Released: February 23, 2024
Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer was thrilled to join Delaware County Planning Department Director Gina Burritt, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Bike Delaware County, and over a dozen local organizations and municipalities working to expand and improve trails and open space in our region at the 12th annual Philadelphia Western Suburbs Trail Summit hosted in Haverford Township.
The summit, hosted by the Haverford Township Parks and Recreation Department, Friends of Haverford Trails, and Delaware County’s Trails Alliance at Haverford’s Community Recreation and Environmental Center, featured nearly two dozen speakers, including regional planners, consultants, and representatives from local governments and non-profit advocacy groups.
“This summit is an amazing event that brings together so many dedicated organizations—including our own Planning Department—doing exceptional work to transform, expand, and improve our trails here in Delaware County and throughout the region,” said Council Member Schaefer.
Presentations focused on providing updates regarding a wide array of projects that will expand, extend, and improve trails, on-street bicycling, and pedestrian infrastructure in Delaware County and the surrounding suburbs of Philadelphia.
Planning Director Gina Burritt kicked off the presentation with a series of updates from the County, including the County’s Active Transportation Plan, Vision Zero Delco, the latest on the new County Park at the Former Don Guanella Property, and progress on trail expansions to the East Coast Greenway.
She also shared the recent announcement of $1.8M in state and federal grants which marks a significant step forward for the enhancement of Chester Creek and Darby Creek Trails. In 2024, efforts will commence on a 1.2-mile extension of the Chester Creek Trail and kick off the final design stages for two crucial segments of the lower Darby Creek Trail. These initiatives are integral components of the 800-mile "Circuit Trails" network envisioned to span Greater Philadelphia.
Highlights from other presenters included the anticipated completion of the Pennsy Trail extension from Eagle Road to West Chester Pike in Haverford, and status updates regarding the Rose Valley Road Sidepath Project, the Radnor Trail Extension, the September 11th National Memorial Trail, and the innovative “Mint Trail” in Middletown. The new Mint Trail will connect the Chester Creek Trail with the new Wawa SEPTA station, with construction slated to begin in 2025.
These projects collectively underscore the region's commitment to expanding and enhancing our recreational and transportation infrastructure for residents and visitors alike.
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
You can learn more about the Philadelphia Western Suburbs Trail Summit, including a downloadable presentation from each of the organizations and a video recording of the entire summit on the Friends of Haverford Trails website, accessible at https://havtrail.com/summit/index.htm.
More information about the many Delaware County Planning Department projects and initiatives, including Vision Zero Delco, improving safety along Route 291, the development of the County’s Active Transportation plan, and the latest information about the new park at the site of the former Don Guanella site can be found at DelcoPA.Gov/Planning.
MORE TO COME: OUR WALK ROLL DELCO MAP SURVEY
Delaware County residents passionate about enhancing our trails, walkways, roads, and paths will soon have a new way to shape the future of local mobility. In the upcoming weeks, we're launching the visual, map-based Walk Roll Delco survey. This interactive platform will invite residents to mark the spots across the county where they wish to walk, roll, or bike but presently lack the means. Stay tuned for this opportunity to directly influence improvements in Delaware County's accessibility and connectivity.