New hiking trail in Chadds Ford?
Tell the township you support Sunset Hill Preserve rejuvenation.
Who doesn't love more hiking trails right in our backyard? Okay, not everyone loves to hike. But in Chadds Ford, we are lucky to have some amazing natural spaces, and the township is looking to open up an existing 60-acre public property with a new (or rejuvenated) two-mile natural trail loop.
Sunset Hill Preserve used to be a Girl Scout property. It has belonged to the township for many years, and the Open Space Committee is considering reopening the existing trails for public use. What a great way to maintain the integrity of our lush community while also letting the public use publicly owned space!
The plan includes a parking lot off of Heyburn Rd near Keepsake Dr (not far from Route 1) so residents who can't walk directly from their homes can still use the trail. The trail is tucked into a gorgeous wooded area and offers a unique hiking opportunity separate from the Harvey Run Trail near the township building.
According to the National Association of Realtors, "recent studies have confirmed that living near trails and greenways will likely raise your property value an average of 3-5% and sometimes even as high as 15%. There is also no correlation that trails increase crime in their surrounding areas." More trails, putting our public lands to good use, and increasing property values sound like a win-win-win for the community.
Tell the township you support Sunset Hill Preserve rejuvenation.
Let the township know if you'd like to see this existing township property made available for public use. They need to hear from us to ensure the committee's work aligns with the public's interests.
Send a quick email to Emily Pisano, Assistant Township Manager (EPisano@chaddsfordpa.gov), or Samantha Reiner, Supervisor Liaison to the Open Space Committee (sreiner@chaddsfordpa.gov), to let them know you hope the township invests in this lovely space to make it accessible to our community.🌳
Around Town
Want to support some great organizations in the community? Here are a few things around Chadds Ford that help us build and maintain a resilient community and weave a strong fabric of local support for us and our neighbors.
Support Rachel Kohl Community Library
Did you know that our local library provided almost $5 million worth of services last year on a budget of a little over $500,000 in revenue? Sign up for the library newsletter on their homepage (scroll to the bottom) to stay in the loop!
The library receives about 60% of its funding from municipalities like Chadds Ford, which contributed $10,000 in 2023 and 2024. About 1 in 4 Chadds Ford residents are library patrons. Chadds Ford residents represent 7% of circulation, but our contribution to the library only represents 3.3% of that municipal funding.
Can you help fill the gap so our residential contribution matches our use? The library’s annual fund drive is happening right now. If you haven’t already and appreciate what the library offers our community, consider donating to support the library's many programs and resources!1
FOCUS on Wellness for the Kids in our Community - Join the committee
Do you have a child in the Unionville Chadds Ford school district and an interest in promoting well-being for families and healthy choices for youth in our community? FOCUS is a committee in our school district that provides information and education to parents and the community through seminars, workshops, webinars, and posted resources. They’ve offered great programming on healthy tech use, drug use among kids, transitioning from high school to college, and more (info on past events here).
They’re looking for representatives from the Chadds Ford and Hillendale Elementary areas. Check out their page and contact them directly if you're interested in helping out!
A Better, Brighter Middle School
For those of us who have or have had children at Patton Middle School, we know the building could use a little love. 😬 I’m excited the district is reviewing options to update the school and make it a better, brighter place.
Check out the Middle School Feasibility Study webpage to learn more about this conversation. The next Community Conversation is on December 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Patton Middle School. If you plan to attend, you'll need to register online.
I think a new middle school would be great for our students and the community (even though my boys would just miss attending class in it). And the district has a plan to do it without increasing taxes!2 If you favor it, let our school board know (msfeasibilitystudy@ucfsd.net) so they can “count your vote” toward a more modern and enlightened space for our students.
Winter Doesn’t Mean the End of Pretty Flowers
Renegade Flower Farm has a host of holiday goodies and events coming up that might be perfect for dressing up your holidays while also supporting a small, local business. Erin, the owner, creates porch pot bundles with neat gold-painted broom corn that lasts so long! She’ll also be hosting wreath workshops and a holiday shop. Check out this post for more details! If you don’t know her, Erin is a rockstar, and her blooms and business are fantastic!
Enjoy a Local Artisan Fair for a Cause
Find something lovely and support a good cause. The flyer below details the Fairville Artisan Fair, which is right here in Chadds Ford.
Let’s Discuss
Would you like to see more public trails in Chadds Ford? Maybe you’d use them or perhaps to appreciate the increase in your property value? I’d love to know what you think!
I am Chadds Ford’s appointed representative for the Rachel Kohl Community Library. I am the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees and a big library fan. We very much appreciate your support! 💛