West Chester, Pa (November 18, 2024) – Six projects that aim to protect watersheds, preserve natural spaces, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation with new and trail upgrades were awarded state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.
“These investments mean more opportunities for Chester County residents, families, and visitors to get outside, stay active, connect with nature, and enjoy the many parks, trails, waterways, and environmental treasures that our region has to offer,” Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said. “Furthermore, investments in parks and outdoor recreation not only benefit our health and well-being, but they also help drive economic growth.”
The projects, funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), are as follows:
- $1,050,000 for West Whiteland Township for the further development of Exton Park, including pedestrian walkways, an internal loop trail, a multipurpose field, playing courts, a pavilion, new play equipment with safety surfacing, ADA access, a parking area, landscaping, signage, and stormwater management measures.
- $1 million for the Willistown Conservation Trust to acquire approximately 90 acres along Providence Road in Willistown for a new nature preserve.
- $500,000 for Chester County for design work, including drawings, specifications and documents, related to the rehabilitation of the Downingtown Trestle Bridge on the Chester Valley Trail in East Caln and West Bradford
- $393,000 for Chester County for the acquisition of approximately 5.27 acres on Boot Road in East Caln to provide a trailhead on the Chester Valley Trail.
- $75,000 for Chester County to coordinate and fund the 2025 Open Space Accelerator program to develop open space implementation plans for municipalities in Chester County.
- $50,000 for the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance to plant approximately 6 acres of meadows and 3 acres of riparian forest buffers in the Lower Delaware River and Lower Susquehanna River watersheds.
“Every day, my Administration is focused on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania — and we’re proud to support hundreds of projects across the Commonwealth that not only enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvanians but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Investing in these projects – from improving our parks and trails to planting trees in our neighborhoods to increasing access to our rivers – attracts visitors to Pennsylvania, boosts local businesses, and strengthens our communities.”
The Chester County projects, which amount to more than $3 million in total funding, come as part of 79.4 million in C2P2 grants awarded to 307 projects across 57 Pennsylvania counties. Statewide, the investments will facilitate the development of 25 new local parks, the rehabilitation of 85 existing parks, the protection of over 6,800 acres for recreation and habitat preservation, and $10 million to support trails.
C2P2 supports projects that develop new parks, rehabilitate existing spaces, and protect vital natural habitats. With increased state and federal support, $10.5 million of this funding round will go toward tree planting and lawn-to-habitat conversions statewide.
The C2P2 grant program is funded by a variety of state and federal funding sources. The Chester County projects were funded through the Environmental Stewardship Fund, Keystone Fund, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
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