Green Awards 2013: Radnor Trail

Clean, safe and emerald green, the Radnor Trail is a community gem that may one day reach its potential by serving as a link among other municipality trails.

Green Bio

Radnor Trail is a 2.4-mile linear park (or paved path) built on the bed of the defunct P&W Railroad line, encompassing sections of Villanova, St. Davids and Wayne. The nonprofit Friends of Radnor Trails pushed for its creation, and the township manages its upkeep and preservation.

Green Innovation

The removal of a large amount of trash along the former P&W right-of-way. “Who knows how much and what other kinds of waste material were deposited there—pesticides, old paint, toxic household or industrial waste?” poses FORT’s Mary B. Coe. “Today, the area is so clean that it’s pointless to have an Earth Day trash collection event on the trail.” Radnor Township acquired an adjacent industrial property, removing buildings and impervious, oil-stained surfaces and replacing them with stormwater-absorbing open space.

Bragging Rights

A 2011 study by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia found that properties located within a quarter mile of the trail increased in value by an average of $69,000.

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Fun Fact

FORT’s unique approach to greening has been to educate and mobilize a large force of supporters “at the molecular level,” Coe says. Person by person, household by household.

Green Dream

To extend Radnor Trail to other parts of the township, link to trails in neighboring municipalities, and even connect to a larger network of regional and national trails. “Wouldn’t it be amazing to be able to walk safely and comfortably clear across the township, ride a bike safely to your office in Center City or Malvern, or even ride a bike with friends or family to a restaurant in Bucks County or Longwood Gardens?” asks Coe.

Contact

(610) 688-3426.
 

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