The West Manchester Senior Trail and Nature Park will contain four acres of native plants and trees, birds, butterflies and bees in West Manchester Township, and incorporate many features for the senior residents at Normandie Ridge Senior Living Community and the young families at nearby The Greens at Westgate Apartment Homes. Supported by a grant from YCCF’s Hahn Home Fund for Embracing Aging, the half-mile paved trail around the park is designed to be two-feet wider than a standard trail, not only allowing for a wheelchair and stroller to travel side by side, but also for emergency vehicle access.
Normandie Ridge facilitated focus groups with community residents and received many great ideas to make the park friendly for people of all ages. Bathroom facilities will be available at parking areas and in the park. Extra benches allow people to take a break and enjoy nature. Educational centers are sprinkled throughout the nature park, so older adults can share knowledge with younger generations. The quiet atmosphere of this park also allows for peaceful reflection.
The project is led by Normandie Ridge, and is supported by the community. West Manchester Township Parks and Recreation will care for the park when it opens in the Fall of 2019. Embracing Aging is especially excited about this project because it aligns with its goal of creating more age-friendly physical spaces and increasing access and ease of mobility for older adults.
