The Lower Marion has approved easements for construction work in two city parks – Mainline Media News

LOWER MERION – Construction work for projects in two Lower Merion parks may begin shortly after the Lower Marion Parks and Recreation Committee approved easements for Aqua Pennsylvania and the state.

Work will take place at Merion Botanical Park and Flat Rock Park.

At the Marion Botanical Park in Marion, the council has approved an easement that allows Aqua to change course and replace existing water supply. The new path will run along the main along Marion Road and then straight through the park.

According to Donna Heller, director of parks and recreation of the Lower Marion, the work will not affect any adult trees in the main part of the park.

Replacement work is designed to increase the reliability of service to the surrounding residential areas.

The second project will be for the state of Pennsylvania to perform work that is designed to improve flood control along the Flat Rock Dam in Gladwin.

According to Heller, the state is asking the township for temporary easements in Flat Rock Park between Hall Road and the Flat Rock Dam.

In the early 2000s, the state built a fish ladder designed to help some species of fish bypass the dam and swim upstream.

Part of the work will include repairing recent storm ladder damage. They also plan to improve some erosion control measures around the dam.

According to the note of the village commissioners, the state project is aimed at providing protection against floods near the fish ladder. The works include the construction of a new retaining wall upstream and the installation of articulated concrete blocks. To prevent the accumulation of debris in the fish ladder, the project also provides for the installation upstream of the garbage rod.

The original Flat Rock Dam was built in 1818 for the Schuylkill navigation company as part of a series of dams and locks along the river to help transport coal to Philadelphia. The construction of the Railway along the river eventually made the navigation system obsolete, as trains could deliver coal much faster. Today, Flat Rock and other dams still exist along the river and help provide recreation.

The old road runs along the river between it and what is today the Norfolk South Railway Line.

Commissioner Josh Grimes said many residents like to get back on track to the dam. However, public access to the dam will be closed during construction.

“The good news is that, as I was told, PennDOT is going to rebuild the road or the way from River Road to the dam … and also they are going to improve the immediate area to the dam, so if the work is done, it will be a plus for residents, ”Grimes said.