PA Chapter of APA recognizes Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail as a 2021 Great Place in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-PA), through its Great Places in PA Program, annually designates Great Places. For 2021, the Great Places categories were Greenways/Trails, Public Spaces, and Streets. Eight nominations achieved a Great Places designation, bringing the total Great Places in PA to 46. Great Places have a sustainable vision for the future and serve as a model for other communities. Having high quality examples of successful planning efforts throughout the Commonwealth to share and promote helps to achieve the Chapter’s mission and vision.
APA-PA is proud to announce designation of the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail (WERT), which connects five communities in northeastern Lancaster County, as a 2021 Great Greenway/Trail in Pennsylvania. This 7.2 mile regional trail travels through many landscapes, from farmland, woodlands, and rural villages to historic urban neighborhoods and downtowns. With many trailheads and access points, it is easily accessible to thousands of residents. The trail is a popular, safe, and practical alternative transportation route between the Boroughs of Ephrata, Akron, and Lititz for people to walk/bike to school or work, as well as shopping and dining destinations. It is also used by residents and visitors of all ages and abilities for recreation. Additionally, the WERT serves as host for many charity bike rides, marathons, and other events coordinated by the Warwick Recreation Commission. Among the many amenities are restrooms, solar powered pedestrian lights at crossings, bike share program, access point car charging stations, and handicap accessibility. The five municipalities in the corridor formed the WERT Committee to oversee trail planning and construction. They worked steadfastly over a period of eight years to see the project through to fruition and continue to coordinate maintenance of this regional asset. Much support was provided by the County Commissioners and Planning Commission, PA DCNR, municipal officials, and the community. The WERT is a prime example of the success that can result from intergovernmental cooperation, partnerships, and community engagement. This success is demonstrated not only in trail usage, but also the economic activity it has stimulated.
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