🚉 SEPTA Parking Fees Coming Back

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In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

😎 Downingtown PA Weather

🌡️☀️ Warnings of Heat Index of 105 Degrees on Wednesday

🧗 Downingtown Rock Gym Partners with DARC for Youth Climbing Program

🦉 WCU’s PRIZE Program Targets National Teacher Shortage

🚉 SEPTA Parking Fees Coming Back Oct 21

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Chester County Braces for Heat Index of 105 Degrees on Wednesday

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for Chester County and the tri-state area on Wednesday, with heat index values forecasted to reach a blistering 105 degrees. The warning is in place from noon to 8 p.m., urging residents to take extra precautions in the extreme heat. Temperatures are predicted to rise into the mid-90s before a cool front arrives later that evening, likely triggering scattered showers and thunderstorms. While the incoming front won’t provide the drastic cooling seen last week, it is expected to prevent further 90-degree days in the immediate future. The cooler weather in recent days has already brought August’s average temperatures below normal, marking a notable difference from last year’s intense late-summer heat. Though another extended heat wave isn’t expected, warm conditions are likely to persist until mid-September.

Downingtown Rock Gym Partners with DARC for Youth Climbing Program

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium (DARC) is offering a new program at the Downingtown Rock Gym aimed at young climbers eager to learn the basics of the sport. The class is designed to introduce beginners to essential rock climbing skills while keeping the experience fun and engaging through a mix of games and interactive activities.

Participants will learn how to properly wear a harness, tie climbing knots, and understand foundational climbing techniques, all under the guidance of experienced instructors. The program emphasizes both safety and skill development, ensuring that children not only have fun but also gain confidence and physical coordination. You can find more info on this and other DARC programs at their website.

West Chester University’s PRIZE Program Targets National Teacher Shortage

WEST CHESTER, PA — In response to the nationwide teacher shortage, West Chester University has introduced the PRIZE Program, a dual enrollment initiative designed to attract future educators. The program, which reduces costs for high school students to just $200 while covering additional expenses, provides an accessible pathway for those interested in teaching. Backed by $10 million in state funding, PRIZE focuses on developing a new generation of educators by offering early exposure to the profession and campus life.

The program’s participants, including rising high school seniors, have had the opportunity to experience a week on campus, helping them envision a future in teaching. By lowering financial barriers and fostering early interest, PRIZE is seen as a critical step in addressing the teacher shortage that has impacted districts nationwide.

Downingtown Station to Reintroduce Parking Fees on October 21

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — SEPTA will begin reinstating parking fees across its network starting September 23, marking the end of a four-year period of free parking implemented to boost ridership post-pandemic. The reintroduction will be gradual, with different stations adopting the new fees at different times. Downingtown Station will see its parking fees return on October 21, with charges of $2 per day for surface lots and $4 per day for garages.

Along with the fee reinstatement, SEPTA is introducing new pay stations designed for greater convenience. The stations will accept a range of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, contactless payments, and coins, while mobile payment options will also be available. Parking enforcement will be handled via license plate recognition technology, ensuring compliance across the system.

Parking will remain free on weekends and major holidays, and monthly permit parking fees are still suspended.

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