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.
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
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
Youth Meditation Circle
When: Saturday, September 5th from 12-12:45pm This free, youth event is creating a safe space for children to slow down and connect with themselves. Facilitated by Melia Anthony from Heart Sanctuary. This program will take place in the new Tookany Creek Outdoor...
Suminagashi: The Art and Craft of Floating Ink
Suminagashi ("floating ink" in Japanese), is a technique for creating a unique image that captures the movement of water. You will have the opportunity to make your own suminagashi print! All ages welcome, no prior experience required. Free event! Drop in between 10...
New Volunteer Opportunity
Do you like history? Would you like to help us digitize High School Park's? We have many historical documents and photographs that we'd like to digitalize, so that we can share them with a wider audience. If you are interested in helping us with this effort, please...
Tent-time Storytime 2026
Tent-time Storytime with lawn games and strolls in the park. Sponsored by Let's Go Outdoors. Saturday and SundayAugust 22nd and 23rd11-1PM Drop by anytime between 11:00AM-1:00PM to enjoythe outdoors with the kiddos. For fun, we'll havetent-like canopies set-up in the...
Native Plant Sale
Native perennials are available by appointment to purchase at High School Park. Buy one plant or buy them all — with options for sun, shade, meadow, and moist garden conditions. You can't beat our prices! $4 - $5 each and bulk prices available! Available plants...
2026 Summer (and Fall!) Music Series
Come Enjoy Summer Music at High School Park!Saturday, June 6, 6 PM. Prester & Samargia Quintet, Funky Fusion + World Jazz*Sunday*, July 12, 5 PM. FV3, Blues (Township Sponsored Event)Saturday, July 25, 6 PM. Ken Ulansey, Dave Posmontier, and Phyllis...
Bird Walks in High School Park with Liberty Bird Alliance
Spend an early morning with fellow "Birders" in High School Park, searching and listening! May and June 2026's bird walks are moved from 8am to 7am. There are no bird walks in July or August. For the most up to date information on when the bird walks at High School...
Youth Meditation Circle
When: Saturday, September 5th from 12-12:45pm This free, youth event is creating a safe space for children to slow down and connect with themselves. Facilitated by Melia Anthony from Heart Sanctuary. This program will take place in the new Tookany Creek Outdoor...
Suminagashi: The Art and Craft of Floating Ink
Suminagashi ("floating ink" in Japanese), is a technique for creating a unique image that captures the movement of water. You will have the opportunity to make your own suminagashi print! All ages welcome, no prior experience required. Free event! Drop in between 10...
New Volunteer Opportunity
Do you like history? Would you like to help us digitize High School Park's? We have many historical documents and photographs that we'd like to digitalize, so that we can share them with a wider audience. If you are interested in helping us with this effort, please...
Tent-time Storytime 2026
Tent-time Storytime with lawn games and strolls in the park. Sponsored by Let's Go Outdoors. Saturday and SundayAugust 22nd and 23rd11-1PM Drop by anytime between 11:00AM-1:00PM to enjoythe outdoors with the kiddos. For fun, we'll havetent-like canopies set-up in the...
Native Plant Sale
Native perennials are available by appointment to purchase at High School Park. Buy one plant or buy them all — with options for sun, shade, meadow, and moist garden conditions. You can't beat our prices! $4 - $5 each and bulk prices available! Available plants...
2026 Summer (and Fall!) Music Series
Come Enjoy Summer Music at High School Park!Saturday, June 6, 6 PM. Prester & Samargia Quintet, Funky Fusion + World Jazz*Sunday*, July 12, 5 PM. FV3, Blues (Township Sponsored Event)Saturday, July 25, 6 PM. Ken Ulansey, Dave Posmontier, and Phyllis...
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!
Riparian Zone
Entrances
Signage & Lighting
Culture
Arts in Our Park
Annual Festival
Arts in the Park is a one-day arts festival sponsored by Friends of High School Park, and held at High School Park in the heart of Elkins Park, PA .
Join us in a natural “theater” for our outdoor music series, summertime artist installations, and annual arts festival
