West Chester, Pa (January 30, 2026) – Nine projects to expand trails, upgrade parks, preserve open space, and protect watersheds were recently awarded state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.
“While we weather frigid temperatures, residents, families, and visitors can rest assured that this spring we’ll all have even more opportunities to hike, play, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors in Chester County,” said Comitta, who serves as Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “Investments, like these, in local opportunities for outdoor recreation benefit our economy, public health, and the overall strong quality of life in our communities.”
The projects are funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2). Those in the 19th Senatorial District, which Comitta represents, are as follows.
- $500,000 for the design work, drawings, and specifications for the rehabilitation of the Downingtown Trestle in East Caln and West Bradford Townships.
- $335,500 for East Bradford Township for the Development of the Plum Run Trail, including the construction of approximately 0.3 miles of the trail from Tigue Road of Plum Run Preserve to the Rockwell Field Athletic Complex. Additional work will include stormwater management measures, ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other improvements.
- $250,000 for the further development of East Fallowfield Township Community Park, including pickleball courts, a volleyball court, playground equipment with safety surfacing and fencing, pedestrian walkways, parking, ADA access, landscaping, project signage, and other site improvements.
- $109,500 for Oxford Borough to repair and improve Oxford Memorial Park by renovating the pedestrian walkways, constructing a bandshell, and installing utilities and stormwater management measures, as well as ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other site improvements.
- $96,700 for the Stroud Water Research Center to prepare a Watershed Conservation Plan for the Pennsylvania portion of the 69,000-acre White Clay Creek Watershed.
- $1.2 million for Natural Lands to acquire approximately 21.25 acres in Newlin Township for passive recreation and open space.
- $87,300 for Natural Lands to plant approximately 8 acres of riparian forest buffers and support post-planting establishment for 19 acres of recently planted buffers along waterways in the Delaware River Watershed in Chester County.
- $335,000 for the Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association to plant approximately 100 acres of riparian forest buffers along waterways in the Delaware River Watershed, Chester and Delaware counties.
- $132,100 for Chester County Conservation District to plant approximately 21 acres of meadows and/or upland trees in the Lower Delaware River Watershed.
In addition, Westtown Township was awarded $75,000 to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the 204-acre Crebilly Preserve, a project that Comitta has supported since she served as state representative for the 156th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
“These investments open the door for more people to enjoy the parks, rivers, and trails that make Pennsylvania special — no matter where they live,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn. “When we invest in outdoor spaces close to home, we invest in people. These places bring families together, give kids room to play, help neighbors connect, and make our communities healthier and happier. Strong local parks and trails don’t just improve daily life, they help our towns and cities thrive for generations to come.”
The funds for the projects in Chester County come as part of nearly $82 million in total support for more than 295 recreation and conservation projects in 58 counties across the Commonwealth. Statewide, these investments will support 140 park, recreation, and conservation facility projects, 22 community and watershed forestry projects, 29 trail planning and development projects, 16 river conservation projects, and the conservation of 4,818 acres of land.
“The outdoors are for everyone — whether you enjoy spending time at a local park, out on the water, or on a trail — every Pennsylvanian deserves access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces close to home,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Because of our investments, communities across Pennsylvania will be able to improve parks, build new trails, and help more people enjoy the benefits of nature, in cities and rural towns alike.”
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, the Keystone Fund, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.