Connect Edgmont Hike: Sleighton Farm Park

Visit Middletown Township’s Newest Open Space

Thursday, March 14, 5:30PM

Join Connect Edgmont on Thursday, March 14 at 5:30PM for an evening walk around Middletown Township’s newest public open space, Sleighton Farm Park. We’ll be joined by Jennifer Maull, Middletown’s Director of Parks and Recreation, who will tell us more about the land acquisition process and the township’s future plans for the 81-acre parcel.

The Hike

The 1.8-mile walk starts at Sleighton Farm Park’s new gravel parking lot located at 478 Valley Road, Glen Mills, PA. This lot is located across Valley Road from the older Sleighton Park, just north of Sleighton Park’s Valley Road entrance.

We’ll walk into Sleighton Farm Park on a paved driveway, then loop around two large fields up and down gentle hills on grass/dirt paths. We’ll then retrace our steps to Valley Road, cross the road, and do a lap around Sleighton Park before returning to our cars. Children and leashed dogs are welcome.

This walk is limited to 25 participants. All participants must sign an Activity Waiver. Printed copies will be available at the start of the hike.

About Sleighton Farm Park

In 2020 Middletown Township acquired 81 acres of the former Sleighton School for recreational use. Sleighton Farm Park, as the parcel is currently called, opened to the public in late 2023 and features walking trails and nature views.

Middletown’s Park, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan discusses future plans to transform Sleighton Farm Park into a community park:

“The master plan for Sleighton Farm Park fulfills the needs of Township residents of all ages and abilities. The proposed uses include both active and passive recreation. A variety of traditional sports fields and courts are proposed. Additionally, facilities are proposed for less traditional sports and active recreation, including a skate park, a pump track and an adventure course. Playgrounds and a splashpad will give younger kids places to play. The community center and pickleball courts may better serve older residents. The amphitheater can be programmed with concerts, lectures, plays and other entertainment for all. Natural features and trails will allow residents to walk, run, walk their dogs, or just enjoy nature.”
Middletown Township PROS Plan, March 2022

Jennifer Maull, Middletown Township’s Director of Parks and Recreation, will join us on our March 14th walk to tell us more about the acquisition process, current features, and future plans for the park.

The former Sleighton Farm School was a reform school for girls located on both sides of Valley Road in Middletown and Edgmont Townships. Several of the original school buildings were constructed by Cope & Stewardson architects in 1909 and the school closed in 2001. A brief history of the former Sleighton Farm School is available here.

Time and Place:

Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Sleighton Farm Park, 478 Valley Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342 (Google Map Link)
The unmarked park entrance is located across Valley Road and just north of the entrance to Sleighton Park. Please park in the new gravel parking lot.