About Us
Friends of High School Park
The Friends of High School Park (FHSP) is 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.
We offer the community opportunities to engage and connect with each other and nature through various educational programs, volunteer work-service days, and our annual festivals.
Since its creation in 1995, FHSP has transformed this site of the former high school into an award-winning park with 3 distinct ecosystems: the upper meadow, the middle woodland edge, and the lower area stream bank. 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.
Take a virtual walk and see a bird’s-eye view of High School Park
Location
The Park
High School Park
Located on the corner of Montgomery Avenue and High School Road in Elkins Park, this 11-acre green space is just a short walk from the Elkins Park train station. The park is open to the public and offers a place to relax and unwind or take a leisurely walk with your family, friend and pets. Additionally, the park serves as a valuable educational resource for local schools and communities.
Our Relationship with Cheltenham Township
Our History
Four Cheltenham Township school buildings once stood where the meadow now blooms. The first building was built in 1904, with additional high school structures added in the 1920’s and 30’s. In 1959, after the new high school was built in the neighboring community of Wyncote, the old site continued to serve as a series of educational institutions, and was then abandoned by the mid-1980’s. The buildings eventually deteriorated, and a spectacular fire gutted the main building.
The Friends of High School Park came into being as a small committee representing the concerns and interests of the surrounding neighborhood. This group became a major advocate for turning the site into a native plant park within the Cheltenham Township Parks System and was formally incorporated in 1995. The 11+acre property of the high school was purchased by Cheltenham Township under Montgomery County’s Open Space Acquisition Program.
The Township agreed with FHSP’s visionary plans to create a public green space and the work began. FHSP continues to enhance the native ecology of the park with the addition of new perennial gardens, native trees and shrubs throughout the 11 acres.
As a small non-profit, our budget is structured on profits from our annual fundraisers, donations and annual membership. Created soon after our incorporation, Arts in the Park, our annual festival, fills the park with artisans, musicians and food vendors. We also hold smaller events throughout the year, including Environmental Art Exhibits, Stewardship-Volunteer Workday Weekends, Native Plant Sales and Educational Workshops. Please join us!
The Friends of High School Park Staff
Stuart Shore
FHSP Restoration Manager
With the retirement of Cynthia Blackwood in 2026, we welcome our new restoration manager, Stuart Shore! When Stu is not fighting off invasives in High School Park, he is doing landscape design. Stu values design that are aesthetic and sustainable, with an eye towards nature-based solutions. We can’t wait to see how High School Park evolves under his stewardship.
Amanda Schreiber
FHSP Operations Manager
Amanda joined FHSP in May of 2025. She has 20 years of experience in non-profits working as a program evaluator and offering service delivery to families, children and youth. She is raising her children in Elkins Park and is excited to work in the community where her children are growing up. She looks forward to seeing you at the park!
E-mail: fhspoperationsmanager@gmail.com
The Friends of High School Park Board of Directors
The FHSP Board of Directors provides overall leadership and coordination of all Friends of High School Park activities.
Directors serve one- or two-year terms. All Directors must be members of the Friends of High School Park. Nominations are accepted, October through December and elections are held in January. Please contact us at info@fhsp.org to volunteer or submit a nomination.
Officers
President • Doug Alderfer
Vice President • Dave Breder
Treasurer • Martha Platt
Recording Secretary • Tammra Banner
FHSP Board Members
Rita Berson
Sarah Christiansen
Amy Cuker
Lauren Ladd
Michael Landis
Krysti Newton
Bennett Povlow
Connie Perry
Tarsha Scovens
Awards
Our members work hard to maintain our beautiful grounds. Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. Here are some of the awards and honors that the Friends of High School Park have received over the years. We look forward to all that we will accomplish in the coming years, and to all the members new and old that will help us to achieve even more.
We are always looking for volunteers to help with our efforts. Check the Volunteer page for events and ways to help be a part of our success.
