By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

Kennett Township's land preservation accomplishments just added a little more than 100 additional acres.

As announced at the township's Board of Supervisors meeting on Nov. 7, the township has acquired the Spar Hill property, a 103-acre tract of land that borders Burnt Mill, Center Mill and Old Kennett roads, and is adjacent to the 68-acre Lord Howe property, which is also owned by the township. The purchase price was $3.2 million, of which $1 million was paid for by a recent grant the township received from the Mt. Cuba Center.

The township collaborated with the Land Conservation Advisory Committee (LCAC) and The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC) to acquire the property, which becomes the latest link in the expanding Kennett Greenway. The land will serve as a passive recreation area and include trails that will connect to an adjacent property, which has an open space and trail easement held by the TLC.

The acquisition is in conjunction with the continuing development of the Kennett Greenway, a collaboration between the township, the Kennett Trails &  Sidewalks Committee, the Land Conservation Advisory Committee, the Kennett Borough and several private non-profit organizations, including the Kennett Trails Alliance and the TLC. When completed, the Greenway will be a 10-12-mile loop of trails and sidewalks that connects the borough and the township.

“We are delighted that the Spar Hill Family agreed to work with the Township, the LCAC and TLC to facilitate this amazing open space acquisition,” said Township Manager Lisa Moore. “We congratulate and applaud everyone involved in this acquisition, which will help protect and preserve 103 acres for the enjoyment of everyone who works and lives in the Kennett Township area, as well as for future generations.”

In addition, The township assisted TLC in acquiring 20 acres as an open space acquisition located off of Bucktoe Hills Road. The Township donated $480,000 toward the purchase, of which $100,000 may be reimbursed to the township from a grant. The property will have trail linkages from Marshall Bridge Road.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].