The ninth annual initiative initially received 23 applications for projects out of 22 municipalities totaling more than $4 million.

“These grant awards will assist municipalities in making targeted physical improvements that achieve real progress toward the goals of the plan and the plan’s themes of Connected Communities, Sustainable Places, and Vibrant Economy,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder said in a statement.

County employees and planning commission representatives made up a committee that evaluated the proposals based on impact, equity, county and local planning consistency, project readiness, and local project funding. Nearly $17.8 million has been awarded to fund 140 projects in 53 municipalities since the program’s founding, according to county officials.

Projects that incorporated priorities for the 2024 initiative were given “heightened consideration,” including “Walk Montco and Bike Montco,” trails, paths, sidewalk connections and bike facilities; “downtown and community destination support” or “adaptation and resiliency.”

“From investments in solar installations to parks and trails to infrastructure for ADA accessibility and climate resiliency, we think government’s job is to plan for the future for all of our residents,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Neil Makhija said in a statement. “I can’t wait to see these projects completed as quickly as possible in collaboration with our municipalities.”

“I’m confident the grants awarded this year are aligned with our goals to maintain Montgomery County’s natural beauty and community bonds,” Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello said in a statement. “These projects will ensure municipalities across the county are more accessible to their residents and more conducive to local business and tourism.”

The following projects received funding from the program’s 2024 cycle:

Abington Township: $151,645 for phase two of the Ardsley Wildlife Sanctuary

The proposed project will extend the ADA-accessible path to the existing basin, address erosive runoff with natural stormwater features (vegetated swales, a rain garden, and spillway), remove and manage the reemergence of invasive plant material, restore forest, riparian and meadow habitat, and provide recreational and educational opportunities.

Collegeville: $250,000 for the Bum’s Hollow Perkiomen trail connection

This project would connect the middle of the 400 block of Main Street to the Perkiomen Trail through a borough-owned property at the end of Clamer Avenue and along “Bums Hollow,” which is an unimproved road easement that was dedicated to the borough. This will help fulfill an important component of the borough’s revitalization strategy, which is to have a connection to the Perkiomen Trail.

Hatfield Township: $200,000 for the Clemens Park stormwater basin project

This proposal would fund the construction of a stormwater basin at John S. Clemens Memorial Park (Clemens Park). With the recent addition of new acreage to this park, a comprehensive park plan was created to best envision the future of this property and how it can meet the community’s needs. This basin is part of the park plan’s implementation.

Lower Gwynedd Township: $250,000 for the Penllyn Train Station trail connection project

This is a proposed trail extension to connect Penllyn Train Station to Pen-Ambler Park and Ambler Yards, a mixed-use development, where there is currently no sidewalk and unsafe conditions for pedestrians. The trail would begin at the maintenance access to Pen-Ambler Park, where a crosswalk carries trail users to the north side of Pen-Ambler Road, continuing to the intersection of Pen-Ambler Road and Old Penllyn Pike, where crosswalks are provided across both streets and a sidewalk extension connects the trail to the train station.

Lower Merion Township: $250,000 for the Ludington Library Solar Installation Project

This project will help the township to lead by example by meeting its goal of transitioning township facilities and operations to clean energy sources by 2035. The project would result in the installation of a photovoltaic (PV) solar array on the lower roof of Ludington Library, as well as two ground-mounted PV solar canopies over portions of the library parking lot.

Lower Salford Township: $113,650 for the Yoder Road sidewalk connections project

This project involves the construction of approximately 900 linear feet of new concrete sidewalk along the south side of Yoder Road between Vernal Lane and Kulp Road. The project scope also includes the installation of a minor segment of roadway curb as well as associated ADA pedestrian accommodations, driveway modifications, and street trees. This will connect several local destinations to each other, including Indian Creek Middle School.

Pottstown: $250,000 for a sidewalk replacement and tree protection project

This proposal would fund the rehabilitation and replacement of sidewalks in 33 locations in the core business and residential district, where street trees have damaged the sidewalks. An arborist will be engaged to determine if the trees remain viable or if replacement is necessary. Flexi-Pave will be used to surround the trees, and the sidewalks will be replaced with similar concrete pavers, where needed.

Red Hill: $229,230 for phase one of parks improvement project compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

This proposal would fund the borough’s ADA upgrades to two parks—Red Hill Park and the Bio-Retention Garden. Upgrades include ADA parking spaces, sidewalks, and ADA-compliant paths and ramps.

Royersford: $73,500 for phase two of Victory Park improvements

This project focuses on upgrading the park’s infrastructure. The project includes establishing permeable, paved pathways that are ADA accessible, upgrading playground surfaces from wood chips to poured-in-place surfaces to meet ADA standards, and replacing all current picnic tables and bench seating with an equal selection of ADA-accessible options.

Trappe: $250,000 for Speaker’s House restoration efforts

This application was submitted on behalf of Historic Trappe, a local nonprofit organization, for funds to assist in the completion of the restoration of the Speaker’s House by 2026, so this historic site can be fully open to the public for the America 250 celebrations. While exterior renovations are largely complete, interior renovations and systems upgrades are needed to make this building ready for use by the general public.

Upper Moreland Township: $225,000 for Woodlawn Park development

This project helps implement the recently adopted Woodlawn Park Master Plan and will assist with extensive native plantings, stormwater management, benches, trash receptacles, and a USGS historic marker and plaza as the township prepares to redevelop this park.

Whitemarsh Township: $228,552 for Spring Mill Junction improvements

This project focuses on enhanced safety in the Spring Mill Junction area at the intersection of a SEPTA rail station and associated parking, county-owned open space, as well as the Schuylkill River Trail. Proposed safety improvements include thermoplastic crosswalk markings and other improvements at the intersection of the trail and Station Avenue, a new raised speed table/crosswalk from the Tricycle Cafe across Station Avenue, and construction of a deck gathering area for improved pedestrian and bicyclist safety, pop-up events, and a place where bicyclists and pedestrians can rest and congregate out of the roadway.

Whitpain Township: $10,374 for Bike Fix-it stations and bike racks

These grant funds will help purchase three bicycle Fix-It Plus Stations with air prime kits and eight bike racks to be installed at several township parks and open space areas. This small but impactful project will add to Whitpain’s ongoing efforts to be a more bike-friendly community.

June also hosts another significant tradition in both Black and American history. Three years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which officially outlawed slavery in Texas and other states in rebellion against the Union, many Black people, especially in the deep South, remained enslaved. Many plantation owners refused to inform and free their slaves until June 19, 1865. On that day, General Gordon Granger, accompanied by the Union Army, marched into Galveston, Texas, one of the last southern strongholds, and officially freed most of the enslaved Black people in the Confederacy. It’s important to note that slavery remained legal and practiced in two Union border states, Delaware and Kentucky, until later that year when the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment abolished chattel slavery nationwide in December.

This event gave birth to Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day. Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it is now celebrated annually on June 19th throughout the United States, with varying levels of official recognition. It commemorates the announcement of freedom from slavery in Texas by Union Army General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865.

The Ambler Branch of the NAACP is proud to share these two significant and important pieces of Black history. As the African proverb says, “Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”

Shaykh Anwar Muhammad

President, Ambler Branch NAACP

This a nationally sanctioned Jaguar Concours d’Elegance and one of the largest British motoring shows on the East Coast with more than 250 classic British cars and motorcycle, according to a press release from the nonprofit Friends of Hope Lodge.

“Your perfect British day will include food trucks and craft beers all day long while experiencing exclusive vintage British vehicles including Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Bentley, MG’s, Mini Cooper, Jaguar, and Triumphs,” the release stated. “Held in our splendid 18th century gardens, you can explore the elegance of Georgian architecture with mansion tours which will be given during the event.”

Tastings from Roundguys Brewing of Lansdale will be available to people age 21 and over with valid ID from noon to 4 p.m. Pets must be leashed.

Admission is $10, $5 for seniors 65+; children 12 and under are free, and Friends of Hope Lodge members are free. Proceeds from the event benefit The Friends of Hope Lodge, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which supports Historic Hope Lodge in its mission of educating the public about local American history.

Hope Lodge is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in association with The Friends of Hope Lodge.

For more information, visit the car show website at www.historichopelodge.org/ales-petals-car-show.

Engage Montco is an interactive tool for residents to participate in the Montco 2050 plan and to view ongoing work. The site offers an easy way for residents and visitors to provide insights and stay informed of the county’s progress on Montco 2050.

“We hope the public will enjoy taking part in the Montco 2050 plan and will share these resources with family, friends, and colleagues,” Montgomery County Planning Commission Executive Director Scott France said in a statement. “We also encourage municipalities to share this resource with residents and stakeholders. The Montco 2050 Comprehensive Plan will help the county make decisions for years into the future. There is a lot of work that has to happen before we have a final product, and we need everybody’s involvement to develop a great plan.”

During the first phase of Montco 2050, the planning commission sought feedback from the community and received valuable input on several areas, including housing, traffic, roads, trails, open space, and flooding.

Planning commission staff finalized 10 concise online background and trend reports, which compiled background information on the changes that have taken place over the last 10 years and created an online map hub with additional data as a companion site.

The commission has also created a Montco 2050 Social Media Toolkit containing social media text and images that municipalities and stakeholders can share to spread the word on the next phase of the Montco 2050 plan, and the many available opportunities for public feedback.

Residents are encouraged to explore these resources and regularly check for new information. Engage Montco 2050 will be updated regularly with new opportunities for residents to provide input. Visit engage.montgomerycountypa.gov to participate.

Dr. Chae Sweet, vice president of academic affairs and provost, welcomed the families and guests who filled the newly renovated theater in the Montco Cultural Center where the ceremony was held. She congratulated the students who successfully completed the Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Nursing Program and were ready to start their careers.

“Nursing is, indeed, a critical and high-priority occupation. Hospitals, medical offices and clinics are facing a shortage of qualified, well-trained nurses,” Dr. Sweet said. “I am proud that you are poised to step into these roles and make meaningful contributions. Nursing is not merely a career; it is a calling to make a positive difference in the many patients who will be in your care.”

The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Assistant Professor of Nursing Milissa Pelonero shared her words of wisdom with the graduates.

“Your nursing education will unlock many opportunities,” Pelonero said. “Keep an open mind, an adventurous spirit, focus on your patients and their care, and the sky will be the limit. As you receive your nursing pins today, you will embark on a noble path, one that is dedicated to leading a very positive impact on all.

“Let empathy guide your every action. Let compassion fuel your resolve and let the pursuit of excellence drive your ambition. Leave your mark on the world, one patient at a time. Continue to inspire, hope and heal wherever you go.”

Following Pelonero’s speech, Dr. Tammi Britt, assistant director of nursing, described the history of the pinning ceremony, and then the students lined up to walk on stage to receive their pins and lamps from faculty members Lindsey Doran, Karen Karaban, Elizabeth Keene, and Kelly Lyles. Together on the stage holding their lit lamps, they recited International Council of Nurses Pledge.

After the students returned to their seats, student speaker Leslie Pezzano spoke to her peers about their experience as nursing students and the strength and perseverance it took to complete the rigorous program.

“Being a nurse is not just about grades. Nursing requires initiative and dedication, a passion for caring for people, empathy, connection to individuals and critical thinking,” she said. “No book can teach you how to tell a family their loved one is dying. No one teach you how to find dignity in bathing someone. Nursing is about being able to love a person at their weakest moment. We are here because we have a passion for nursing that stems from some moment or experience in our lives.”

The spring 2024 graduates include Heather Battavio, Katherine Bratspis, David Brown, Beza Deneke, Kathia Elhocine, Julissa Facey, Kevin Farrell, Amina Garcia, Shannon Glicken, Melissa Graber, Zehor Irkakene, Celina Irizarry, Christina Jung, Anna Kanolash, Tiffaney Keeler, Jessica Kiefer, Noah Kwasniuk, William Manley, Rosemary Manna, Ryan Martin, Kelly McCormick, Sarah McNaughton, Michael Mikalonis, Trinity Miller, Ashley Palmer, Sunket Patel, Leslie Pezzano, Trinity Pizzo, Sally Sainto, Madison Scheuren, Zahara Shapiro, Brittina Sinclair, Henry Slack, Sierrah Slaughter, Sharon Stirling, Cachae Smith, Ewa Szewczyk, Madison Turvey, Crystal Vinogradov, Cierra Weathersby, Michael Wellock and Jennifer Yim.

Following the ceremony, graduates, families and friends enjoyed refreshments by MCCC’s Culinary Arts students.

For more information about MCCC’s Nursing Program, visit mc3.edu/nursing and register for one of the upcoming information sessions.

According to Children First, Pennsylvania kids from all walks of life suffer from nearly the same rates of general anxiety and depression, as well as more intensive issues of suicidal thoughts. Four out of ten PA students report feeling sad or depressed most of the time; 16% report planning suicide and 12% have attempted suicide.

Because children and teens spend most of their time in school, having qualified staff who can offer mental health support in schools just makes sense, according to Children First. But what would that look like — and where would the funding come from?

“How We Heal: Youth Mental Health Film Screening and Panel Discussion” will show a 20-minute film developed by students that shows how people can heal from mental health challenges and trauma. A panel featuring a student, a parent, an educator, and a mental health professional will follow the screening.

The location is the MCIU at 2 West Lafayette Street in Norristown. The event will take place on Thursday, May 23, and the doors open at 5 p.m. and the program begins at 5:30 p.m.

Registration by May 17th at childrenfirstpa.org/heal52324 is preferred. Walk-ins are also welcome depending on seating availability.

Regional stakeholders and policymakers came together on Tuesday to discuss best practices and policies to reduce disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity.

The daylong conference took place at Montgomery County Community College’s Blue Bell campus and was hosted in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Public Health, Montgomery County Maternal and Early Childhood Consortium and the Maternity Care Coalition.

“Maternal and infant mortality rates continue to rise to crisis levels nationwide, especially for Black moms,” said Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder in a statement. “I am proud that the county is working in partnership with the community, stakeholders, and policymakers to improve outcomes for our moms.”

Speakers included Dr. Ndidiamaka Amuta-Onukagha, of the M.O.T.H.E.R. Lab and the Tufts Center; Sara Goulet, special advisor to Pennsylvania’s human services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh; Dr. Aasta Mehta, medical officer of reproductive health for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health; and Dr. Tamra Williams, director of Montgomery county’s health and human services department.

“At the Department of Human Services, we are committed to improving health outcomes for all birthing people in the Commonwealth,” Goulet said in a statement. “Together with maternal health care providers and advocates across the Commonwealth, the Shapiro Administration is working to ensure that all women and birthing people get the care and support they need and deserve – both for themselves and their children; to address disparities, to listen, to learn, and to take action.”

The conference featured morning and afternoon panel sessions covering policy and practices. Panelists included medical professionals, advocates and government representatives.

“The conference provided a trusted, evidence-driven and community-centered space for maternal health professionals and stakeholders invested in the advancement of maternal health equity in Montgomery County,” said a Montgomery County spokesperson in a statement. “Attendees were able to deepen their understanding of current issues in maternal health, learn about initiatives to improve maternal health, and to get information needed to create change.”

The suspect was also wanted for attempted murder in the shooting of three people in Harrisburg including a 4-year-old child.

Shawn Jason, 47, was arrested at a hotel in the 4600 block of Island Avenue in Philadelphia, according to a press release from the federal marshals task force. The Harrisburg Police Department charges relate to  a shooting that took place September 9, 2023, in the 1800 block of North Street in Harrisburg. After a verbal dispute with neighbors, Jason allegedly shot three people, including a 4-year-old child, police said.

Jason was also charged with armed robbery and related charges by Abington police. According to a press release from Abington Chief Patrick Molloy, the CVS Pharmacy at 2622 Jenkintown Road in the Glenside section of  Abington was robbed Feb. 22 by a  male suspect, with his face covered with a surgical mask and sunglasses and wearing gloves. He stepped over the partition door, entering the employee area of the pharmacy, brandished a handgun and demanded that the pharmacist open the safe and hand over all of the narcotics. After receiving the narcotics, the suspect fled the store, according to police.

Abington Detectives, utilizing state of the art cellular forensics, video surveillance analysis, andintelligence sharing with other police departments, were able to identify Jason as the suspect, police said.

An arrest warrant was issued April 23, and acting on information, the marshals located and apprehended Jason in the hotel room. He was taken to Abington and later extradited to Harrisburg to face charges.

The Abington release acknowledged the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Philadelphia Police Department for their assistance in the investigation and arrest.

“A long and extensive history of violent criminal activity by Mr. Jason has once again culminated in his arrest, but sadly not before counting a 4-year-old child he shot as among his most recent victims,” said Eric Gartner, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force is a team of law enforcement officers led by U.S. Marshals in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest violent crime fugitives. Membership agencies include the Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Parole Officers, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General Agents, Immigration Customs Enforcement, Chester Police Department, Bucks County Sheriffs, and Delaware County Sheriffs.

PTK members exemplify the values of scholarship, leadership, fellowship and service.

Every academic year, PTK performs at least two community service projects. This year, PTK worked with the Community College Completion Corps initiative to promote community college completion to degree and completed MCCC’s Safe Space diversity training.

MCCC has two PTK chapters — Alpha Kappa Zeta at the Blue Bell Campus and Beta Tau Lambda at the Pottstown Campus. Both chapters have attained five-star status, the highest rank a chapter can earn.  Catherine Parzynski, history assistant professor, and Cathy Hoult Shewring, history professor, are the advisers for Alpha Kappa Zeta, and Douglas Powell, history assistant professor, and Meredith Frank, communications studies instructor, are the advisers for Beta Tau Lambda.

The induction ceremony started with an introduction by Parzynski followed by a welcome message from  Chae Sweet, MCCC vice president for academic affairs and provost. The keynote speaker, Mamata Tharima, a former Alpha Kappa Zeta Chapter president from 2014-2016, gave an inspiring speech, describing her experience and encouraging the new inductees to make the most of this opportunity.

“There are opportunities within an opportunity. To create opportunities, you need to share with others in the right platform of what you are capable of doing,” Tharima said. “As I said earlier, there is a season for everything. This is your season to build. Build your resume, build your portfolio. Do what you what is necessary and what you can to make yourself ready for your career job right after graduation. Even if it is an entry position for your dream job.”

The inductees are joining a scholarly fellowship that embraces not only community college students in the United States but also nationally and internationally. Phi Theta Kappa was founded in 1918 and officially recognized in 1929 by the Association of American Community Colleges.

Today, it has grown from the original eight chapters to more than 1,300 and it encompasses more than 3.5 million members worldwide. PTK membership enables students to enter into an intellectual fellowship that extends beyond MCCC to regional, national and international networks.

The Alpha Kappa Zeta inductees for spring 2024 are Sulhee Antal, Philadelphia; Laurel Bailey, Oreland; Joanna Barr; Dara Becker, Ambler; Shelly Bell, Wyndmoor; Christopher Bonsignore, Harleysville; Jacob Bruno, Lansdale; Pearl Budner, Trappe; Jose Bueno, Lansdale; Ron Carter, Philadelphia; Lucas Challes, Ambler; Tina Cobb, Philadelphia; Daniel Cole, Quakertown; Kyle Cox, North Wales; Cat Crutchfield, Philadelphia; Brandon De Oliveira, Warminster; Paul Debbaudt, Lafayette Hill; Sarah Dermovsesian, Willow Grove; Lance Desantis, Norristown.

And, Isabella Drab, Doylestown; Stephen Eckert, North Wales; Matthew Frankl, Bryn Mawr; Rebekah Garcia, Norristown; Dagny Hahn, Penn Valley; Charlie Ann Haldeman, Jenkintown; Abigail Hall, Souderton; Jake Hamburg, Norristown; Erin Hastings, Conshohocken; Tyler Himes, Souderton; Jenna Korchma, Harleysville; Megan Krol, Abington; Gabriel Levy, Willow Grove; Reagan Lisius, Telford; Erin Lyons, Philadelphia; Sarah McNaughton, Collegeville; Julia Miccoli, Eagleville; Alvin Munoz Cervantes, Norristown; Rovena Nako, Elkins Park.

Also, David Nguyen, Bryn Mawr; Delaney Niper, Hatboro; Hyewon Park, King of Prussia; Caskey Parke, Barto; Angelina Peale, Glenside; Ben Peled, Souderton; My Ngoc Tra Pham, Telford; Joshu’Wa Reid, Lansdale; Annatalia Rookstool, Audubon; Wed Saad, Glenside; Anina Salvucci, Jamison; Shubham Sharma, Collegeville; Randi Shea, Willow Grove; Matthew Signorelli, Huntingdon Valley; Christina Smith; Julia Starr, Horsham; Leah Synnestvedt, Hatboro; Lucas Synnestvedt, Hatboro; Chloe Thomas, King of Prussia; Madison Walsh, Phoenixville; and Jeehae Young, Glenside.

This year’s officers are Grace Ifiegbu, president; Katharine Boyle, vice president of fellowship; Dani Arcos Narvaez, vice president of scholarship; Alayna Berkebile, vice president of leadership; Kit Schlaak, vice president of service; and Christina Smith, vice president of public relations.

For the fall 2023 semester, the Alpha Kappa Zeta chapter welcomed the following inductees during a virtual ceremony: Francelie Mae Arguelles, Andrew Bailon, Joanna Barr, Alayna Berkebile, Richard Blowes, Stephanie Chavez, Tiara Clay, Lianna Cody, Hanna Cox, Drew Dearden, Baylen Detweiler, James Diamicis, Breanna Dimaria, Joseph Fredericks, Davis Guthrie, Jasmine Ho, Ruby Iskandarani, Jaylene Johnsons, Shannon Jordan, Lawrencia Laryea, Andrew Lawlor, Jennifer Lennon, Remy Lloyd, Richard Loveless, Randy Nava, Emory Neukum, Megan Nuneviller, Thy Pham, Samuel Portock, Angelique Quiles, Marc Regen, Minda Sam, Bernard Schaffer, Anthony Schultz, Christina Smith, Kiera Tavolaro, Audrey Thompson, Jessica Tomovcsik, Mariami Turiashvili, Alexa Werner, Nicholas Whaling, Jacob Wisnoff and Sarah Woodhouse.

There are numerous benefits to being inducted as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, including special recognition during the induction ceremony and at commencement, scholarships, career training opportunities, transfer success, leadership development, and member discounts. For a full list and details, visit ptk.org/benefits.

For more information about Phi Theta Kappa international honor society at MCCC, visit https://www.mc3.edu/degrees-and-programs/honors-programs/international-honor-society.

This family-friendly program encourages participants to track their visits to select Montgomery County trails from April 27 to Dec. 2 of this year. Awards can be earned for completing visits to five, 10, or 15 participating trails.

A kickoff event for the 2024 Montco Trail Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at Lorimer Park, 183 Moredon Road, Huntingdon Valley. The public is invited to attend this event to visit with area organizations and to receive a free children’s bike helmet while supplies last. Children must be present to receive a helmet. The event will also feature bike safety resources, healthy snacks, and more.

“We continually work to expand and maintain Montgomery County’s impressive trail network so that residents across the county can enjoy greater access to beautiful, natural spaces and family-friendly activities in their communities,” said Jamila H. Winder, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “In 2024, we hope to see more community members than ever before on our trails, especially first-timers.”

In 2023, the Montco Trail Challenge drew participants from the surrounding region and saw more than 1,300 participants from a few months old to 87 years old.

“The Montco Trail Challenge is a fun, healthy, and free way for our residents and their families to explore the county’s great open spaces this year,” said Neil Makhija, Montgomery County commissioner. “Whether you are hiking, training, or simply strolling with loved ones, I encourage everyone to traverse as many of our trails as possible this year.”

The 2023 Montco Trail Challenge survey showed that 90% of respondents visited a new park or trail, and 63% learned something new about their community. The Trail Challenge also encouraged participants to get active, with 7% of survey takers saying they walked more, 21% biked more, and 13% ran more. Overall, 65% of survey respondents said they improved their physical health, and 76% improved their mental health.

“We are fortunate to live within the county’s large network of well-kept, scenic trails,” said Thomas DiBello, Montgomery County Commissioner. “This year’s Trail Challenge allows residents to experience the beauty in their own backyards.”

The Montco Trail Challenge will include the Royersford Riverfront Trail this year. The trail has recently been restored. It is about 1 mile long and connects with the Schuylkill River Trail.

To participate, people can register online at https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/2584/Trail-Challenge. The goal is to visit as many parks and trails as possible within the timeframe and record the trail symbol as “proof” of being there. Once completed, participants can submit their entries online or drop their completed card at the five drop box locations in the county. All entries must be received by Dec. 6, 2024. Participant awards will be mailed in December after the end of the 2024 Trail Challenge.

Participants are encouraged to use social media to post pictures and encourage friends to participate using the hashtag #MontcoTrailChallenge.

The Montco Trail Challenge is a partnership between the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, the Planning Commission, Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites, and the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. It is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Community Traffic Safety Project (CTSP) Grant.

Montgomery County owns and/or manages more than 6,000 acres of open space, which includes nine parks, five historic sites, and over 65 miles of regional trails. These areas include over 125 historic and non-historic structures, playgrounds, a fish ladder, a working historic canal lock, a wildlife center, and an archives/artifact collection of over 53,000 pieces.

To learn more, visit https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/31/Parks-Trails-Historic-Sites.