Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

Open Space Planning

A barn swallow with iridescent blue and rusty orange plumage perches on a weathered concrete ledge.

Greater Philadelphia’s preserved open spaces protect natural habitats, mitigate flooding, improve water quality, provide recreational opportunities, support property values, and promote community health and well-being. DVRPC maintains an inventory of the region’s preserved open spaces and offers other open space planning resources, such as guides on best practices, research, and tools.

Open Space Inventory

DVRPC maintains an inventory of publicly-owned open space, preserved farmland, and nonprofit protected open space in the Delaware Valley. State and local governments and nonprofit organizations protect open space lands through acquisitions and conservation easements. These activities protect land from development and increase the region’s inventory or protected open space over time. 

Closeup of Greenspace Network Map, featuring landmarks such as Pennypack Creek, Neshaminy Creek, and the Delaware River.

Greenspace Network

The Greenspace Network links parkland, population centers, and key natural resource areas into a unified system. Linking "green spaces" throughout the region boosts their ecological, recreational, scenic, and economic value. Greenspace is a form of public infrastructure necessary for community health, function, and sustainability.

Greenspace Network Web Map