PARKS SYSTEM PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CLICK HERE FOR THE PARKS SYSTEM SUMMARY!!!!
At the direction of Council, in late 2019, the Planning Commission had been tasked with working on a conceptual plan identifying community needs and improvement for each park in the Borough to be use as a parks system plan. This park system plan is in intended to serve as a major tool to guide the future direction of current and prospective park considerations in the Borough. Although the plan itself is not completed the Borough Planning Commission believe it is important to forward the findings to Council to assist in budgetary planning for the future.
The Borough Planning Commission spent countless hours soliciting public input by blanketing the town with signage, flyers, and social media advertising resident input. In addition, the Planning Commission held five zoom workshops designated for each park or park type in 2020 and 2021. These workshops were well attended by Borough residents and valuable input was gathered from their comments. In addition, the Borough solicited input via message boards, handwritten letters, emails, every Planning Commission meeting, and conducted an additional survey in the fall of 2021. The Borough Planning Commission also analyzed and included input from previous surveys such as the “Friends of the Park and Borough Park Surveys from previous years. This is an executive summary of these findings with priority recommendations with estimated costs for these items for short- and long-term budgetary planning for the Borough Parks system.
Ambler Borough Park
Established in 1937, this park has won accolades from local environmental groups as a beautiful and uniquely untouched ecosystem in an urban area. Located off Hendricks Street at Edgewood Drive, this natural area is a narrow 8.6 acres that straddles the Rose Valley Creek. This park is ideal for outdoor recreation activities including walking / hiking and nature observation. The walking of leased dogs is now permitted in Ambler Borough Park. Existing facilities include a swing set and a picnic table. There are no restroom facilities.
Jean Thompson Park
Established in 1990 and named after a woman who is a community leader in South Ambler, this park is located at Chestnut and Center streets. This park was recently renovated by the Ambler Lions Club and has a wonderful Tot Lot containing swings and slides geared toward younger children. Nearby on Locust Street are two basketball courts built in 1989.
Knight Park
This property was purchased by the borough in 1970 and is one of the most active parks. It is located along South Main Street between Church and Bannockburn. This multi-use area offers the following facilities:
- 2 basketball courts
- 2 lighted Bocce ball courts
- Multipurpose court for roller hockey, skateboarding, etc.
- Little League Baseball field
- Play equipment for tots as well as older children
- A picnic pavilion with two large tables
- Open space grassy area for other outdoor recreational activities
- Restroom facilities
Knight Park Skate Park
The skateboard park was dedicated in the Fall of 2011 and is a safe and specially-designed landscape for local skateboarders. The 6,900-square foot park is built out of concrete and features ramps, quarter pipes, rails and benches. Skaters must wear safety equipment.
Pickering Field
Located at Park and Highland Avenues on what was once the infield for the Ambler Harness Racing track, this park stands as a memorial to Charles W. Pickering Jr. Built in 1960, it is mainly used for sports activities. Baseball, T-ball and softball are all played almost year round. There is also a basketball court at the corner of Trinity and North Street. A snack bar is in operation during baseball season. Adjacent to the snack bar are swings and a sliding board. Restroom facilities are available.
Ricciardi Park
Dedicated as a memorial to James Ricciardi for his 33 years of public service as a member of Ambler Borough Council, this park is located on Hendricks between Mt. Pleasant and Tennis Avenues on the former Ambler High School grounds. Established in 1992, this park contains a tot lot and a multi-purpose court area for roller hockey, skateboarding, etc. Also on the grounds is a multi-use area lined with trees and a walking trail. October 2004 saw a re-dedication of this park after $300,000 in improvements were completed. There are no restroom facilities.
Wahl Playground
Dedicated in 2016 as a memorial to Mayor Charles “Bud” Wahl and Mary Jane Wahl, this playground is located at Ambler Borough Hall, 131 Rosemary Avenue. The play structure will delight children ages 2 to 5. Picnic table and park bench on site.
Ambler Parks Summary And Recommendations 2022 (3.4 MiB)
- Park Use Request (95.8 KiB)
YMCA Knight Park Summer Day Camp
Where Summer Happens
The Ambler Area YMCA, in conjunction with the Borough of Ambler, has created the Knight Park Summer Day Camp. Drop off and pick up are at the gym located at Borough Hall, 131 Rosemary Ave. Children walk to Knight Park each morning, weather permitting, for structured activities. Knight Park offers children residing within the borough a safe and positive place to spend their summer days. Energetic, creative, and well-trained staff encourage youth participation in a wide variety of activities including:
- sports
- arts & crafts
- science
- gardening
- character development
- cooperative play
- weekly field trips
- special events
- family swim pass for the Ambler Area Y Indoor Pool once a week
- The staff-to-camper ratio is 1:10. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. (No extended Camp Care). Proof of borough residency is required at registration.
- For more information go to philaymca.org
Family Movie Nights in the Park
Borough of Ambler’s Parks & Recreation Committee presents different family feature films at Borough parks. There is no charge and you may bring your own snacks. Check back for a schedule of movie dates and showings.
