History

Robbins Park is a unique joint venture between Upper Dublin School District and Upper Dublin Township. Founded in 1975 on land that was donated to the township by the Cheston and Robbins families and the Westrum Builders.

Robbins Park Environmental Education Center began as a dream in 1970. Science students and faculty saw the need for an undisturbed area within the township to carry out environmental education programs. There was also the desire to build an attitude of ecological concern within the community. Through negotiations between Upper Dublin School District and Township, the Robbins Park area was chosen because of its accessibility to our schools, and its relatively undisturbed state. The School District and Township joined together to provide funds to support and develop Robbins Park.

“It is our hope that this valuable and irreplaceable parkland can be set aside to preserve the unique primitive features which

presently exist. In an age when the awareness of environmental problems and concerns for most of our citizens is just beginning,

we could become a leader. By providing an environmental park land area within our own community boundaries, we could insure

that present and future citizens would have both a learning tool and a retreat to nature close at hand”.

Dr. Bill Ritter and Dan Jaycox were the pioneers to have the vision for this long-lasting, impactful classroom for thousands of Upper Dublin students. The original proposal for Robbins Park, March 1974. In 1974, trails were cleared and chipped throughout the 38 acre forest. All materials were donated, and work was done by high school students. In April, 1975 the park was dedicated as an environmental study center. The work did not end with the dedication. A log cabin kit was constructed by teachers and students to celebrate the Bicentennial 1976. It was the first extended classroom. The pond was reinforced and restored. (It was re-dredged in 1999.) A historic springhouse, dating back to the 1750's, was reconstructed. In the front three acre field, a colonial teaching garden was established.

In 1989 Cheston Center was built to serve as the main classroom. Once the Cheston Center was built with heat, electric and bathrooms, it allowed Sara Smith (the second director) to develop the school curriculum to a year around program. This has carried over to today's set up, where all grades come to the park three or four times per year. In 1996, a showcase was added, honoring Dr. William Ritter, Founder and Director. Eagle Scouts use the park for many projects. Each Thursday afternoon you will find the Delaware Valley Woodcarvers here, creating beautiful crafts.

Membership in Friends of Robbins Park will help preserve this gem!

See the FORP page at the top