$4.67M In Funding Allocated For Chester County Parks

CHESTER COUNTY, PA —Gov. Tom Wolf announced grants totaling $4.67 million for two projects that will provide scenic recreation parks in Westtown and East Pikeland townships.

Westtown Township was awarded $4 million toward the purchase of 208 acres of the Crebilly Farm for a new township park located off Routes 202 and 926, according to the govenor's recent media release.

East Pikeland Township was awarded $767,600 for development of Hidden River Park and Preserve off Spring City Road.

The grants are funded by federal dollars allocated through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

“We’re thrilled by this belated Christmas gift to the people of Westtown Township and Chester County,” State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, a Chester County Democrat said. “Saving Crebilly Farm is the result of persistence, perseverance, and partnership".

In November, Westtown voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum to preserve the farm, one of the largest remaining unprotected open spaces in Chester County.

It allows Westtown Township to purchase 208 acres of Crebilly Farm for $20.8 million and establishes a modest local earned income tax and real estate tax to help cover some of the cost.

The township plans to use a mix of federal, state, and county government grants, as well as fund-raising, to pay for most of the purchase.

State Sen. John Kane, a Chester County Democrat, said the Westtown community has spoken loud and clear that Crebilly Farm is here to stay.

History

The Crebilly Farm, located off Routes 202 and 926, has a history dating back to the American Revolution.

On Sept. 11, 1777, the largest battle of the American Revolution occurred on the site, according to an historical account provided by the Westtown Township Historical Commission.

American General Adam Stephen spotted Hessian troops marching across the farm from his lookout atop Sandy Hollow, where the main battle would take place.

Stephen dispatched a party of soldiers to the farm to frustrate the Hessians’ advance towards the American position.

At this site, the Continental Army learned courage to stand up to the best British Troops.

Hidden River Park Project

The Hidden River Park project involves creating an open space into a stormwater buffer area doubling as a park and nature preserve on a 115-acre tract off Spring City Road.
The project involves providing a paved walking trail that meets the American Disability Act standards, a meadow, a playground, a disc golf and more.
The goal of the project is to expand the buffer area along the Schuylkill River while preserving native habitat.