Photo: Steve Buck with Chester County Planning Commission discussing the future of the Chester Valley Trail’s Downingtown Trestle Bridge shown in the distance.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced its fall Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants for Circuit Trails, local trails, parks and safety improvement projects funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources in Pennsylvania. Below are a list of projects that received funding in Southeast Pennsylvania that will advance the Circuit Trails and access to local trails and parks throughout Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
Bucks:
- Bucks County, $206,000, Further development of the 27.5-acre Hal H. Clark Park along the Delaware River in Solebury Township, Bucks County. Work to include construction of a boat launch and pedestrian walkways; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
Chester:
- Chester County, $393,000, Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 5.27 acres on Boot Road in East Caln Township, Chester County, to provide a trailhead on the Chester Valley Trail.
- Chester County, $500,000, Design for the rehabilitation of the Downingtown Trestle on the Chester Valley Trail in East Caln and West Bradford Townships, Chester County. Work to include drawings, specifications, and related documents.
- Chester County, $1,050,000, Further development of Exton Park in West Whiteland Township, Chester County. Work to include construction of pedestrian walkways, internal loop trail, multipurpose field, courts, pavilion, parking area and stormwater management measures; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing; ADA access, landscaping and project sign.
Delaware:
- Bethel Township, $354,000, Development of Shaffer Preserve in Bethel Township, Delaware County. Work to include construction of internal loop trails, stormwater management measures and parking area; installation of lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Delaware County, $57,000, Payment toward the acquisition of two easements on approximately 3.3 acres in Darby and Yeadon boroughs and approximately 1.2 acres in Upper Darby Township, Delaware County to provide approximately 1.4 miles of trail for the development of the Darby Creek Trail.
- Upper Chichester Township, $32,600, Prepare a trail study for the development of a trail system in Upper Chichester Township, Delaware County.
Montgomery:
- Upper Dublin Township, $35,000, Prepare a trail study for trail access and intersection improvements to the Green Ribbon Trail at six locations in Lower Gwynedd, Upper Dublin, Whitemarsh and Whitpain townships, Montgomery County. Work to include an electronic written report.
- Upper Merion Township, $500,000, Design for the development of approximately 0.8 miles of the Moore Road Trail in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County from First Avenue to Valley Forge Road, two pedestrian bridges, and an approximately 0.5 miles of connector trail from the northern terminus of the Moore Road Trail to the Schuylkill River Trail West. Work to include drawings, specifications and related documents.
- Whitemarsh Township, $60,000, Prepare an update to the Comprehensive Recreation, Park, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan for Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County. Work to include an electronic written report.
Philadelphia:
- Philadelphia City Treasurer Department of Parks and Recreation, $500,000, Restoration of 180 feet of the Schuylkill River along the Schuylkill River Trail in the vicinity of the South Street Bridge in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County. Work to include streambank stabilization; installation of stormwater management measures; landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Philadelphia City Treasurer Department of Parks and Recreation, $86,000, Development of the Schuylkill River Trail in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County. Work to include lighting upgrades on approximately 0.28 miles of trail; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Philadelphia City Treasurer Department of Parks and Recreation, $428,000, Rehabilitation and further development of Tacony Boat Launch along the Northern Delaware River in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County. Work to include renovation of a boat launch; construction of a comfort station, pavilion, and pedestrian walkways; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Philadelphia City Treasurer Streets Department, $100,000, Design for the development of approximately 0.6 miles of the Cresheim Trail in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County from the Germantown Avenue trestle bridge to the intersection of Stenton Avenue and Cresheim Valley Drive. Work to include drawings, specifications and related documents.
Statewide/Regional:
- Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc., $393,500, Manage the heritage area and heritage area initiatives; facilitate trail project development within the D&L Trail network; and lead Trail Town and Trail Friendly Business programs. Work to include an electronic written summary report.
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is a founding member of the Circuit Trails Coalition and leads the movement to make every bicycle ride safe, to empower youth and adults to ride, and to foster a ridership that reflects the diversity of the region. That work is made possible by the generous support of individual members—your commitment to safer, happier, healthier days through cycling is inspiring and deeply appreciated. More info here.