How Far We’ve Come !!
Phase I of East Fallowfield Community Park was completed in 2010 and was funded by East Fallowfield Township, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the County of Chester. Improvements completed as part of Phase I included the paved trail, playground, paved parking lot, the rain gardens, and landscape plantings.
In 2010, the Park & Recreation Commission established a wonderful, mowed meadow walking trail through the meadow along Strasburg Road. The Park & Recreation Commission has also requested that the Township manage this land area along Strasburg Road as a meadow, rather than as a mowed lawn. This means the entire meadow will be mowed only a few times per year rather than every 10 days to 2 weeks. This will encourage a better wildlife habitat for songbirds and other small mammals. As the vegetation grows taller between mowings, when it is cut, it will be hayed and removed. The mowed walking trail is mowed frequently to maintain it as a comfortable walking environment for residents.
In 2010, the Park & Recreation Commission raised funds through donations from local residents and businesses to help fund construction of the Patriotic Landmark at the entrance to the Park. The Flagpole area serves as the focal point for the Park and shows respect and support of our Nation. The Park flies the American Flag, the Pennsylvania State flag, and the POW flag. The Landmark was built with private funds and grant funding from PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Residents and businesses purchased commemorative bricks that continues to be a permanent part of the Landmark.
Also in 2010, the Park & Recreation Commission had three old groundwater monitoring wells “abandoned in place” and their “stick up” pipes removed. These wells were installed several years ago as part of an environmental site assessment completed for the former Strunk Chain Saw manufacturing activities and prior to transfer of the park land to the Township. Fortunately, no underground contamination was found. The three wells created eyesores and mowing obstructions where they stuck up above the ground in the fields above the pond. The three wells were back-filled with grout in compliance with applicable well abandonment regulations and the above ground pipes were removed.
In 2011, the Park & Recreation Commission constructed the picnic pavilion and the wetlands footbridge at the pond. The pavilion has become a very popular addition for Park users and has served as the center of several Park events. It also added a very attractive feature to the landscape of the Park. The pavilion was constructed with funding from the Township and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The footbridge spans an area of expanding wetland between the woodlands and the pond. This footbridge was badly needed as the area of the former path continued to become increasingly wet and impassable. The elevated footbridge now allows Park users to easily traverse the wetland area and to stop along the way and enjoy the sights and sounds of the wetland, the pond, and the woodlands. The footbridge was funded by the Township and a grant from PECO.
In 2012 and 2013 efforts focused on applying for state and county grants for bridge and trail improvements. 2014 focused on the engineering design and specifications for the improvements, pursuing grant funding for a Park Stewardship and Vegetation/Habitat Management Plan, planning replacement of the 3 Park entrance and road-side signs, planning a new informational kiosk for the Lower Meadow Trail, and initial planning for the tree planting project to enhance the wetlands in the upper meadow, among other activities.
In 2015, the Park signs were replaced at the Park entrance (Buck Run Road) and at the corners of Strasburg Road and Buck Run Road and at Strasburg Road and Doe Run Roads. The Lower Meadow Trail bridge and improvements were made. Wetlands enhancements, tree planting, informational kiosk projects, and installation of additional bluebird boxes are planned, among other activities were completed.
In 2020, the Parks and Recreation Committee reconvened after a few years of inactivity. Restroom facilities were added in 2021 for the convenience of those using our Park. Improvements also included the construction of a new ADA accessible fishing pier by Eagle Scout Dylan Florschutz with funding provided by PECO. In 2022, a 'Little Free Library' was constructed and installed by Eagle Scout Joey Heffern. In 2023, a second Little Library (meant to hold children's books since it is placed at a child-sized height) was constructed by Eagle Scout Hannah Lamb. In 2023, an automated external defibrillator device (AED) was installed and is located outside the bathrooms. A new park gazebo was installed in 2023. The gazebo provide a covered area for entertainers at summer concerts or for events needing relief from heat or rain.The current Parks and Rec Team are working hard to provide quality events for our residents. The Park and Rec Board now holds special events throughout the year- including a Summer Concert Series, Fourth of July parades, and a wellness event.
If you have an idea for an event or if you would like to volunteer to help us improve the Park, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
