HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is directing more than $2.1 million toward park rehabilitation, trail construction and watershed conservation projects in Chester County and surrounding communities, including nearly $909,000 to upgrade Ash Park in Coatesville and $500,000 to extend the Chester Valley Trail.
State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, detailed the awards through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which finances public recreation improvements, land conservation and environmental restoration.
The largest allocation, $908,900, will support the rehabilitation and further development of Ash Park in Coatesville. Planned improvements include renovation of a multipurpose athletic field, construction of pedestrian walkways, installation of playground equipment and safety surfacing, and upgrades to meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements.
The Chester Valley Trail will receive $500,000 for construction of a one-mile segment extending from Noble Road to Main Street. The project spans Atglen Borough and West Sadsbury Township in Chester County and Sadsbury Township in Lancaster County.
The investment will expand the regional trail network, providing additional infrastructure for walking, cycling and other recreational uses.
Another $300,000 will fund improvements at Chambers Lake within Hibernia County Park in West Caln Township.
The project includes construction of a boat launch and dock, parking facilities, pedestrian walkways, landscaping and accessibility improvements.
Together, the three projects located within Williams’ 74th Legislative District account for $1,708,900 in state funding.
Two additional regional conservation initiatives, supported by Williams and other Chester County lawmakers, received a combined $399,900.
Stroud Water Research Center Inc. was awarded $249,900 to establish 25 acres of riparian forest buffers and support the continued establishment of 20 acres of previously planted buffers along waterways in the Schuylkill River watershed.
The work will extend across Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties. Riparian forest buffers help protect waterways by reducing runoff, limiting erosion and improving habitat along streams.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will receive $150,000 for community tree-planting and stewardship initiatives across Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
The program will focus on expanding tree planting and strengthening local capacity to maintain trees over time.
“This funding is an investment in the quality of life and long-term vitality of communities throughout the 74th District,” Williams stated.
The five allocations total $2,108,800, combining investments in recreational infrastructure with projects intended to protect waterways and expand tree coverage.
The awards are part of DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which supports local governments and nonprofit organizations undertaking park development, trail construction, land conservation and community revitalization projects.
The funding will support improvements at existing public facilities while financing additional recreational connections and environmental restoration across southeastern Pennsylvania.
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