Chester County Planning Commission

The Chester County Trail Planning Series represents an ambitious and exemplary body of work advancing a countywide vision for an interconnected trail network. Comprising four coordinated plans—the Chester Valley Trail Extension to Downingtown, Chester Valley Trail West, Southern Chester County Circuit Trail, and the Chester County Trails Master Plan—the series provides both detailed feasibility studies and a unifying framework to guide implementation.

Together, these plans not only fulfill the Landscapes3 CONNECT goal of linking communities through trails, but also contribute to the regional Circuit Trails network and the Schuylkill to Susquehanna Statewide Major Greenway. Each plan was grounded in extensive public engagement, including multilingual outreach, interactive mapping, and strong partnerships with municipalities, nonprofits, and community advocates.

Already, the plans are catalyzing action: acquisition has begun on critical rights-of-way, municipalities are advancing catalyst projects, and additional funding has been secured. By integrating transportation, recreation, health, and environmental objectives, the Chester County Trail Planning Series demonstrates the power of visionary, inclusive, and implementable planning to create a healthier, more connected future.

The committee recognized the Chester County Trail Planning Series as a comprehensive and inclusive effort that goes well beyond traditional trail planning. By weaving together multiple plans into a cohesive vision, and by engaging a broad range of communities and partners, the series sets a strong foundation for long-term success. The committee was especially impressed by how quickly the work has moved from planning to implementation, with tangible progress already underway.