WEST WHITELAND—Dogs will soon have a fenced-in acre and a half of grass and trees all to themselves, at the township’s new dog park. Dog owners will gain added access to a beautiful viewshed and the park’s extensive trail network.
On June 30, West Whiteland Township will open the new dog park and cricket field, at Exton Park’s Swedesford Recreation Area.
An ADA-compliant paved path will soon link the new parking lot with the dog park, while the finishing touches are now being made on the dog park, including the installation of benches and dog waste stations.
Supervisors Brian Dunn, Raj Kumbhardare, and Theresa Santalucia will hold an official ribbon cutting later in the summer.
Township Manager Pam Gural-Bear is excited to add to the park.
“We know from the community that there is demand for a dog park and additional cricket fields,” she said. “Throughout the Exton Park development process, we have been in close communication with the public to learn what they are most interested in adding to the park.
“The natural play structures and zip line have been extremely popular, and we anticipate these newest additions to be very well-received, as well.”
Exton Park covers 727 acres. It is jointly owned with Chester County and the township holds 279 acres. It primarily is designed for passive recreation and to preserve the ecology and historical community assets.
Township Supervisor Brian Dunn is pumped.
“It’s great seeing the community getting together and having so many opportunities for recreation,” Dunn said. “It makes us proud as a township to have all this open space preserved.”
The ongoing improvements are only one phase toward a larger plan – the Exton Park Master Plan – that was created in 2017 following extensive community input including public meetings and focus groups.
The focus of that plan is to maintain the natural elements of Exton Park, while adding recreation features that the public has requested, according to a township release.
The master plan is comprised of six phases. Work at the Swedesford Recreation Area is Phase 1.
Phase 2 development will focus on adding pedestrian walkways, pavilions, a parking lot, landscaping, and a restroom to the multiuse field area at 200 Church Farm Lane.
Plans also call for installation of tennis and pickle ball courts, a nine-hole disc golf course and new trails.
West Whiteland Township has been awarded several grants from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and Chester County, which have been matched by the township’s open space and public service funds.
The township will continue to submit for grants and budget for matching funds until the project is completed, which is ultimately forecast to cost $6 million for all six phases.
In addition to the amenities the public can actively enjoy, the overall cost also covers the necessary, but less flashy improvements, such as stormwater management measures and utilities such as plumbing, sewer and electric, the release states.
Those working on the park include: URDC – Exton Park Master Site Plan published in 2017; T & M Engineering – site design for the Swedesford Rec Area of Exton Park; and Plymar Construction – site work for the Swedesford Rec Area recreation resources and equipment.
There were several sub-contractors that have worked on the project as well.
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