Delco Woods (Guanella Tract)
The former Don Guanella facility, owned by the Catholic Diocese of Philadelphia, has been a matter of controversy for decades, ever since the closure of the retirement community and nursing home there in the 1990s. A succession of developers have presented plans to build housing, shopping, or a mixture of the two on the site, all of which have met with opposition from local residents. In 2024, the County agreed to purchase the property by eminent domain, to be used as a public park.
Consultation with the community is ongoing, with trails and play areas coexisting with protection for streams and forested areas within the park.
Current Status
Paths Forward
- Delco Woods a Go — Delaware County Daily Times 11-21-24
- Vocal Residents Want Delco Woods as a Park, Not Mental Health Facility — Delaware County Daily Times — 04-18-24
- County Council Wants to Use Buildings on Guanella Tract for Housing Mentally Ill — Delaware County Daily Times — 04-04-24
- Delaware County Park Master Plan
Latest Delco Woods Posts
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County will add trails to Delco Woods, keep BMX track
Delaware County has unveiled its much-anticipated plan to turn a tract once owned by the Philadelphia Archdiocese into the 213-acre Delco Woods, the newest, biggest park owned by the county. Read more…
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Save Marple Greenspace Objects to the Delco Woods Masterplan … and the Name
In a few weeks County Council will be presented with the Delco Woods masterplan. Save Marple Greenspace says there are problems with it and with the name. Read more…