Kennett Greenway
Kennett Greenway
Kennett Square, PA
The 14-mile Kennett Greenway is an active transportation project, a mobility initiative, and an investment in inclusive access to resources and greenspaces in the Kennett Square region. The first major segment of the greenway built to specification, Chandler Mill Road, links the dense and diverse Kennett Borough to some of the most spectacular conserved landscapes in the Brandywine Valley. An underlying driver for the Greenway is to build upon a “conservation mindset” for all residents of the community. To that end, the Greenway looks to connect all local population centers to pre-existing conserved lands, parks, and scenic areas without utilizing private automobiles.
Stitching a greenway into an existing historic community and topographically dramatic region of Southern Chester County necessitates a surgical approach. The design of the Greenway avoids a one-size-fits-all trail approach and instead leverages extensive public engagement and thoughtful design, to establish standards that are naturalistic, serene, and reflect the specific vernacular identity of the Brandywine Valley.
Ecological uplift is a major strength of the design approach. At every segment of the trail the team suggests ways to add ecological value, mitigate for declining tree canopy with new riparian and buffer plantings, provide improved native habitat, and offer public places to observe the beauty and history of the Kennett region. As new segments are installed, great care is taken to avoid stands of native trees and to infill with the next generation of canopy. Maintenance and a robust paving standard offer long-term durability for the Greenway network in addition to offering an inclusive surface for all mobilities whether by foot, by bicycle, stroller or by other mode.
Unknown Studio serves as the landscape architecture lead for the Greenway; providing overarching principles and vision, environmental ethos, placemaking, planting design custom detailing, viewsheds and overlooks. Unknown Studio also leads community engagement for the project.
Project timeline: 2019 -
Client: Kennett Township
Scope: Planning, Feasibility, Public Engagement, Full Design Services
Project Type: Culture | Rural
Size: 14 Miles (Entire Greenway)
Phase 1 - Chandler Mill Road Segment 8,000 LF
Partners:
Biohabitats (Prime Consultant), Meliora Design, McMahon & Associates
