Become a Friend

About The Friends

A community-led, volunteer nonprofit

Welcome to The Friends of Robinson Park!

Proudly protecting the gateway to Historic Wyncote for more than 25 years

Our Mission

The Friends of Robinson Park are focused on conservation, preservation, and restoration of our 4.4-acre gem located at the heart of the Wyncote Historic District.   Although we have only been a 501(c)3 charitable organization registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since June 2024, the Friends have been advocating for Robinson Park and Historic Wyncote for over 25 years.

Through community engagement, we seek to educate neighbors and interested parties on subject matter that is of specific concern to Robinson Park and the proposed “Wetland Enhancement Project” / “Green Space Initiative.”  We are committed to providing you with independent, expert third-party guidance from reputable sources, and we share these resources along with our interpretation to support your self-education in determining how these matters will impact your lifestyle, property values, children, and pets as you enjoy the Park.

Educational Materials

Why We’re Here

Our recent mobilization was the result of Robinson Park’s inclusion in Cheltenham Township’s 2022 – 2023 Pollution Control Plan. In July of 2024, the Township Engineer, Gannett Fleming, presented several design concepts for public comment. The initial plans reflected the elimination of all open space, along with the historic gazing pool, to be replaced with wetlands and small trails.

Further, the plan indicated that 13 tons of silt and noxious materials would be filtered into the Park annually, in perpetuity, with no remediation plan in place to support the Township’s MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) goals.

In an effort to preserve the Park’s historic and unique beauty, The Friends of Robinson Park have partnered with the Township to try to find a middle ground in which the broader goals for Cheltenham’s watershed can be achieved while also ensuring that Robinson Park remains the beautiful, historic respite that it is today.

The next phase of the design is due in the summer of 2025. We are hopeful that the plans will reflect our support for:

  • Elimination of the phragmites
  • Naturalization of the stream (removal of concrete)
  • Retention of open space
  • Addition of a Pollinator Garden
  • Restoration of a historic formal garden

To this end, our growing organization is very hopeful that, with continued advocacy and public education, Robinson Park’s future will be secured. Please consider joining us, donating, and attending meetings so that we can make sure that your voice is heard.

Robinson Park remains the only public open space in the Wyncote Historic District. It offers a unique perspective and value to the community. Prioritization of restoration and preservation is critical to maintain its character.

What You Can Do

In order to ensure our continued success and advocacy, we need community support in order to advance our goals and build a lasting partnership with Cheltenham Township.

There are lots of ways to get involved:

  • Join The Friends of Robinson Park: Visit our homepage to join our group and receive updates on the Green Space Initiative project.
  • Join our mailing list: Stay up-to-date on all upcoming events and developments around the Township’s plan! Sign up on our website.
  • Make a tax-deductible donation: We are currently raising money for a number of important initiatives to beautify the Park and make it more enjoyable for the neighborhood. All donations are fully tax-deductible and go directly to supporting our cause.  Donations can be made via Venmo, PayPal, check, or cash.  Click here to donate online.
  • Purchase and display a lawn sign: We have created lawn signs to help neighbors voice their support for Robinson Park! A suggested donation of $15 is requested and can be made online or via cash / check.
  • Attend a volunteer event: The Friends of Robinson Park are hosting pop-up cleanup events to help beautify the Park. Volunteers of all backgrounds and with all levels of experience and ability are welcome, including the little ones.  Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on all upcoming cleanup and volunteer events.
  • Follow us on social media: Even if you’re not able to give of your time, talent, and treasure, simply following The Friends of Robinson Park on social media will help us to show the Township that our neighbors care about the Park.

We also invite you to attend meetings, review the proposed designs, and voice your opinions with Commissioners and Staff. The fact that we still have a Park a year after beginning our campaign is a testament to the fact that they truly do listen and consider our feedback – but we need to keep sharing it with them.