The township purchased the land and is on track to approve final plans for the property that blend housing with open space and the recreation facilities.
Expected to be included are sports fields, a summer splash park, indoor gyms, a pool, an indoor walking track, community rooms, and a dog park. And, probably, that climbing wall. Nonresidents will be admitted for an additional fee.
Tim Denny, Haverford's Recreation Department director, envisions a day where three generations of a family can pull up with Fido in tow and select the recreational activity of their choosing.
"We have been handed this gem," Denny said. "If we cut and polish it right, it will truly be a jewel."
But not without far more effort and aggravation than anyone expected.
In 2002, the township purchased the site from the state for $3.5 million. The nine commissioners were a divided group who frequently held meetings in violation of the Sunshine Act, according to a grand jury report.
The township entered into an agreement with two area builders to craft a plan for housing, recreation and open space that ultimately was rejected, then revised.
The developer allegedly received inside bid information, according to a grand jury report this year. A law firm brought in to assist with the sale was given a $600,000 advance without a board vote. Commissioner Andy Lewis alerted the District Attorney's Office to the alleged misconduct in 2004.
The commissioners delayed approval of the project while they wrangled over the plan. There were contentious public meetings. The developer sued over the delays but later dropped the suit.
Commissioner Fred Moran was charged with bribery for allegedly asking the developer to pay the township an extra $500,000 to ensure needed zoning approvals. He has pleaded not guilty.
