Newtown Township Trail Plan Struggles to Get Off the Ground

The Newtown Township Comprehensive Trail Plan is long-term plan for trails throughout the Township. The plan identifies a network of sidewalk connections, multi-use trails, recreational trails and on-road bike-ways that provide a wide variety of opportunities to support the recreational needs of township residents.

In June, 2018, the Newtown Board of Supervisors approved a PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) application for a 30% matching grant to cover the costs of construction of the M-1 (Lower Dolington Road) Segment of the trail plan. The request was for a grant of $1,074,499.44. The Township’s match of 30% - approximately $323,000 - would come from the Recreation Capital Fund, which is built up from developer fees that are specifically earmarked for recreational improvements that benefit all residents.

DCED recently announced the latest awards from their MultiModal fund on March 26, 2019 (see here). A total of 106 new awards totaling $54.7 million were approved. Congrats to those who received an award. Unfortunately, although the Newtown trail project was considered a “High Value Project,” the Township was not awarded a grant .

Try Again!

On April 1, 2019, the Township submitted a PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant application requesting a 50% matching grant of $499,675. As with the DCED grant, if this grant is approved the township match of $499,675 would come from the Recreation Capital Fund, which has a current balance of $567,671 according to the approved 2019 Budget.

The ten foot wide multi-use trail will begin at Frost Lane and will parallel Lower Dolington Road to the intersection of Upper Silver Lake Road. Pedestrian crossings and a 3-way stop are proposed at the intersections of Everett Drive and Yorkshire Drive due to slope, drainage issues, and right of way. Other amenities include upgraded ADA compliant curb ramps and benches, native landscaping, fencing, and the incorporation of roadside rain gardens for stormwater management.

This approximately 1-mile of multi-use trail will provide a pedestrian connection between existing residential neighborhoods and Roberts Ridge Park, Goodnoe Elementary School, the Township's Business Commons and the existing trails in and around Roberts Ridge Park.

About the Plan

The Newtown Township Comprehensive Trail Plan was adopted in 2016. The plan was developed after the Township coordinated an interactive community engagement process consisting of a series of public meetings, an online resident survey, and public comment periods prior to plan adoption. The public was invited to provide insight and feedback to the proposed routes. The online survey documented over 1,160 responses regarding trail destinations, existing trail conditions, and use of existing trails. Outcome of the survey highlighted that 52% of respondents used trails weekly, 85% use trails for recreation, 49% do not use Township Trails because of lack of connection, and that 68% do not feel that existing trails provide adequate opportunities. Top destinations of respondents include Newtown Borough, Goodnoe Elementary School, and Roberts Ridge Park.

Trails are Healthy for People and the Environment!

According to the grant application, "The development of the trail will reconnect people to the outdoors through recreation opportunities and experiences and strengthen the connection with Roberts Ridge Park and the surrounding residential developments. The trail will provide ... healthful transportation alternatives to destination locations such as access surrounding land uses and allow those of all ages the ability to access local parks and schools."

The goal of implementing the Trail Plan is to develop a strategy to use trails to connect the citizens of Newtown Township with open space, parks, and commercial land uses. Eventually, once the entire trail system is realized, the trails will connect with trails in neighboring municipalities, and larger trail systems such as The Circuit, and the East Coast Greenway.