Ashbridge Park

PETITION
March 8, 2024

The undersigned residents of Lower Merion Township, many of whom reside in the vicinity of Ashbridge Park and all of whom value and use Ashbridge Park in its current state as an open and pastoral environment, wish to make their voices known to the Township through this petition.
WHEREAS, the Township is currently proceeding with plans to install four pickleball courts in Ashbridge Park, in addition to the two existing courts in the Park which are currently available for tennis and pickleball use;
WHEREAS, the Township is currently considering making extensive repairs, renovations and additions to Ashbridge House, with announced plans to lease renovated space to the New Horizons organization for use as a recreational center for senior citizens;
WHEREAS, the Township has not consulted with neighbors and users of the Park regarding the decision to construct four pickleball courts in the Park and has not demonstrated that it or its staff has studied or engaged in any studies of the noise, parking, traffic and other issues associated with and attendant to installation of the proposed new courts and the frequent use of Ashbridge House as a senior center;
WHEREAS, the proposed pickleball courts clearly contravene a number of restrictions on use of the Park for organized sports made applicable by the original gift of the Park to the Township, which restrictions are set forth in the deed and may not be ignored, overlooked or contravened in regard to any use funded or permitted by the Township; and
WHEREAS, the planned pickleball courts and the proposed daily use of Ashbridge House as a recreational center together run counter to the passive nature of the Park, as expressly intended by its benefactor, and which will inappropriately change the pastoral nature of the Park and its open spaces.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY PETITION THE TOWNSHIP AS FOLLOWS:
1. The current plan to construct pickleball courts in the Park should be halted and withdrawn, as contrary to the terms of the will that gave the Park to the Township and that were included in the deed filed with the Township that continues to govern the use and character of the Park.
2. The Township should halt any further efforts to renovate and lease Ashbridge House for frequent use until it conducts or pays for (or directs the Department of Parks & Recreation to conduct or pay for) a professional survey regarding how any frequent use of Ashbridge House may impact the Park, its users and its status as open and pastoral space in the Township for the enjoyment of all of its citizens, which survey shall, at a minimum, look at the impact on traffic, parking, safety and other elements associated with such proposed use on the Park.