Home - Friends of High School Park

Welcome

Friends of High School Park

A non-profit volunteer organization whose mission is to create, manage, and preserve a viable 11+ acre native ecosystem within Cheltenham Township’s High School Park for the enjoyment and education of the community.

Plan a Visit

Wander through the winding upper meadow paths, and discover the demonstration gardens, a working rain garden, and a raised walkway and bird observation deck. Then, meander through the middle woodland area and down onto the stream banks of the Tookany Creek.

Our Gardens

Native Plants & Pollinators

Our Gardens

Native Plants & Pollinators

More Info

We concentrate on plants that have evolved here, they are well-adapted to our climate and are generally easy to care for once they are established. Many native perennials like less fertile soil and require the addition of little or no fertilizer.

Info & Events

Current & Upcoming

Kid’s Workshop on Bees!

Come join us as we welcome Briar Bush Nature Center to High School Park for a workshop on Bees! Sunday, October 1st from 11am - 12noon Explore and learn the value of bees and the vital role they play in nature. You will be able to observe these fascinating creatures...

Observe the Moon!

Join the Elkins Park Library, the Friends of High School Park and the Bucks-Mont Astronomical Society for the International Observe the Moon Night on Saturday, October 21, 2023. A "family friendly" event. 6:00-7:00pm "The Nearest Star", a Talk by Bucks-Mont...

FHSP Book Club

Join us for our new discussions this Fall! Wednesday, September 27th at 7pm Sprout Lands: Tending the Endless Gift of Trees, by William Bryant Logan Saturday, November 18th at 1pm How to Catch A Mole: Wisdom from a Life Lived in Nature, by Marc Hamer Wednesday,...

More News

Our History

Founded in 1995 on the grounds of the Cheltenham High School plex.

Rebuilding & Development

Maintaining the Park

In 2007, at FHSP’s request, Cheltenham Township received a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This enabled us to commission a detailed restoration plan for High School Park. High School Park is also built and maintained with input from FHSP volunteers, township personnel, business owners and other residents.

We’re a work in progress and you can help!

Become a Member

Volunteer

Become a Member

Volunteer

Planning that became a reality…

Riparian Zone

Restoring the stream bank by reshaping the slope to redirect the water towards the center of the stream, and by replanting the shoreline with native shrubs, perennials and seed mixtures suited to this moist environment.

Entrances

Redesigning the entryway to the park to make it more inviting, informative, and associated with the business corridor and nearby SEPTA train station

Signage & Lighting

Providing permanent and attractive educational signage throughout the park and Installing night sky-sensitive lighting that enhances safety and security.