The History of Robinson Park
A beautiful respite in the heart of Historic Wyncote
Robinson Park was acquired by the Cheltenham Township Parks System in 1996 through the utilization of Open Space Funding. Home to a wide range of native flora and fauna and enjoyed year-round by community members throughout the area, this 4.4-acre gem serves as the gateway to the Wyncote Historic District. It is also one of the only parks of its size in the immediate area that is both handicap accessible and safely traversable by pedestrians, with three entrances opening from well-lit, maintained sidewalks.
Early history
The Park originated as the formal gardens, swimming pool, tennis courts, and mini-golf course for the family of Henry Kline “H.K.” Walt. Walt selected a full ten-acre parcel at 301 Bent Road to construct his primary family residence, Bend Terrace. The house was built in 1892 and designed by a then-23 year-old Horace Trumbauer, who would later earn acclaim for his work as the architect of Arcadia University and the Philadelphia Art Museum, among other local landmarks. A true family man, H.K. commissioned the home at 309 Bent Road as a wedding gift for his daughter and her husband, Dr. Kneiffer, who maintained his practice on the property. After Dr. Kneiffer’s passing, his wife married Mr. Barringer, a grains trader operating out of the Bourse building, located on Independence Mall in Philadelphia.
Robinson Park, ca. 1930s
The estate at Bend Terrace boasted a full-time horticultural staff of 12 to maintain the gardens, and the property at 7 Walt Lane was constructed to house the primary gardener and his family. The carriage house at Bend Terrace was home to the family’s liveryman on the second floor and the family’s riding horses on the first floor. Cows were housed in the stalls in the basement.
As the Founder and President of the Jenkintown Trust Company (address on Old York Road), Walt had strong ties to the community. To assure their comfort and reinforce their loyalty to his organization, Walt commissioned 4 twin houses on Greenwood Avenue to be built for several of his officers and their families.
The Walt, Barringer, and Robinson families were known for their quirks. Proud of their Pennsylvania Dutch roots, the family frequently discussed sensitive topics in their native tongue to ensure that certain delicate conversations were kept private. Furthermore, the family socialized regularly with other prominent Philadelphia families, including the Wideners, Fitzdixons, and Elkinses, often riding horses together, taking tea, and enjoying walks through their respective gardens. Despite this, and perhaps as an extension of their Pennsylvania Dutch sensibilities, they were known for being somewhat frugal relative to their circle of friends.
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Robinson Park Today
Today, Robinson Park offers a historically accurate gazebo (reconstructed since the original was demolished for safety reasons in 1998 – read more history about the gazebo by clicking here); a grotto; the Copland Memorial Garden, an active and thriving community garden; and a lovely pond providing a home for turtles, bullfrogs, and fish, including several Israeli Koi, catfish, carp, and sunnies.
It serves as a frequent gathering place for yoga classes, prom and wedding photos, badminton and volleyball tournaments, and various religious organizations to celebrate their respective holidays.
The park is currently under scrutiny to be utilized as a stormwater holding basin.
In Memoriam: Anne “Bunny” Wickenhaver