About

Located in central Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Upper Gwynedd Township depicts living at its best with a unique combination of history and progress. Upper Gwynedd Township encompasses 8.05 square miles. The City of Philadelphia is approximately 28 miles southeast with easy access by way of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Schuylkill Expressway, Interstate 476, Routes 202 and 309. Upper Gwynedd Township is a prime area to reside due to the fact that it is close enough to the city for commuting yet far enough to experience country living.

Originally founded in 1891, Upper Gwynedd Township was organized as a First-Class Township in 1963. This designation as First-Class Township comes from the First-Class Township Code, which outlines the powers granted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the Township. The Township's authority is restricted to those powers specifically authorized by the Commonwealth.

Encompassed in Upper Gwynedd Township's boundaries is the Gwynedd Preserve. The Preserve consists of 240 acres and is located off of Swedesford Road near Township Line Road. The Preserve supports a diverse variety of habitats in the wild including ponds and wetlands, open meadows, wildflower meadows, hedgerows, deciduous forests, and conifer plantations. The Preserve is open to the public and visitors can wander the trails during daylight hours.

The North Penn School District provides many opportunities for Township residents. Gwynedd Square Elementary, Gwyn-Nor Elementary, and Pennbrook Middle School are all within the Township Boundaries. Both elementary schools have won State awards for student academic performance.

Within Upper Gwynedd Township boundaries is Corpus Christi parochial school. Located at Supplee Road and Sumneytown Pike, Corpus has students in grades kindergarten through 8th with the kindergarten class attending a full day of school. Students attending come from the North Penn, Souderton, Methacton, and Perkiomen Valley School Districts.

Township Complex

The Township Complex, located on Parkside Place, includes exercise and jogging trails, as well as lighted basketball and tennis courts. While all of these facilities are for the enjoyment of Township residents, they are not for the use of organized sports teams, unless the programs are a function of the Township's Park and Recreation program.

Adjacent to the basketball courts is a Victorian Gazebo, which was constructed in 1991 as a lasting memento of the Township's Centennial Celebration. Until the DeBarth Amphitheater was built, the Gazebo was an integral part of a series of free summer concerts that are held each year. The Gazebo is available for use for such activities as weddings and wedding photographs. In recent years the Township has added a Pavilion and an adjoining parking facility. The Pavilion is also available for use by Township residents for private social functions. For further information concerning rentals, contact the Township Office or reference the cost chart below. Be advised that the use of alcohol on Township grounds is strictly prohibited. All parks, playgrounds and open spaces prohibit the use of tobacco/smoking. 

In addition to the walking/exercise trail, the Township has added a paved walking trail to the grounds. This trail is 1/2 mile long and runs from the Pavilion area past the Tennis courts, around the Gazebo and back to the Pavilion. Four pickleball courts were added in 2017. 

Another focal point at the Township Complex is the Parkside Playground. Built in 1995, the construction of this playground was the culmination of a year-long effort by hundreds of community volunteers who raised the money and assembled the manpower, equipment and materials necessary to complete the facility. This unique, science-theme playground is handicapped-accessible and is a popular attraction for area children.

In 1999, the Township expanded the facilities at Parkside Place further by adding a concession stand known as the "Parkside Deli". This facility, which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, contains a food service area, public restrooms, and an office that is utilized by the summer park monitors.

A Community Building is also part of the Township's municipal complex on Parkside Place. It was constructed by students of the Northern Montgomery County Vocational Technical School with funding provided by the Upper Gwynedd Lions Club. Several community organizations meet at the facility regularly. The maximum occupancy of the Community Building is 125 people and no alcoholic beverages are permitted.