Northern Struble Trail Feasibility Study Project Summary Chester County Planning Commission, August 2014

Northern Struble Trail Feasibility Study Project Summary Chester County Planning Commission, August 2014 The purpose of the Northern Struble Trail Feasibility Study is to determine a viable corridor for a potential 16 mile extension of the Northern Struble Trail. This corridor has the potential to link the boroughs of Downingtown and Honey Brook. It could also connect popular recreation destinations such as Marsh Creek State Park, Springton Manor County Park, and Struble Lake, which is owned by the state and managed by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. This project would also create a trail suitable for horseback riding from the stables at Marsh Creek State Park to Honey Brook Borough. Funding for this project is being provided in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources, along with contributions from William Penn Foundation and the County of Chester. The existing Struble Trail is a County-owned facility that begins in Downingtown Borough and extends 3 miles north to Dorlans Mill Road in Uwchlan Township just south of Marsh Creek State Park. Over 400,000 visitors walk, run or bicycle the trail each year. Hundreds of thousands more residents would benefit from a 16-mile extension of the Struble Trail for recreation, fitness, and a transportation alternative. The proposed trail would be operated, maintained and policed by the Chester County Facilities and Parks Department, perhaps in partnership with municipalities through which the trail would extend. Many residents already use some sections of the abandoned rail lines within the study area as informal footpaths. Not all portions of the abandoned rail line are owned by Chester County. Several sections have reverted back the adjacent land owners and are privately-owned. To resolve ownership issues, a consultant has been hired to conduct a title search to clarify the ownership of County- owned rail rights-of-way. This task was recently completed for other abandoned rail corridors in the County and is essential to advance further trail planning for this project. The project may also identify County-owned parcels that are wholly unsuitable for trail use. Such parcels will be evaluated to determine if they should be de-acquisitioned and transferred to private or other non- County ownership. The final trail corridor may or may not follow rail beds at various locations. The Northern Struble Trail project implements the Concept Plan and the Strategic Action Plan for the Brandywine Creek Greenway. The Concept Plan for the Brandywine Creek Greenway recommends the extension of the Struble Trail from Marsh Creek State Park to Honey Brook Borough. The proposed project extends through portions of Upper Uwchlan Township, Wallace Township, West Nantmeal Township, Honey Brook Township, and Honey Brook Borough. This trail corridor could link residents of these municipalities to hiking, boating, equestrian, and other recreational opportunities already offered in Marsh Creek State Park, Springton Manor County Park, and at Struble Lake. In addition to the recreation and fitness benefits, the trail will provide a safe route for bicycling (or for the Amish, riding a scooter) to jobs in or near Honey Brook and Downingtown. This feasibility study is being prepared by staff at the Chester County Planning Commission and its consultant, the Brandywine Conservancy, at no cost to the participating municipalities. This project will lead to a shared vision and unified plan for the stakeholders. As the attached map indicates, the 5.0 mile trail section in and around Marsh Creek State Park will include multi-use and hiking trails that link the surrounding suburban neighborhoods to natural areas within the park. Much of this southern segment of the trail parallels the Brandywine Creek and so the construction of the trail could also serve to improve existing storm water runoff. The 4.5 mile trail section in and around Springton Manor County Park could follow the creek in some areas and will also link to preserved woodlands owned by the Chester County Water Resources Authority. Ideally, this central trail segment will accommodate equestrians, as will the 6.5 mile western section that leads to Struble Lake. This segment extends through an Amish community that uses horses for transportation. This western-most section of the trail parallels the upper east branch of the Brandywine Creek and also passes near protected farm lands. Since much of the trail is planned along abandoned rail beds where the grades are almost flat, the majority of the trail is expected to be ADA-compliant. ADA accessibility is typically determined during the design and engineering stages of a project, but it will be an important consideration even in this early study phase. Below are a few examples of ways the Northern Struble Trail could benefit the local economy: Honey Brook and Downingtown Boroughs could realize the economic benefits that result from being perceived as “trail towns.” Increased tourism to the region would support local shopping, lodgings, and eateries; Local businesses could benefit from investment in trail improvements (trails, parking, habitat restoration, signage, park facilities, etc.) and maintenance of facilities; Businesses such as bike shops, equestrian facilities, and outdoor equipment shops would benefit from purchases of recreational equipment, accessories, and repairs; Professional services to design, engineer and implement the plan could employ planners, designers, engineers, and contractors; Community benefits would include more attractive communities and safer routes for children to bicycle or walk to school; The trail would be expected facilitate increased physical activity and will result in better public health and lower healthcare costs; and Similar trail projects have demonstrated that homeowners who live close to a new trail realize an economic benefit in the form of increased property values. .

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