State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-19) announced this week that ten outdoor recreation and environmental conservation projects in Chester County will receive nearly $3.8 million in total state funding through the Pennsylvania Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program (CCPP).
The projects are as follows:
$50,000 to Chester County to prepare a trail study for the development approximately 15 miles of the Chester Valley Trail in Coatesville, Atglen, Downingtown, Parkesburg, Caln, Sadsbury, Valley, and West Sadsbury.
$250,000 to East Goshen Township for the rehabilitation and further development of East Goshen Park. Work will include construction of a nature play area, pedestrian walkway, pavilion and the installation of safety surfacing, ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements.
$268,000 to East Goshen Township for the development of the Paoli Pike Trail Work will include construction of approximately 0.3 miles of trail from North Chester Road to Line Road, as well as the installation of ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements.
$1,000,000 Natural Lands Trust for the acquisition of 300 acres located in West Vincent for open space and watershed protection.
$50,000 for North Coventry Township for the acquisition of approximately 2.5 acres along St. Peters Road for the creation of a trail connection between Coventry Woods Park and French Creek State Park.
$135,000 for North Coventry Township for the acquisition of approximately 12.6 acres along Cornerstone Drive and Valley View Road for an addition to the Shenkel Road Park providing increased recreation opportunities
$686,600 for Penn Township for the acquisition of approximately 43.07 acres along North Jennersville Road for the protection of public open space and increased outdoor recreation opportunities.
$1,000,000 for the Conservation Fund for the acquisition of approximately 982.6 acres along Springlawn Road in Elk, Franklin, and New London for an addition to the White Clay Creek Preserve and open space protection.
$160,000 for Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County for the acquisition of approximately 30 acres located in Kennett Township, Chester County for an addition to the Stateline Woods Preserve increasing habitat and open space protection and passive recreation.
$200,000 for West Pikeland Township for the development of Walnut Lane Community Park. Work will include construction of access drive, parking area, pedestrian walkway, as well as stormwater management measures and the installation of utilities, lighting and fencing, ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements.
“It is important that we continue to invest in our open spaces and natural places and in making them more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. These grants can go a long way in not only protecting our environment, but also increasing recreational opportunities for residents and families throughout the region,” Dinniman, who serves on the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said.
The Community Conservation Partnerships Program is administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to provide financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts, and other nonprofits for planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.
Funding for all these projects comes from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93). The Penn Township project was also supported by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
