Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Deputy Secretary Mike Walsh today joined in a celebration of the opening of the Fricks Lock Trailhead and a new 4-mile section of the Schuylkill River Trail in East Coventry Township.

“DCNR is proud to support this new trailhead and trail, especially as we celebrate our planet on Earth Day,” Walsh said. “Our department’s goal of having a trail within 10 minutes of every Pennsylvanian is only possible through partnerships such as with this project that will provide accessible outdoor recreation opportunities in a key area.”

The Schuylkill River Trail is a multiuse path that will extend from Philadelphia, passing through Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties to Frackville in Schuylkill County. It will connect Fricks Lock to Pottstown at Route 422.

The Fricks Locks Village Trailhead provides trail users needed improvements, including:

  • Rehabilitation and paving of existing access drive
  • Grading and paving of an existing gravel parking lot
  • Construction of an expanded paved area
  • ADA parking spaces with associated pavement and signage
  • A system of connecting pathways and sidewalks to provide accessible routes to all improvements
  • Picnic pavilion structure
  • Site furnishings (benches, bike racks, and picnic tables)
  • Landscaping
  • Signage and storm water management facilities
  • Drinking water fountain for trail users and their pets

A new public restroom building for trail users exists now. The project also included utilities, new water well, and on-lot sewer system.

The trailhead was funded with support from DCNR, Chester County Commissioners and the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) funded the trail through Federal Highway Transportation Funds. Other partners include the East Coventry Township Board of Supervisors, the Chester County Parks and Preservation Department, and the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area.