“The two most significant changes proposed are to divert Broomall’s Run through the pond, and to build an additional parking lot on Kirk Lane. Based on what we have learned, we do not support either of these proposals.

1) While something does need to be done to address ecological and erosion problems at the pond, as an environmental scientist who has studied the pond for years told us, “A pond is a pond for a reason. Running a creek through it changes the entire makeup of the body of water and converts it back to a creek.” It is our understanding that the proposal would be detrimental to stream organisms such as crayfish in Broomalls Run, and to pond organisms such as frogs, turtles and fish. The extensive construction to fill in and divert Broomall’s Run would damage the surrounding area, and a dam would need to be constructed and maintained. We think much gentler options should be implemented to address the erosion problems, including regulating the water flow into and out of the pond, and extensive planting of appropriate erosion-controlling native plants along the pond and stream.

2) The additional parking lot at Kirk Lane would damage part of the park by clearing trees and regrading, and would create a dangerous pullout along a busy road at the crest of a hill. Based on regular monitoring of the lot, we have not found more than a few cars parked there, making additional parking unnecessary. Lines could be painted in the current lot to optimize parking.”