Montgomery County, PA

About the Department

Montgomery County established the parks department in 1939 and in 2005, the Department of Parks and the Department of Historic and Cultural Arts merged into a single department; the Department of Parks & Heritage Services (PHS).  PHS, with assistance from a twelve member appointed advisory Board, is responsible for creating, enhancing and sustaining the open space system consisting of county parks, historic sites, natural areas, trails, and greenways.

The Mission of the Parks and Heritage Services Department is:

To provide the premier system of natural, recreational, and historical sites in this region and state by giving an exceptional visitor experience that encourages respect and understanding for the County’s natural and cultural resources.

Montgomery County owns and/or manages more than six thousand acres of public open space, including eight parks, a major natural area, five historic sites, and lands along four primary county greenways.  We currently have 52 miles of regional county trails that connect greenways, waterways, and heritage corridors within Montgomery County.  In addition, we plan to construct 10 more miles by the end of 2008.

These assets are the existing components of the County’s Open Space System.  PHS strives to conserve, manage and enhance the County’s natural and cultural resources and support and promote its visions and values.  We adhere to an interdisciplinary, cooperative approach to provide quality landscape environments, facilities, programs, and special events that meet County-wide needs for recreation and leisure.