$750K Awarded In Nature And Recreation Grants In Chesco

WEST CHESTER, PA — State Rep. Chris Pielli, a Chester County Democrat, announced that $570,000 has been awarded to fund local trails, streams, preserves, and recreation center improvement projects in the West Chester area.

Pielli represents District 156, which consists of West Chester, and East Bradford, East and West Goshen townships. The district covers 37 square miles and has a population of 66,169.

Pielli said the funds have been awarded through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, and the Watershed Restoration Protection Program.

“We are truly fortunate to have such natural beauty in West Chester,” Pielli said. It’s our responsibility to protect and preserve our natural surroundings in the 156th Legislative District. I am very glad that this funding is going toward our local stakeholders who tirelessly maintain and preserve our wonderful parks, trails, and streams.”

Grants Awarded:

Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program

• East Bradford Township: Plum Run Trail Construction - $100,000. The trail connects West Chester University Robert B. Gordon Nature Area to Strode’s Barn, which will become the site of an outdoor heritage center.
• Natural Lands Stroud Preserve: $220,000 The preserve is south of Route 162 on North Creek Road. It’s part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Monitoring Program, which evaluates how human practices affect water quality.
• West Chester Borough - Hoopes Park Racquet Center Rehabilitation: A $100,000. An activity building, athletic fields, parking, and tennis courts at 700 Hoopes Park Lane.

Watershed Restoration Protection Program

• West Chester Borough - Taylor Run Stream Restoration - $150,000.