Chandler Mill Trail
Connecting our community
The Chandler Mill Trail will connect our Kennett community. Residents will be able to safely enjoy to the beauty of the west branch of the Red Clay Creek, Chandler Mill Preserve and, eventually, to more than 1,500 acres of open space in southern Kennett Township and Delaware. This trail will also connect local residents to the Borough’s amenities and events, whether it is a summer concert at Anson B Nixon Park or a game at the high school.
Envisioning your trail experience
The Chandler Mill trail has the potential to create special moments along the west branch of the Red Clay Creek for pedestrians and bicyclists of all generations. Whether it is a place to rest, have a picnic or play in nature, the consultants have proposed several different options along the route.
Explore more below!
Materials & amenities
The choices of materials for the Chandler Mill Trail are designed to embrace the natural esthetic of southern Chester County while simultaneously being durable in a floodplain. Ideally, materials will be locally sourced or come from raw materials on site.
Overlook designs
Two overlooks can offer opportunities to rest, play and enjoy nature’s beauty along the Chandler Mill Trail. These overlooks have been designed with feedback from Township residents and local landowners.
Chandler Mill Trail, looking south, on one of the one lane, bidirectional traffic sections.
Traffic calming measures
As part of the project two short sections of Chandler Mill Road will become one lane, but with bidirectional traffic (much like a one-lane bridge). This traffic pattern will accomplish two priorities highlighted by local residents in public meetings: (i) help reduce the speed of traffic and (ii) minimize disturbance to the creek.
Kennett Township set up a temporary pilot study in mid-November 2021 that allowed local residents to experience this traffic pattern and provide feedback.
Environmental improvements
Our goal is to strengthen the community’s bond to the natural environment. Through selecting Biohabitats as its lead consultant, the Greenway wants the community to rediscover a sense of place through restoring indigenous ecosystems, improving biological diversity, and embracing ecological stewardship.
The trail’s engineering has focused on thoughtfully integrating a trail into the current creekside ecology. This includes addressing stormwater management using a planted buffer, careful material selection and adjusting the trail’s path around certain historical and natural assets.
Stay up to date
Kennett Township’s Trails & Sidewalks Committee public meetings includes monthly detailed updates on progress. Check out the committee’s website for the public meeting schedule, agendas, recent minutes, permitting documentation and more. You can also review the latest progress plans below.
Special thanks to Biohabitats, Meliora Design, McMahon & Associates and Unknown Studio for their work on this project to date.