Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
See the beauty of Chester County
There are plenty of hidden gems in Chester County along the many walking trails.
County Commissioner Terence Farrell will tell you that walking is not just easy, but it’s also a lot of fun.
And there are those obvious health benefits, too.
“You’re not going to get healthy sitting on your coach,” Farrell recently told me as we strolled together 1.3 miles through Coatesville.
I’m accustomed to taking trails through woods, along creeks and through fields. Fortunately for us, Chester County has also set up walking paths along several urban “trails.”
WalkWorks Chesco! routes run through Kennett Square and Phoenixville, with two paths zig-zagging through Coatesville.
You can print an online map. Each “trail” takes you past five points of interest, with bullet point descriptions.
Take the map, follow the well-placed signs, experience a nice chunk of history, feel a ton of community and throw in a good dose of exercise.
I hadn’t taken much time to examine the architecture of Coatesville. I’m always rushing from place to place. Slow down a bit; oh my, it’s a beautiful city!
Ferrell and I started at the National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum. I could hear the clanging and banging as steel was being produced at ArcelorMittal.
The ghost of Rebecca Lukens was not far away. Plus, a huge portion of the World Trade Center produced in Coatesville is a perfect photo op.
My buddies and I took a walk through Kennett Square on a Sunday morning thanks to WalkWorks. Points of interest were the Kennett Library, Magnolia Place, the Samuel Pennock House, Borough Hall and the Kennett Area YMCA.
The town smelled great. We passed by at least seven restaurants cooking up what smelled like marvelous goodies. We didn’t stop, not even at Victory Brewing Company, which is conveniently located right along the trail.
Although it’s not officially listed online, and the signs are not yet up, I “hiked” the West Chester route with Borough Councilman Michel Galey.
Galey is a regular walker in the borough.
He likes to leave his car parked at home, and then stroll to uptown restaurants and businesses.
We walked past both the historic and new courthouses. History was everywhere. Somehow, on these walking trips, the towns seem more colorful and full of life. Maybe it’s the pace.
“It makes you feel like you’re living in a place that’s been here a long time,” Galey told me.
The way the route was designed is a great way to showcase several aspects--historic High Street, businesses, neighborhoods and the community, Galey said.
We passed by Everhart Park, which Galey referred to as “just a gem” and Gay street which he said is “everybody’s favorite part of town.”
Galey navigated us around without going off track.
“Anything that encourages people to walk around town is good for the town and good for people,” Galey said. “We’re really proud of this town.
“This is a great way to show it off.”
The urban walking trails are just a portion of the Chester County project.
Farrell helped to locally create WalkWorks Chesco! after he heard about the nationwide program at a National Association of Counties conference.
Through the Healthy Cities/Healthy County Challenge thousands of county residents are recording the number of steps made. During less than a year, registered walkers traveled more than a billion steps.
Farrell wants more people to sign up and to make it five billion steps this year.
“I challenged the health department,” Farrell said. “There’s not much equipment needed.
“You can walk
All three county commissioners are involved and are encouraging first responders to take part.
Farrell is challenging the fire departments, Michelle Kichline is sponsoring police and Kathi Cozzone is working with EMS.
Farrell noted that one of four adults in Chester County is overweight.
“You can help control diabetes,” anywhere.” he said. “Your mental health improves, while your sense of physical wellbeing increases when you exercise.”
For those who want to walk outside where there a few curbs, there are six county park tours. Trundle through Black Rock Sanctuary, Hibernia, Nottingham, Springton Manor, Warwick and Wolf’s Hollow parks.
Walking is fundamental. Although it might not be part of a specific trail, park a little bit farther from the front door at ShopRite or make the dog happier and take a longer walk.
And walk these urban trails. Even if you’re a lifelong Chester County resident, you’ll see new stuff every time out and gain a new appreciation for our boroughs, towns and city. Might also get some exercise, too. Keep on truckin’ To sign up or get more information, go to chesco.org/ walkworks
Bill Rettew Jr. is a Chester County resident and weekly columnist. He learned how to walk before he learned how to run. He may be contacted at brettew@dailylocal.com