The goal of the Trails Project is to implement an integrated system of
trails in Abington that will connect parks, shopping areas, schools,
and other points of interest. The trails will provide a safe place,
close to home, for recreational activities such as walking, jogging,
and bicycling. Existing trails throughout the Township will be
incorporated into the larger system. The master plan for the trails
and greenways network was laid out in the Township's Open Space Plan,
which was adopted by the Board of Commissioners in 1995. In 1997 the
Abington Board of Commissioners adopted a Resolution in support of
fundraising for the trails and implementing a Phase I segment, as a
demonstration trail.
Will the money for the Abington Trail come from local taxes?
No, grant money has been awarded from state and federal agencies, as
well as from individuals and community organizations. Thus far, funds
raised total over $650,000. Once the project is well underway, additional
grants will become available and fundraising efforts will begin.
Who will actually build and maintain the trail?
The project is under the direction of Abington Township. Once completed,
the trails will be under the jurisdiction of Abington's Department of Parks
and Recreation and will be monitored and maintained in the same manner
as our existing parks and recreational properties. In addition, CTAC
(Citizens' Trails Advisory Committee) is establishing a Friends of the
Trails group.
How will the trails benefit the Abington area?
Trails provide pedestrians and bicyclists with safe routes to and from
school, work, and community destinations. In particular, they will enable
children to walk and bicycle to schools, parks, etc., without having to
take routes with dangerous traffic conditions. Trails encourage fitness
and outdoor activity and will be used by residents of all ages. An
added benefit is that property values have been proven to increase when
trails are developed.
What impact do trails have on privacy and crime/vandalism?
Existing natural buffers minimize privacy concerns and additional
landscaping and buffering are usually part of the design. There is
absolutely no evidence to support the myth that trails increase crime.
In fact in many instances privacy is improved and crime reduced because
loiterers disappear in areas frequented by responsible trail users and
trail patrol.
What are the plans in terms of trail surface and width?
Trail width and surfaces may vary from one section of the network to
another. Multiuse sections may be 10-12 feet wide macadam surfaces to
accomodate rollerblading, strollers, wheelchairs, biycling, and walking/
jogging. More natural pathways may be 2 feet wide dirt paths, for
hikers. Wood chips and crushed stone are examples of other potential
surfaces. Trails will be designed to preserve the environment and to
encourage people to notice, learn about, and appreciate the bits of
natural beauty that still exist in Abington.
What is the status of the Fox Chase Demonstration Trail?
The trail is complete. This first portion of
the trails system runs from the intersection of Roseland Ave. and
Fox Chase Rd., west on the north side of Fox Chase Rd. to the
traffic light in front of St. Basils. At this light, the trail
crosses Fox Chase Rd. and continue west along the south side of Fox
Chase
Rd. It crosses Forrest Ave. and continues along the south side of
Fox Chase Rd. (alongside Alverthorpe Park) to its western terminus at
Pond View Dr. (the road leading into the new housing development next
to Alverthorpe Park). The trail is about 0.8 miles long with a
macadam surface. The section on the south side of Fox Chase Rd. is
8 ft. wide and the remainder is 6 ft. wide. There is a grass buffer between the trail and the street and a curb
installed along the street. (A map
of the demonstration trail is available on this web site).
What is the Citizens' Trails Advisory Committee?
The Citizens' Trails Advisory Committee is a diverse group of Abington
residents who share a common goal of seeing the Trails Project achieve
its full potential. The Committee's mission is to be involved as a
support system throughout every phase of the trails development. The
committee will keep Abington residents informed about the progress of
the project, encourage participation in the process, and use of the
trail once it is completed.
Are there other communities in the area who have or are planning a
trail system similar to the one planned for Abington?
Yes. Two examples are Whitemarsh and Towamencin Townships.
If my organization would like to receive literature or have a
presentation on trails, whom should I contact?
Contact or email
abingtontrails@yahoo.com.