There are many milestones in the creation of a trail, starting with the concept and feasibility study. But a trail’s life really begins at the groundbreaking, when the construction begins. After a period of incubation (and lots of digging, paving, planting, etc.) the trail opens, often marked by a ceremonial ribbon cutting, complete with politicians, speeches, press and local trail supporters. We are excited to let you know some upcoming groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings on Circuit Trails that are coming up in the next few weeks.

K&T Trail Groundbreaking

Join us at 11:30 AM on Thursday, June 9th for a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 1 of the K&T Trail in Philadelphia. The K&T Trail is part of the ongoing effort to build a riverside trail along the Delaware River similar to the Schuylkill River Trail, turning a former industrial corridor into an active recreation and transportation corridor. Because of the many landowners along the planned Delaware River Trail the trail is divided into many segments. We are very excited to see this new segment connecting the Lardner’s Point Park Trail to the north near Robbins Street with the planned Bridesburg extension three-quarters of a mile to the south.

Tinicum Township East Coast Greenway Segment

There will be a groundbreaking on Thursday, June 16th at 9AM for the East Coast Greenway segment from the Darby Creek to 4th & Wanamaker in Essington. Meet near the Clarion Hotel. To get there follow Google directions for the Clarion Hotel or take 95 to Exit 9, take 420 south, go right at the traffic light, the trail is on the left near the Clarion in Essington.

Kinkora Trail Ribbon Cutting

Join us on Saturday, June 18^th at 9AM in the Mansford Township Community Park to celebrate the ribbon cutting on the Kinkora Trail in Burlington County, NJ. This three-mile trail is the first segment to be completed in a planned 13 mile trail that, when completed, will connect the Delaware River and Pemberton, NJ.

Pencoyd Bridge Ribbon Cutting

On Thursday, July 7th, at 10:30 AM, we will be celebrating the opening of the Pencoyd Bridge in Manayunk. The Pencoyd Bridge will provide a new connection across the Schuylkill River to Lower Merion Township, providing the potential for loop rides that utilize the Manayunk Bridge and the Pencoyd Bridge. Join us on July 7^th for the ribbon cutting at 10:30 on the bridge.

Stay tuned for more announcements regarding exact dates for ribbon cuttings later in the year. Below are all anticipated Circuit Trail groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings for 2016.

Groundbreakings

June 9, 2016: K&T Trail, Phase 1, Philadelphia, PA

June 16, 2016: ECG-Darby Creek to Wanamaker Avenue – Tinicum, PA

Ribbon Cuttings

June 18, 2016: Kinkora Trail in Burlington County, NJ

July 7th, 2016: Pencoyd Bridge, Philadelphia & Montgomery Counties, PA

July, 2016: Sullivan’s Bridge (formerly Betzwood) in Montgomery County, PA

October, 2016: Green Lane Connector in Bucks County, PA

October, 2016: Chester Creek Trail, Phase 1 in Delaware County, PA

TBD: Big Woods Trail in Berks County, PA

TBD: Marcus Hook section of the East Coast Greenway in Delaware County, PA

TBD: Lawrence Hopewell Trail-Carter Road Section in Mercer County NJ

TBD: Schuylkill River Trail – South Street to Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA

TBD: Schuylkill River Trail – Bartram’s Mile, Philadelphia, PA

We are very excited these trails will soon be part of the list of completed Circuit Trails. For more information on the Circuit Trails please visit the website at: circuittrails.org. To go directly to a complete Circuit Trails map maintained by our partners at Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) go to: https://www.dvrpc.org/webmaps/thecircuit/.