Delaware County Council approved funds recently to preserve 102 acres of open space, develop 73 miles of trails and make more than 18 recreational improvements to parks, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

The distribution of $4.5 million came after council convened the Delaware County Open Space Task Force in October 2016 to craft recommendations for preserving space county- wide.

Last year, council designated $10 million for municipalities to protect undeveloped land; to make improvements to existing parks and recreational facilities; to develop trails; and for professional services support.

This year’s projects include the Octoraro Trail construction in Concord, the Mint Trail construction in Middletown and the Radnor TAP trail construction.

Eighteen projects will utilize $1.3 million to enhance current parks and recreational areas and $162,000 was earmarked for professional planning services.

County Councilman Kevin Madden noted the challenges the county faces as a largely established residential area.

It’s easier to preserve farmland than it is to preserve an area in the midst of a dense residential area. But, nevertheless, this is an important, important area for developing a community that is appealing for folks to live in and work in.”

Read more about open space projects in Delaware County here.

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