Park & Rec
East Goshen Township Park
1661 Paoli Pike
West Chester, PA 19380
**The Township is currently accepting applications for its Poet Laureate position. The Poet Laureate contributes to the quarterly newsletter and leads programming among other duties. This position has been filled admirably since 2015 and we look forward to meeting our next Poet Laureate! Open to all ages, but must be a Township resident. Contact Jason at jlang@eastgoshen.org with any questions. The application is available at https://forms.gle/4H4Nqh54VenapKzr7 and open until January 15th, 2023. **
Read the Parks and Recreation 2023 Year End Report
Read the Parks and Recreation 2022 Year End Report
Read the Past P&R Year End Reports
Paoli Pike Trail Use, Guidelines and Etiquette
From Survive to Thrive: Why Parks and Recreation are Important
East HS Environmental Club presentation – Ways to help our Community
The East Goshen Township Department of Parks and Recreation manages over 500 acres of park space, is a steward for conservation efforts and offers programs, activities and events that increase the quality of life for Township residents. Simply put, it is “In the Business of Making Memories”. The department has experienced tremendous growth and success in recent years, increasing programmatic hours by over 500% since 2014. To meet current and future resident needs, the department has identified walkability as a chief strategic goal. We’re proud to have received over $3.6M in grant funding to support the construction of the upcoming Paoli Pike Trail project. It will connect the many land uses lining Paoli Pike, allowing park users to safely navigate Township facilities, offer students a safe route to school, and support our local community businesses. Park land is anchored by East Goshen Township Park, a 55-acre active park made lovely by rolling hills with vistas crossing over to its sister passive park, Applebrook Park, a 98 –acre passive park framed by Ridley Creek. East Goshen Township Park has a full complement of recreational facilities: baseball, softball and soccer fields; a multi-use field, a sand volleyball court, three tennis courts and two pickleball courts; two full-size basketball courts with brand new full-size backboards and breakaway rims, a fitness circuit area and a gazebo. In 2018, the new nature play destination playground opened. Public response has been amazing – playground use has increased 400% over 2017, with the highest single day use being Saturday, August 24th at 1,311 kids! The playground has something for everyone…a zip line, play mounds, boulder reading area, velociraptor buried in the sand and more! The Township is most proud that our kids helped build the playground – 623 “kid engineers” selected the playground theme and every play piece! The East Goshen Amphitheater opened in 2014 and has grass tiered seating and plays host to many summer theater productions, movies and concerts like the award winning Liv Live Concert in support of mental health awareness. We encourage those attending Amphitheater events to bring a blanket or folding lawn chairs to comfortably sit and enjoy the various events.
The Department of Parks and Recreation filters its strategic and operational goal development through National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) three pillars of health and wellness, social equity and conservation. Most recently, this can be seen with the introduction of our Stones facility. Stones is a ball-toss sport similar to golf and bocce, but played in the woods. It is accessible, can be played by anyone and is devoted to conservation and ecological education. The course safely educates players about native plant species such as the rare Ilex Montana mountain holly. A number of native sedge grasses were found during invasive plant removal, these were propagated offsite and reintroduced in 2017. We look forward to this wonderfully unique, fun and inclusive sport bringing our community together through shared experience.
Bicycling, rollerblading and skateboarding are not permitted in the East Goshen Park. Dogs must be kept on a maximum 6 ft. leash in the park and must be under the control of their owner. Dogs are not allowed at the new playground. Dog urine markings and claw marks compromise the poured in place surface and cause permanent damage. East Goshen Township Park is home to over twenty special events throughout the calendar year and has pavilions available to rent for functions as well. The park closes at dusk and drinking alcohol is prohibited.
Applebrook Park is a picturesque passive park which includes three miles of walking/jogging trails leisurely strolling through the park’s rolling hills and expansive views. Rollerblading and bicycling are permitted in Applebrook Park. Dogs must be kept on a 6 ft. leash in the park and must be under the control of their owner. Organized sports activities or group picnics are not permitted in Applebrook Park. Parking is available at the lot adjacent to the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry. Collectively, East Goshen and Applebrook Park offer a collective 150 acres of park land connected by over 4.0 miles of trail. In summer months, if you are lucky, you can even spot a Bald Eagle perched above Ridley Creek!
The nine-member Park and Recreation Commission advises the department on strategic and operational goals and approves special event permits. Township residents are encouraged to join our “Volunteer Brigade” in support of events, programs and activities. Our department goals are only achieved through a vast network of partners and volunteers and we thank everyone for their continued support.
Thank you for learning a little more about the East Goshen Township Department of Parks and Recreation. I hope to see you one day in the park!
~Jason Lang, MS, CPRE
Director of Parks and Recreation
East Goshen Township