Greenways and Trails Planning for Transportation Connectivity

The presentation will feature examples of how these plans are paving the way toward advancing many miles of new public trails.
About this Event

This event is an in-person screening of this webinar; there is no virtual component.

Greenways and Trails Planning for Transportation Connectivity

Trails are a significant part of our transportation and open space networks, creating important connections within our urban, suburban, and rural communities. As trails are connected, they form larger networks that provide greater access and opportunities for people to walk or bike to local and regional destinations without the need for an automobile. This presentation will provide an overview of trail network planning, focusing on the different features and facilities that contribute to successful trail networks, supported by real-world examples from Chester County’s extensive trail planning work. Over the last decade, Chester County has completed a series of trail plans that built a foundation for investment in its public trail network. The presentation will feature examples of how these plans are paving the way toward advancing many miles of new public trails throughout the county.

Representatives from DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation will then provide an overview of Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants and share examples of trail and greenway projects that have leveraged various funding opportunities.

Session Outline:

Planning a Trail Network (Steve Buck presents)

• What is a network?
• Planning a trail network
• Trail facilities
• Multiuse trails
• Sidepaths
• Restricted-use trails (e.g., hiking trails and paths)
• Elements of a trail network
• Trail planning toolbox
• Trail development process
• Feasibility studies and master plans (using examples from recent Chester County trail planning projects)

Partnerships and Funding (DCNR representatives present)

• DCNR funding programs
• Additional synergistic planning partners and funding sources to consider
• Additional successful implementation examples

Speakers

- Stephen Buck, Landscape Architect

- Adam Mattis, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation

- Adriene Smochek, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation

AICP Credits: 1.25 ASLA Credits: 1.25

Group viewing brought to you by Lancaster County Planning.

Lancaster County Planning strives to provide educational opportunities for our planning partners – professional planners, municipalities, consultants, designers, engineers, local planning commissions, and interested citizens. In 2026, we will continue to provide an opportunity for our partners to join us at our office to view a mix of live and recorded webinars we have purchased or registered for from various sources on a variety of planning topics. Many of these programs will provide AICP CM and ASLA continuing education credits. Due to site license restrictions, we are not able to share our webinar access information with interested parties. For independent access, please contact the webinar provider directly.

For questions related to this event, please contact 717-299-8333 or email [email protected].