Grant to support trail growth

ROYERSFORD » The borough recently received another grant to aid in the completion of the river trail on the south side of Main Street.

The newest $100,000 grant will extend the existing Royersford Riverfront Trail by almost a third of a mile, stretching from Arch Street to the borough line, according to Royersford Borough Manager Michael A. Leonard.

Leonard said there have been discussions with Upper Providence to extend the trail beyond their shared line.

Leonard said he hopes for the construction to start in the spring of next year, as bidding will take place this fall. Architect plan for this section of the trail will be finalized in a month or two, Leonard added.

Construction, however, will not affect traffic, as it will all be focused at the river front, according to Leonard.

“It’s going to bring people to the borough,” Leonard said. “It’ll be really a plus for the borough. It’s a boost for the town.”

The grant comes shortly after the resurgence of Royersford’s Main Street. All vacant buildings have been purchased and are set to be renovated, accord-

ing to Leonard. Renovation has already started on a 10unit apartment building, as well as three store fronts.

There is a proposal for a brew pub to be built at the old Humane Fire Station, at 301 Walnut St.

Parking at Main Street is an issue now though, Leonard said.

“Borough Council approved a new parking lot on South 3rd Avenue and Myrtle Street,” the press release states.

That will provide accommodations for 19 more cars. Leonard also said there are talks of adding another 35 spots.

And the Borough already has plans for a future grant for the North Side, according to Leonard.

This proposed trail will have a gazebo for a picnic area, benches, and a Vietnam Memorial.

“We’re talking to the Vietnam Veterans,” said Leonard, who added that he came to Royersford 13 years ago to help in the town’s revitalization.

Leonard also mentioned that food trucks and kayak rentals may become available in the future at the trails on the weekend.

“There’s a group of people trying to open up that trestle,” Leonard said. “That’s going to be good for bikes and walking.”

The “Save the Trestle” campaign is an effort to connect Royersford to the Schuylkill Trail. Rick Lewis of Lewis Environment, one of the forefront champions of the campaign, said at The 20th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn earlier this week that $50,000 has already been raised. Lewis wants a ribbon cutting next year, as it will be the 100th anniversary of its construction.

“Council is trying to make this a better place to live and a better economy,” Leonard said. “We’re trying to bring this town back.”

The $100,000 grant, along with the other 14 awarded by the Montgomery County Commissioners, accounts for over $1,500,000. Since the implementation of A Shared Vision in 2016, over $3,700,000 has been awarded.

A Shared Vision is “a comprehensive plan is a long-range plan required by state law for guiding the growth and physical development of a place,” according to the Executive Summary.

“It’s going to bring people to the borough. It’s a boost for the town.”

— Royersford Borough Manager Michael A. Leonard