Nearly $400,000 invested in expanded parking lot, increased accessibility, and improved drainage infrastructure

Media, PA — On Tuesday afternoon, Delaware County cut the ribbon on improvements to the Chester Creek Trailhead on Knowlton Road in Media. The project is highlighted by expanded parking and improved drainage infrastructure, including the addition of handicapped parking spaces.

“These renovations will improve accessibility to the Chester Creek Trail for years to come, allowing more Delco residents to enjoy the beauty of our county,” said Delaware County Council member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “I want to thank everyone who has delivered these improvements to our residents, from the Planning Department to our partners in the Delco Delegation in Harrisburg.”

The ribbon cutting celebrated the completion of infrastructure enhancements to the trailhead parking lot, which has long been undersized due to the popularity of the trail. Before these renovations, the trailhead parking lot only had nine parking spaces, making it difficult for residents to enjoy the trail. These upgrades include additional ADA accessible parking spots with improved trail entrances.

The $378,960 in Local Share Account Grant (LSA) funding for this project was secured by State Representative Leanne Krueger and State Senator John Kane. The commitment of local partners like Rep. Krueger and Sen. Kane to projects like this is critical to their success and improves lives across Delaware County.

The Chester Creek Trail is part of the Circuit Trails Network and the East Coast Greenway. The Circuit Trails Network aims to connect trails, parks, neighborhoods and natural landscapes across Delaware County and southeast Pennsylvania, while the East Coast Greenway will connect Delaware County to communities from Florida to Maine. Both initiatives will improve the lives of Delco residents, allowing them to walk, bike, and explore the outdoors traveling throughout the county and beyond.

“Delco’s trails are a vital component of what makes our county a better home for all,” said Delaware County Council member Joanne Phillips. “I’m proud to be part of a Council that recognizes the importance of outdoor spaces and has worked to make them available to more residents.”

The work of the Delaware County Planning Department and the Public Works Department was instrumental to this project, with Planning overseeing much of the pre-build process and Public Works ensuring the on-time and sound completion of the project.

Along with the hard work of county departments, these improvements would not have happened without the efforts from the Friends of Chester Creek, who have been long-time stewards of the trail, constantly advocating for improvements for 30+ years and helping transform it into one of Delaware County’s premier trails.

To learn more about the Chester Creek Trail, visit chestercreektrail.org.