Trails on Tap kicks off in Pottstown’s Riverfront Park
Lovers of the Schuylkill River Trail have tapped into a new activity to enjoy along the river.
On Wednesday, a small corner of Riverfront Park was transformed into a beer garden as Schuylkill River Greenways kicked off its very first Trails on Tap event in Pottstown. It featured plenty of outdoor seating, a number of delicious food options and, of course, some refreshing adult beverages.
Schuylkill River Greenways is partnering with FCM Hospitality, the creators of Philadelphia’s successful “Parks on Tap” series, and Mainstay Independent Brewing Company, to bring the beer garden to the region. The popup beer garden, meant to engage people with the nearby Schuylkill River Trail, was the first of several that are planned throughout the summer.
“The Schuylkill River is not only a resource both recreationally and naturally but it also plays a critical role in drawing families, businesses and visitors from the region. This event is an opportunity for our community to reconnect with the Schuylkill River in a fun, family friendly atmosphere and to welcome new visitors who contribute to the economic growth and revitalization that is taking place before our eyes,” said Justin Keller, Pottstown Borough manager.
Guests also heard from Montgomery County Commissioner Ken Lawrence.
“Pottstown is on the rise. It’s on the go. The trail here is magnificent. We had a connection open up just a couple weeks ago,” said Lawrence. “The Schuylkill River Greenways does such a great job in promoting the Schuylkill River Trail, which in my opinion is the best trail in the region, hands down.”
The beer garden opened to the
public at 5 p.m. where visitors could enjoy beers from Mainstay Independent Brewing as well as different cocktails.
A portion of all proceeds from Trails on Tap will be reinvested toward protecting the river, expanding the Schuylkill River Trail, and supporting Schuylkill River Greenways.
“For us it’s a really incredible way to get people to come to the river and the trail. Our mission as a non-profit is to connect communities and people to the river and to the trails. The theory is that once people come and experience and engage with the river, or walk or ride on the trail they fall in love with it like we do and they eventually become ambassadors and want to protect and preserve it,” said Elaine Schaefer executive director of Schuylkill River Greenways.
The event kicked off with a keg tap where community leaders toasted the inaugural event for the region.
Following the beer garden in Riverfront Park on Wednesday, Trails on Tap will then go to Valley Forge National Historic Park where it will be for July 6 and July 13 before moving on to Royersford’s Riverfront Park from July 17-21 and July 24-28. It will then move to Norristown from July 31 - Aug. 4.
Additionally, Schuylkill River Greenways will offer free kayaking and bicycling opportunities every weekend of Trails on Tap from 2 to 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. People will be able to borrow a bike from Riverbend Cycles or use a kayak through Take It Outdoors Adventures. Only individu- alcoholic beverages will be and kayaks. als who haven’t consumed allowed to borrow the bikes