Take the ChesterTrails.org Survey!

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The only way to make sure that the Chester Trails Plan is a success and is implemented by our communities is by having your continued involvement in the process. Through focused individual interviews and the Public Input Session, we have received wonderful comments from the public which we are incorporating into the plan.

Our trails survey is another chance for you to help us with this great project.   To take the short survey click trails survey on the tab above or click here.

Public Input Session #1 and the Chester Trails Plan

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On October 20, about 40 people gathered at the field house to talk about trails in Chester Township and Chester Borough.  After a brief introduction to the project, participants were broken into three groups and provided input into the emerging Trails Plan by viewing and commenting on large-scale maps.  After the break out sessions, each group presented some highlights of their suggestions.  The Planning team is in the process of digesting and incorporating this wealth of information.   Here are some of the wonderful comments we received regarding a vision for the overall trail system and Points of Interest.  Please feel free to add your comments in the comments section below!

Trail Improvements and Public Open Space Comments

  • Connect Long Valley to Chester with trail system–Columbia Trail?
  • Mark the river access points.
  • Include routes that connect neighborhoods to schools, and to Main St. This includes sidewalks.
  • While crossings at Rt. 206 have been problematic, consider rerouting trails to cross 206 at traffic lights.
  • Consider putting a traffic light at Furnace Rd. and 206.
  • Parents pushing strollers feel confined to paved paths in Grove St. Park and around the Chubb pond. They want an option for getting out into nature.  Suggested the paved roads at 50 North Road. Kids’ bikes are allowed on Main St. sidewalks.
  • Same for adults pushing their elderly parents in wheelchairs. Want to walk through nature. This would be a great draw for tourists with elderly or disabled family members, who can then have lunch in town.
  • One resident requested a ‘Disc Golf’ course, similar to Frisbee Golf.
  • Another requested an open dog park without fences where you can legally walk a dog off leash and play ball or frisbee freely.
  • Equestrians would like the opportunity to hitch their horses somewhere safe so they can then walk to lunch in Chester.
  • Continue the sidewalk from the Chester Library to Chubb Park.
  • Post hunting info for each park on the website to help residents choose a hunter-free hike on any given day. Also make this info clear for adjacent public land.
  • While roadways are generally wide enough for bikes, the shoulders are in terrible disrepair and are dangerous.
  • Try making crossings to North Rd. properties through back roads as much as possible.
  • Re: cattle tunnel under 206; what does the original deed say about its maintenance? What did allow the farmers to do in terms of access/maintenance?
  • Mt. Paul property needs parking.
  • Add a boat launch site near the Hermitage on Pleasant Hill Rd? Three current boat launch points currently exist: (1) Ironia Rd at Lake Lillian, (2) On Rt. 24 by the Old Mill, (3)Along Pleasant Hill Rd.
  • Canoe trail not viable because bridges were replaced with structures that do not have enough clearance for a boat. Some boaters have been known to portage their canoes/kayaks across Rt. 206, exceedingly dangerous.
  • There are more trails along the north end of Black River WMA. Many stressed hemlock trees in this region as well.
  • Request that this project honor stewardship and protection of the environment in the planning. Keep in mind issues like invasive plants, soil erosion, etc.
  • Needed: signage to YIELD to peds, bikes, equestrians at crossings.
  • Connect to Flanders/ Mt. Olive. Still need an easement along Flanders Valley Golf Course.
  • Post-session request to use knowledgeable residents to help with this project. Oftentimes they’ve spent years studying, hiking, and stewarding these trails

Points of Interest

  • Historic iron mines should be mapped, as they are a critical part of Chester’s history. Incorporate Len Taylor’s iron mine tour narrative.
  • Geology along Black River outcroppings are notable. Include big trees, unusual plants, etc. as points of interest. These data can be used for educational purposes; shared with schools, families, scouts, etc.
  • Incorporate old railroad beds (see maps)
In the coming weeks, we will be releasing a trails survey to the general public and continuing to meet individually with local experts, including a few of the folks that attended the public input meeting. Check out our schedule to learn about what to expect!

HELP SHAPE THE VISION FOR AN INTEGRATED TRAILS PLAN FOR CHESTER TOWNSHIP AND CHESTER BOROUGH, October 20th at 7PM

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Chester residents, business people, and visitors are invited to provide input on a draft plan for trails that will link parks, neighborhoods, schools, historic areas, natural areas, scenic vistas and shopping areas through a network of multi-use trails and pathways. Join us on Thursday, October 20th at 7pm at the Field House, 107 Seminary Avenue, Chester Borough to learn more and help shape the plan for your town.

Although it is not required, pre-registration would be appreciated for this exciting, interactive planning workshop. We encourage you to register so that we can provide enough materials and refreshments for everyone.

You can pre-register for the workshop by clicking here.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with our current existing and potential trails, points of interest, and community attributes by visiting the project map page.   We’ll be asking you to add to these maps and seek your input and creative ideas in order to make the plan a true community effort. Check back over the next week or so as we will be constantly updating these maps as we gather additional data.

This plan was initiated by the Chester Borough & Township Green Teams/Open Space Committees who received a joint grant from ANJEC (Association of NJ Environmental Commissions) to develop an integrated trails plan for the Chesters. The plan will be implemented with the help of Conservation Resources, a Chester based non-profit organization dedicated to preserving open space lands in NJ.