Regional Trails Program
A new grant program to
further the creation of
Greater Philadelphia's regional
multi-use trails network.
Program Overview
Greater Philadelphia is a region blessed with a variety of opportunities to create a connected network of multi-use trails, including both right-of-ways (ROWs) inherited from the area's long history as a hub of railroad activity and greenway corridors that follow the region's creek buffering and park systems. Together, these ROWs and greenways provide the framework for an interconnected network of multi-use trails.
Some of these opportunities have been capitalized upon -- a number of significant trail segments already exist or are currently moving toward construction -- but the system today is marked as much by its "gaps" and "missing links" as it is by its connectivity. Still, these trails are vital amenities that contribute to making Philadelphia an accessible, livable city, economically competitive and prosperous. The existing, historical framework provides an opportunity for the region to build this unique strength into an even greater asset for use by more residents and communities.
The Regional Trails Program, administered by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, with funding from the William Penn Foundation, aims to capitalize upon these opportunities by providing funding for targeted, priority trail design, construction and planning projects that will promote a truly connected, regional network of multi-use trails with Philadelphia and Camden as its hub. The program will also provide technical assistance to trail developers, counties, municipalities and nonprofit organizations.
Program Goals
- Raise the visibility of the regional trail network overall and support catalytic projects that will advance its completion;
- Foster innovation and collaboration among organizations representing diverse interests and populations, advancing the regional trails system;
- Provide new opportunities for safe, active transportation throughout the region, including traditionally underserved urban neighborhoods, by offering including increased access to transit, employment centers, schools, parks and natural areas;
- Promote "hubs" of trail-related activity that will contribute to community revitalization in urban neighborhoods;
- Connect trails to underserved communities and new, diverse constituencies;
- Create livable, bikable and walkable communities that will promote public health through active living;
- Leverage additional resources for trail development;
- Increase sponsor capacity for project management;
- Promote the regional trail network as a unique, significant amenity for the region's residents and visitors.
DVRPC Regional Trails Program Map
DVRPC Regional Trails Program Targeted Trail Listing
Phase I – Design and Construction
Eighteen projects were awarded a total of $5.2 million through Phase I of the Regional Trails Program. These initiatives include both trail design and trail construction in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They extend existing trails, including the Schuylkill River Trail in Phoenixville, the Chester Valley Trail near Exton, and the East Coast Greenway in Tullytown. They connect the existing and planned elements of the regional trail network to neighborhoods through projects like the Baldwin's Run Tributary Trail in Camden and the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail in Lawrence. Finally, Phase I supports several landmark projects such as the Manayunk Bridge Trail that will provide a cross-river connection between Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township and serve as a destination for bikers and walkers from across the region.
A list of awarded projects is available here. [0.1 MB pdf]
A map of awarded projects is available here. [3.5 MB pdf]
Phase II – Planning and Feasibility Studies
Ten projects have received a total of $456,000 in funding through Phase II of the Regional Trails Program. Recipients will use this funding for trail planning and feasibility studies along several priority corridors. This work will lay the foundation for future design and construction projects that fill important "gaps" in the Regional Trail Network. All recipients are providing at least a 20% minimum match.
A list of awarded projects is available here. [0.1 MB pdf]
A map of awarded projects is available here. [5.5 MB pdf]
Phase III – Design and Construction
A second round of design and construction funding will be made available through Phase III of the Regional Trails Program. More information about the application process for these funds will be made available in the fall of 2012.