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

High School Park Workday Weekends 2023

Come and be part of taking care of High School Park right in the center of Elkins Park, PA! We will be doing the usual pulling & cutting the invasives, caring for the gardens, picking up trash and tending the nursery on the weekends… But this year we are also...

Great Backyard Bird Count!

Join local birders in High School Park on Sunday, February 19th from 9:00am - 10:30am. No experience necessary! Just come walk around the Park with us and help us observe the avian life of the Park. Bring binoculars, if you have them, and dress for the weather!

Welcome New Board Members!

The board of Friends of High School Park is delighted to welcome new members Michael Landis, Tammra Banner, Keith Snodgrass, and Ava Adames. We are grateful to community members who volunteer to help shepherd our organization from year to year. We also want to thank...

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.