Existing Trail
In 2009, Cheltenham Township completed a study on the feasibility of an approximately 2.2 mile trail between High School Park and Central Avenue. Following the completion of this study, the Township constructed an approximately one-mile section of the Tookany Creek Trail between New Second Street and Central Avenue. This partially paved, partially cinder trail generally follows the Tookany Creek and Tookany Creek Parkway and is enjoyed by many Township residents, providing exercise and connection to one of the most scenic areas of Cheltenham Township. Parking is available at Veterans Memorial Field on Tookany Creek Parkway, near its intersection with Central Avenue.
Phase III: Design and Construction
Cheltenham Township has received financial support through the federal Transportation Alternatives Program, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission for the construction of an approximately half-mile section of the Tookany Creek Trail, also known as Phase III. This trail will be a 10-foot wide paved section that will start at New Second Street, travel through Gimbel Field, and terminate at the entrance to Gimbel Field at Harrison Avenue, where parking for access to the trail will be available. Construction is anticipated to start late 2021 and be completed late 2022, early 2023. More information about this section of trail can be found in the March 4, 2020 Presentation to the Cheltenham Township Public Works Committee.
Future Trail Projects: 2020-2021 Tookany Creek Trail Feasibility Study
Cheltenham Township has partnered with Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership (TTF) and Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PECPA) on a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a new trail in some places and upgrading the existing trail in other locations to allow walking, running and bicycling between Cheltenham Avenue on the east side of the Township and High School Road.
The potential trail, which would form an important part of "The Circuit Trail" the 800-mile long network of trail being developed in Philadelphia and vicinity, will be studied to meet Circuit standards for a multi-use pedestrian and bicycle trail. The Trail will also be examined for compliance with standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
While the study is limited to the corridor between Cheltenham Avenue and High School Road, the work will take into account possible links with other assets in the Township. The study will also examine potential alternate routes.
More information about the study can be found on the TTF website: https://ttfwatershed.org/cheltenham-feasibility-study/.