Farm Park Preservation Association
About the Farm Park Preservation Association
The Farm Park Preservation Association (FPPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of the Norristown Farm Park (NFP) in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
The FPPA began in the fall of 2000 when a possible alternative use for the Park was made public: a proposal to convert NFP into two PGA golf courses, which are classified as limited use open space. We were a group of citizens concerned with the prospects of losing free access to the Park’s 690 acres of passive recreational open space and displacement of the wildlife now residing in the Park. We organized a petition drive, collected approximately 4,000 signatures in favor of retaining the Park and were successful in defeating the golf course proposal. When the prospect of losing the Park became less threatening, we decided to broaden the purpose of the group to the preservation, protection and promotion of the Park. We incorporated on December 15, 2000 and became a tax-exempt charitable organization with 501(c)(3) status on February 15, 2001; all contributions to the FPPA are 100% tax deductible. We are entirely a volunteer organization; we have no paid staff. All contributions benefit NFP. We continue to maintain our vigilance against any use not in compliance with the Master Plan of this highly visible and extremely valuable property.
About the FPPA
The Missions of the FPPA
These missions are the FPPA's guiding watchwords. Everything we do is aligned with, and encompassed by these three concerns.
Preserve
We will work to preserve the Norristown Farm Park in its present state as a passive multiuse recreational facility and to maintain its natural habitat and its diverse wildlife.
Protect
We will remain vigilant against any threats of development that would jeopardize the park’s unique natural, agricultural, and historical value.
Promote
We support events that promote public awareness of the Park and the unique opportunities for the recreational pursuits it offers. We will maintain communication with various government agencies—state, county, and local—to keep them informed of the importance of the Park and its contribution to the community.
Montgomery County's Master Plan for the Farm Park has been FPPA's touchstone since our founding. Read the executive summary here.
Who We Are
First and foremost, the Farm Park Preservation Association is a collective of park patrons who value the park, who want to work to assure its future and its unique character as a one-of-a-kind resource for everyone. Membership is open to any park patron (see below).
We are governed by a board of directors:
Judy Belkowski, Secretary
Diana Cassel, Vice President
Harry Duncan
Chantal Hendrzak
Joe Hendrzak
Tina Howell, President
Paul Krepto
Stan Robinson
Ed Schindler, Treasurer
Chas Wood
The FPPA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and a registered Pennsylvania corporation.