Llanerch Crossing Park
Built between 2005 & 2007
Llanerch Crossing Park honors not just the community of Llanerch, but the history around it and the specific junction that Llanrech Crossing Park sits at, which is the historic location of a conflict between the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and Philadelphia Traction Co. It contains a mural, as well as benches and plaques honoring Havertown residents, as well as those involved in its construction. Several infographic panels stand, detailing the history of the crossing.
History
The park was dedicated on October 5th, 2007. Headed at its creation were Ward Commissioner of Llanerch's district (#2) Mario Oliva, Llanerch resident Jeanne Angell, and historian Mary Courtney. It was built by the workers of the Public Works Department of the Haverford Township Government. The project was also, in part, to help beautify an area that was otherwise dilapidated and neglected.
Gallery
Llanerch Crossing Park, illuminated at night
Squares honoring, respectively, the residents of Haverford Township, the planners for the park, and its builders.
Infogrpahics containing the history of the area. There has been substantial wear and grime build-up on the plaques, making some photos less clear. "The Battle of Llanerch Crossing" can be seen in better detail on The Historical Marker Database. Click images to enlarge.
Additionally, 5 bench markers are found on the park's property (not including the numerous bricks embedded in the ground, outlining the park, which contain names of people) that are dedicated in peoples' names. These include:
Nick Abbonizio & Sons – This refers to N. Abbonizio & Sons, an construction firm in Conshohocken originally owned by Nicholas J. Abbonizio, Sr., who died in 2003 and passed the company on to his son. Ronald DeGraw – He died in 2006 and was a public transit official who authored books on the history of transportation such as "Pig & Whistle: The Story of the Philadelphia & Western Railway" and "Red Arrow: The first hundred years, 1848-1948" Joseph T. Mack – He was a CEO of Red Arrow Freight Lines, and additionally was a SEPTA official for many years. In 2021, he retired after more than 41 years in the industry. The McPhillips Family – This most likely refers to Kevin McPhillips and Marion (née Mallon), residents of Llanerch. Arthur Joseph Schiavo, Jr. – Arthur was a resident of Havertown who died in 2006, aged only 18 years. He was the son of Arthur Schiavo, Sr. and Mary Calabro, and is buried in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.
See also the entry for this park on Haverford Heritage Trail, which also contains a photo of the surrounding area taken by Angell.