When IMAGINE Berks was first launched in 2022, we knew we would soon be incorporating the Greenway, Park, and Recreation Plan’s goals related to the placemaking focus area of Imagine Berks. Putting that plan into action involves a $500k county investment in the plan to enhance recreation opportunities, promote health and wellbeing, and ensure inclusivity for all residents.
In 2023, 11 projects throughout the County’s five planning regions were provided funds. The projects included everything from Riparian buffer repairs along the Saucony Creek Trail to the construction of a Storywalk in Mohnton Borough.
Providing outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities is an essential piece of placemaking. However, not everyone is always able to enjoy these activities or amenities. The Splash Pad for Davey, a project which helps remove barriers for people of all ages and abilities to stay cool during the summer, highlighted the need for this.
For the Reading Public Museum, their trails are used heavily year round. Due to their popularity, maintenance and upgrades to the facilities are needed from time to time. In 2023, over 50,000 people utilized the Wyomissing Creek Trail system where the pedestrian bridge is located.
These two projects help highlight the community needs being filled across the wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Stay connected with IMAGINE Berks and keep up with the updates to the Greenways, Parks and Recreation plan!
2023/2024 Projects:
Colebrookdale Railroad Gateway: $21,030
Reeser’s Landing Engineering Plans – Schuylkill River Greenways: $25,000
Saucony Creek Trail Riparian Restoration – Kutztown Borough: $3,000
Secret Valley Trail Easement Procurement: $25,000
Topton Borough Park Master Plan Development: $25,000
Barrio Alegria (City of Reading) Recreation Outreach Fellow: $25,000
Penn Township Park Playground Installation: $25,000
Mohnton Borough Storywalk: $6,900
Lorane Hollow Park – Sports Court Rehabilitation – Exeter Township: $25,000
Splash Pad for Davey – Womelsdorf Borough: $25,000
Reading Public Museum Trail Pedestrian Bridge Repair: $20,000