The Local Yokel Tour of Parks in Chester County

West Bradford Township ParkIt’s not just a Local Yokel that knows and experiences the outdoors in the area parks….

You can experience them with me!

All the townships in Chester County have their own flavor of community parks with  walking trails, preservation areas, soccer fields (especially full on Saturdays!), tennis courts, playgrounds, basketball courts, etc. There are also beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania; and I can’t forget the one National Park in Chester County.

I enjoy experiencing the different flavor of the parks in the surrounding areas of the Delaware Valley and try to change the place for my walks.

My favorite parks in CHESTER COUNTY:

Downingtown Borough: Kerr Park occupies a lot of space in my childhood memory bank. The tennis courts are still there that I used to keep myself occupied while “Mom” played. Kerr Park is where many of the festivities for Good Neighbor Day take place. The All-Abilities Playground is also a big hit!

East Brandywine Township: Community Park. They just added more fields and the walking trails go on and on... This is where I walk most often, due to convenience to my house :) You can catch entire families exercising and playing ball together many evenings. The energy is phenomenal. We often chase the ball around play tennis here.

East Caln Township: Bell Tavern Park is the place to be on hot weather days! The playground is one of the best in the area (even with sprinklers during the heat) and picnic tables come in handy. There is a sandWest Goshen Park/ Bird built nest outside house volleyball court, roller hockey rink, tennis courts, and walking trail as well.

 

East Goshen Township: The East Goshen Township Park is located off of Paoli Pike and spans for 55 acres. They have tennis, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, putting green, totlot/playground, fitness trail.

I found myself during my walk removing my i-pod headphones to listen to the birds singing to me! They have a bird watching guide and preservation area around the fitness trail.

 

Camping at French CreekFrench Creek State Park: French Creek is our local get-away spot. Camping is offered and you can feel like you are miles away! Home to two lakes and 40 miles of hiking trails. There is a Frisbee golf course, pavilions, and geocaching available.

 

Hibernia Park (County) Park: Over 900 acres of trails, woodlands, fishing, picnics, camping – PLUS a 90Hibernia Mansion in Hibernia Park acre lake for small fishing and boating. There is a historic mansion, Hibernia Mansion (Built around 1744) which is also located in the park and available for limited tours.

Marsh Creek Lake State Park: This park includes 1,705 acres which includes a 535-acre Lake. Windsurfing, Boating, Kayaking, Fishing, Swimming are all some of the highlights of the park.

(An interesting tidbit about Marsh Creek Lake State Park.  My grandmother’s family home is somewhere in the bottom of the lake – taken over by imminent domain.)

Tredyffrin Township: Their parkland has over 345 acres dedicated for parks. Wilson Park (90 acres) is located in Chesterbrook and has an All Abilities Playground, putting green, volleyball, and all sorts of sports fields.

Wait! You can’t leave the Local Yokel Tour of Chester County Parks yet……

Chester County also boasts to be the home of The Valley Forge National Park, one of the most famous parks in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video Courtesy of MrKlaffdotcom

Valley Forge Park not only memorializes the sacrifices and perseverance of the Buildings at Valley Forge National parkRevolutionary War generation during the encampment of 1777, but there are stories told, tours given, re-enactments lived, and collections displayed. 

Valley Forge Park includes cell-phone guided tours, and also story telling benches (a storyteller begins telling a 5 minute story when one approaches the bench), trolley tours, after hourDeer at Valley Forge National park tours, Guided Walks, Gallery Talks, Vault Tours, and special events taking place year round. During your visit you most likely will spot at the least deer, and quite possibly other wildlife including fox.

Trail System – Hiking, Horseback Riding, Biking, you can do it all within the Valley Forge Park at different designated areas. 28 miles of authorized trails are located within the park boundaries. There are 19 miles of marked hiking trails designated just for hiking.

The beauty of Chester County abounds when you take a look at the parks. The rolling hills are home to parks that make you feel like you are in the deep forest (French Creek); relax by the water and sunbathe like you are on the beach (Marsh Creek); and get your fill of history lessons while going back in time (Valley Forge).

Chester County, Pennsylvania, a great place to call home, abounding in parks and outdoor recreation.

Are you relocating to Chester County, Pennsylvania?

I’d love to help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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TAGS: makeover2takeover, parks, chester county, local

Good Neighbor Day - July 4th

Downingtown Good NeighbordayGet ready! A big celebration is happening in Downingtown, Chester County, PA on July 4th!  I sent our family's registration forms in for the 5K Walk. Are you participating?

July 4th kicks off with a 5K & 10K Run, 5K Walk, and 1mi Kid's Run... that's just the beginning!  My mother has actually been running in this race for years - even flew back from New Mexico for 10 yrs+  just to run "at home" for the big day! 

There are many happenings throughout the day, the best thing would be to check out their schedule of events.Downingtown Good Neighborday

Canoe Races, Duck Races, Carnival Rides & Food, Craft Booths, Wife Carrying & Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest, Log Cabin Tours, Music - - - and FIREWORKS!

Happy Independence Day, America! What a great way to celebrate in Downingtown, Pennsylvania! You might come and decide you love it so much you want to move to Downingtown! Guess who can help you buy a house in Downingtown, Chester County? Who would? Kim Wood!

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TAGS: downingtown, real estate, buyers