💵 Uwchlan Parks and Rec Grants | 🧭 Caln Trail Development | 🌱 Free Workshop on Winter Sowing | 💉 Drug Resources Brought to Coatesville

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

💵 Uwchlan Township Secures $402,500 in Grants for Parks and Rec Projects

🧭 Caln Township Awarded $472,500 for Beaver Creek Trail Development

🌱 Caln Township Offers Free Workshop on Winter Sowing Technique

💉 County and Police Partnership Brings Harm Reduction Resources to Coatesville

💪 Local Business Spotlight: Stand Strong Training Center

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

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Uwchlan Township Secures $402,500 in Grants for Parks and Rec Projects

UWCHLAN TWP — Uwchlan Township officials have announced three major grant awards totaling $402,500 to support parks and recreation development across the community. The largest portion of funding will benefit the Shamona Peck Nature Play project, which received $100,000 from Chester County Parks & Preservation and $245,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

In addition to the nature play area funding, the township secured a $57,500 grant in January specifically for developing a new comprehensive parks, recreation, and open space plan. This planning initiative will incorporate community feedback to guide future improvements to recreational facilities and green spaces throughout Uwchlan.

Caln Township Awarded $472,500 for Beaver Creek Trail Development

CALN TWP — Caln Township received $472,500 from the Pennsylvania DCNR to build Segment 5 of the Beaver Creek Trail, which will connect Mary Street in Downingtown to Lloyd Park. The project includes a pedestrian bridge, stormwater systems, and ADA-compliant features. Combined with a $250,000 county grant from last year, the funding advances plans for a three-mile trail between Downingtown and Thorndale. More info online at https://www.calntownship.org/beaver-creek-trail.html

Caln Township Offers Free Workshop on Winter Sowing Technique

CALN TWP — Caln Township residents can learn the art of winter sowing at a free workshop hosted by the Environmental Advisory Council on Saturday, February 7, at 2 p.m. at the township municipal building. The session will introduce participants to this cost-effective gardening method that allows seeds to be started outdoors during winter months using common household items.

Winter sowing utilizes repurposed containers, particularly gallon milk jugs, which function as small greenhouses to protect seeds while exposing them to natural temperature cycles. This technique has become increasingly popular as an alternative to indoor seed starting because it requires no special equipment like grow lights or heating mats.

During the workshop, attendees will receive instruction on the basics of winter sowing and have the opportunity to create their own containers planted with native flower seeds to take home. The township will supply all necessary materials, though participants are encouraged to bring clean milk jugs from home to support the environmentally sustainable nature of the project. Register online here

County and Police Partnership Brings Harm Reduction Resources to Coatesville

COATESVILLE, PA — The Coatesville Police Department welcomed outreach staff from Chester County Drug & Alcohol Services for a coordination visit that highlighted the ongoing partnership between law enforcement and public health agencies. A county representative met with several officers to update them on available treatment services and support programs while conducting a tour of the city.

The visit is part of regular outreach efforts to ensure the police department maintains adequate supplies of harm reduction materials and that officers stay informed about resources they can connect community members to during encounters. The county agency provides the department with naloxone (Narcan), an opioid overdose reversal medication, along with containers for safe prescription drug disposal and informational resource cards directing people to treatment and counseling services.

New Year, New You!

Stand Strong Training Center

This family-run Downingtown facility offers small group fitness, student athlete training, and specialized adaptive programs for individuals with physical challenges. Beyond workouts, Stand Strong provides nutrition coaching, life coaching, and InBody testing. Their supportive "FitFam" community emphasizes accountability, varied daily programming, and making fitness accessible for all life stages. Schedule your free workout at their website: standstrongtc.com

Upcoming local events…

Monthly Connection Exchange Networking (Thorndale) - Jan 15, 9am-10am

Chesco Networking Happy Hour (Exton) - Jan 20, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - Jan 24, 10am-12pm

West Chester Professionals Social Networking (West Chester) - Jan 28, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Monthly VRA Realty Investors Meetup (West Chester) - Feb 11, 6:45pm-8:30pm

WCU Live! presents the Sharpe Family Singers $ (West Chester) - Feb 13, 7pm

Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - Feb 14, 10am-12pm

Catch up on previous issues…