Chester County receives $2.8M in state grants to buy land for open space
WESTCHESTER » Several Chester County projects will receive over $2.8 million in grants for the acquisition of over 760 acres across the county.
The funds come from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Recreation and Conversation Program. DCNR grants help communities and nonprofit organizations in Chester County and across Pennsylvania acquire land for public parks and open space to be enjoyed by all for generations to come.
“Chester County has always been known for our open spaces, parklands, and natural preserves. And with continued investments like these, residents, families, communities and visitors will continue to have a plethora of opportunities to participate in outdoor recreation and enjoy our natural treasures for years to come,” said state Sen. Andrew Dinniman, D-19th, of West
Whiteland.
The DCNR Recreation and Conservation grant program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the federal Land andWater Conservation Fund; Pennsylvania Trails fund; Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program; and the ATV Restricted Management Account Fund.
The acquisition projects are as follows:
• $958,000 for the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art to acquire approximately 569 acres in Lower Oxford and West Nottingham townships, Chester County for open space protection and passive recreation.
• $25,100 for Modena Borough to acquire approximately 2.5 acres in Modena Borough, Chester County to establish a public park for passive recreation.
• $109,300 for Natural Lands Trust, Inc., to acquire approximately 2.7 acres in Upper Uwchlan Townships, Chester County for an addition to the Marsh Creek State Park.
• $54,400 for New Garden Township to acquire approximately 9.9 acres in New Garden Township, Chester County for an addition to theMill Race Preserve.
• $108,000 for New Garden Township to acquire approximately 7.8 acres in New Garden Township, Chester County for an addition to the ChandlerWoods Preserve.
• $77,800 for North Coventry Township to acquire approximately 6.3 acres in North Coventry Township, Chester County for an addition to the CoventryWoods Park.
• $1.5 million for West Bradford Township to acquire approximately 163 acres in West Bradford Township, Chester County to establish a public park for both passive and active recreation.
“Marsh Creek State Park connects people to the outdoors and adds tremendous quality of life to the region,” said state Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten, D155th, of West Whiteland. “I appreciate the administration working withmy office to see the value in an investment here, and I look forward to helping direct more state dollars to the 155th Legislative District.
Otten also passed legislation in the House in 2019 adding land for trails, wetlands and wildlife habitat forMarsh Creek State Park.
The $54,400 approved for Mill Race Preserve will expand existing township preserve space by 9.9 acres near the intersection of Auburn Road and Penn Green Road; the $108,000 approved for Chandler Woods Preserve will fund an expansion of 7.8 acres. Both projects include additional parking and riparian buffers.
“In addition to increased open space, this grant funding will provide more parking and better access to trails in the area,” said state Rep. Christina Sappey, D-158th, of West Bradford. “This money comes at a time when we are seeing the use of our parks and open spaces increase 29 percent compared to last year, so these are welcome improvements.”
The DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation specifically aims to assist local governments and recreation and conservation organizations with the funding for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation. Last year, they awarded over $400,000 to Chester County municipalities for Parks and Outdoor Recreation improvements.
The DCNR Recreation and Conservation grant program is funded with state and federal funding including from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93), which includes Key-Community and KeyLand Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the federal Land andWater Conservation Fund; Pennsylvania Trails Fund; PennsylvaniaHeritage Area Program; and the ATV Restr icted Management Account Fund.