The project entails a 20-mile long interconnected trail system encompassing 1,200 acres of open space along the length of the Rancocas Creek.
During its public meeting this week, the Burlington County Freeholder Board voted unanimously to authorize an agreement to begin moving forward with developing two key links to completing the county’s noted Rancocas Creek Greenway — an eventual 20-mile long interconnected trail system encompassing 1,200 acres of open space along the length of the Rancocas Creek.
According to Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs, the plans are part of a decades-long plan to add to and connect the county’s expansive regional park and trail network. Gibbs said the plans will preserve open space along the Rancocas Creek and continue to provide residents with access to free recreational opportunities.
“It has been a long-standing goal of the Freeholder Board to preserve open space and provide our residents with free opportunities to walk, hike or bike the many beautiful natural areas right in our own backyards,” said Gibbs, who added that 50 miles of trails and more than 1,000 acres of developed parkland already exist. “Burlington County is so fortunate to be home to such a treasured and valued resource like the Rancocas Creek. That’s why I am thrilled we will soon connect and enhance the open spaces we have along the creek, while ensuring our communities can access this hidden jewel.”
According to the county, outdoor enthusiasts will soon be able to enjoy the recreational opportunities offered by the 84-acre Rowan property in Westampton. Acquired by the county in 2004 because of its location along the Rancocas Creek and its potential to connect with the adjacent Rancocas State Park, the property will be developed into the county’s newest park and provide trails around agricultural fields and wooded areas for the communities in the vicinity. Parking will be provided along the entrance road to the property together with a restroom facility, an information kiosk, interpretative signage and benches.
At the same time, the county intends to extend the nearby Rancocas Point Trail in Mt. Laurel. Completed in 2010, the one-half mile trail extends from behind Carlucci’s Restaurant along the Rancocas Creek. The extension would bring the trail to the base of the former Centerton Road Bridge and create a small trailhead with an information kiosk, interpretative signage and benches. In time, it is anticipated that the Rancocas Pointe Trail will connect to Boundary Creek Park to the west and south to the County’s Agricultural Center.
“While we work to enhance and connect the regional parks and trails provided to our residents, a historical challenge to doing so has been crossing the Rancocas Creek. As we study the feasibility of a new cost-effective pedestrian bridge, it is sensible for us to continue our plans to develop the recreational opportunities in the area,” Gibbs said.
In July, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission recognized the potential benefits a new pedestrian bridge would provide and has awarded the county with a grant to fund a feasibility study.
