Here in New Jersey, we’re constantly evolving, and a big part of that growth involves enhancing our outdoor spaces and making our communities even more vibrant and accessible. Exciting news is unfolding in Burlington County, where significant steps are being taken to expand its impressive regional trails network and boost local community planning initiatives. These efforts underscore a commitment to quality of life, health, and economic vitality across the region.
For a deeper dive into how art, culture, and community planning intertwine to shape our New Jersey experience, you can explore more on our dedicated section: https://explorenewjersey.org/art-culture/.
Burlington County recently secured a substantial $75,000 grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), a crucial partner in shaping regional development. This funding is specifically earmarked to help with the planning of an ambitious 13-mile extension of the already beloved Delaware River Heritage Trail. Imagine strolling, running, or cycling along a new path that will gracefully wind its way through picturesque towns like Florence, Burlington Township, Burlington City, Edgewater Park, Beverly, and Delanco, seamlessly connecting these distinct communities.
But the good news doesn’t stop there. The DVRPC also awarded a separate $125,000 grant, a collaborative effort between Burlington and Camden counties. This funding will fuel a feasibility study for an entirely new trail designed to link Palmyra and Pennsauken in Camden County. This future trail is not just another path; it’s envisioned as a vital piece of the Delaware River Heritage Trail, creating a crucial connection between Burlington County’s extensive trail system and Camden County’s burgeoning network. This means more opportunities for residents on both sides of the river to explore, commute, and connect.
Beyond trails, the DVRPC is also investing in the very fabric of our downtowns. Beverly City received a $90,000 grant to support planning for a proposed transit village around its River Line station – a smart growth initiative aimed at creating walkable, vibrant communities centered around public transportation. Meanwhile, Evesham secured a $75,000 grant to study mobility improvements in downtown Marlton, ensuring that its bustling center remains accessible and pedestrian-friendly. These grants are part of the larger Transportation and Community Development Initiative (TCDI), which has channeled a total of $600,000 into various New Jersey projects within the DVRPC territory.
As Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson aptly put it, these investments are about enhancing the “quality of life residents enjoy here.” They represent a forward-thinking approach that recognizes the immense value of outdoor recreation, improved mobility, and strategic community planning. The county’s existing trail network already boasts over 50 miles of regional and interior park trails, and these new grants will significantly contribute to further expansion. As Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks, highlighted, these trails offer more than just recreation; they provide “safe routes of travel around our county and important links to our community parks, downtowns and historic sites.”
The proposed 13-mile segment of the Delaware River Heritage Trail from Florence to Delanco is set to become its largest extension, promising to link up with existing community pathways such as Florence’s 5th Street Trail, Burlington City’s Riverfront Promenade, and Edgewater Park’s Park Link Trail. This new segment is designed to be a 10-foot-wide asphalt path, perfectly suited for walkers, runners, cyclists, and wheelchair users, ensuring accessibility for all.
The Palmyra-Pennsauken Trail, once realized, will further bolster regional connectivity. It’s envisioned to provide convenient links to key transportation hubs like the Route 73 and Pennsauken Transit River Line stations, as well as connections to natural gems like Palmyra Cove Nature Park and Petty’s Island Preserve. This initiative also aims to create a safe crossing over Route 73 and the Pennsauken Creek, making it easier and safer for residents to navigate these areas.
In essence, these grants are more than just financial awards; they are investments in a brighter, healthier, and more connected future for Burlington County and beyond. They demonstrate a clear commitment to leveraging our natural assets and developing our communities in ways that benefit everyone. To learn more about the broader picture of how strategic planning and cultural initiatives are shaping the Garden State, we invite you to visit https://explorenewjersey.org/art-culture/.