Willow Grove YMCA Redevelopment Wins Sustainability Award

WILLOW GROVE, PA — A unique redevelopment project development in Willow Grove is the winner of a county award for excellence.

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA's Willow Grove Branch, which developed a new 40-acre property, was among seven different projects to be recognized this year with a 2020 Montgomery Award.

“These award-winning projects are excellent models of transformative and sustainable development, realizing the community’s vision through extensive collaboration," Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said in a statement. "All of our winners touch on the goals and themes of Connected Communities, Sustainable Places, and Vibrant Economy contained in Montco 2040: A Shared Vision, Montgomery County’s comprehensive plan."

The county praised the "contemporary community center" which developed a 40 acre site in an environmentally responsible fashion.

The site created effective storm water and floodplain management, while building a 98,000 square foot recreational facility at the site of the former Willow Grove Day Camp.

Other 2020 award winners included a road project at Bethlehem Pike in Montgomery Township, Jacksonville Green in Hatboro, Zero Energy Ready Homes in Bridgport, Lederach General Store in Lower Salford, Station Row in Lower Merion, and Schwenkfelder Library in Pennsburg.

The Montgomery Awards program was founded in 1967. A total of 222 projects have been awarded since its creation.