About Us

Our History

The Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail was formed as a nonprofit organization in the fall of 2008. We help ensure that the Lower Merion community’s vision of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail is fulfilled. We are managed by a team of Board of Directors with help from our partners and sponsors.

To become a member of the Friends or for more information you may email us at info@cynwydtrail.org.

Our Mission

The Cynwyd Heritage Trail is a critical link in the region’s extensive network of trailways and green spaces and offers an historic public space amenity that connects our communities to nature, recreation, and respite.

The Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail supports the continuing enhancement of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail as a local and regional amenity through environmental education, beautification, and advocacy.

Our Partnerships

We couldn’t do it alone. The Friends work with a number of civic organizations and local businesses such as Lower Merion Conservancy, The Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd, The Ivy Ridge Trail, The Schuylkill River Development Corporation, Bicycle Coalition, Circuit Coalition. Laurel Hill West Cemetery has also been a great neighbor and continues to support the Trail in many ways.

Our Values

Stewardship: Utilizing a lens of sustainability in everything we do, we serve as stewards of the trail’s history, recreational assets, and ecological resources.

Servant Leadership: We seek and act with respect toward diverse viewpoints in carrying out our mission. We advocate for the trail, seek opportunities to increase its visibility, and welcome community engagement and feedback.

Education: We value a diversity of talent and insights among board and general members and use these skills to increase and share knowledge.

Health & Wellness: We promote the trail as a key to community health for all users and welcome partners/collaborators in doing so.

Collaboration: We work in a collaborative nature, communicating respectfully with colleagues, stakeholder groups and users of the trail.

Community Engagement: We listen intently and communicate transparently with all trail stakeholders, valuing their diverse voices, needs and expectations.

2025 Board of Directors

Aaron Epstein

Aaron Walizer

Barrett Dunigan
Bruce D. Reed
David Hoog
Donna Farmer
Eric Stern

Jeremy Davidson, Treasurer
Karen Kraftmann, Vice President
Karen Snetselaar
Nicole G. Tell, President
Rick Magder

Robin Kolodny, Secretary
Rosanna D’Orazio

Ex-officio
Commissioner Gilda Kramer, Esq. (Ward 13)
Commissioner Louis E. Rossman (Ward 9)
Commissioner Jeremiah Woodring (Ward 3)

Briana Paschall, City Avenue District

Jamie Singer, Lower Merion Historical Society

Township Reps
Chris Leswing, Director, Lower Merion Building & Planning
Donna Heller, Director, Lower Merion Parks & Recreation
Paul McElhaney, Director, Lower Merion Public Works