WeConservePA, Berks Nature Organize Trail Connectivity Site Visit Attended by State and Local Officials

On October 12, 2023 staff from Berks Nature, along with WeConservePA Advocacy Manager Brad Barkdoll, engaged with local, state, and federal elected officials at their Angelica Creek Trail connectivity project. Staff were accompanied by: State Senator Judy Schwank, staff from Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan’s office, Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach, Berks County Planning department officials, and local elected officials from Kenhorst Borough and Cumru Township.

The tour began with an information session at the Ken Grill Pool where Berks Nature Executive Director Kim Murphy briefed attendees on the history of the project, funding sources and allocation, and the future of trail connectivity in the Greater Reading community. Following the information session, attendees were led on a brief walk of the trail.

As a priority project for the Greater Reading community, Berks Nature has taken the lead on extending the popular Angelica Creek Trail from its current endpoint, the Ken Grill Pool, to Shillington Park. The project will ultimately connect the Nolde Forest State Park system on one end to the Schuylkill River Trail on the northern end, improving access to trails in the Berks County community. The extended trail will have multiple community benefits to include providing residents a with safe and easily accessible 5-mile system of connected trails and a safe route to schools for students of the Governor Mifflin School District. Shovel ready, this project has become a priority for the administration of the Governor Mifflin School District.

Thanks to private and ARPA dollars, this project will provide the Greater Reading community with a safe walkable and bikeable connection from Shillington to the Governor Mifflin Campus, Kenhorst, Alvernia University, Angelica Park & Berks Nature’s The Nature Place, and all the way to the City of Reading via the Schuylkill River Trail.