for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. One good way to make the exercise experience more …