Delaware County Launches the Primary Trail Network Information Hub
Delaware County, PA — Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Planning Department are proud to announce the launch of The Delaware County Primary Trail Network (PTN) Information Hub, a dynamic online resource that showcases the County’s growing trail system.
The PTN Information Hub is designed as a one-stop resource for both residents and communities. For residents, it offers easy access to interactive maps, trail status updates, and project details so they can enjoy and explore the network today. For municipalities, planners, and advocates, the Hub provides tools and resources to better understand the County’s trail vision, track progress on new projects, and plan for future connections.
Building on a Vision
The PTN reflects Delaware County’s commitment to providing residents with safe, accessible, and enjoyable non-motorized travel and recreation options. These trails are intended as wide, hard-surface, ADA-compliant paths that connect people to parks, neighborhoods, downtowns, and natural resources. Together, they form the “spokes” of a countywide network that also links with The Circuit Trails, a regional effort to create more than 750 miles of multi-use trails across Greater Philadelphia.
The idea for the PTN Information Hub came directly from Planning Department Director Gina Burritt, who recognized the need to make the County’s trail vision easier for the public to access and understand. The Hub was developed by the County’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team, led by Julie DelMuto, building on years of planning work and with support from regional partners including the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and the William Penn Foundation.
“This project is the result of true collaboration,” said Gina Burritt, Director of the Delaware County Planning Department. “I am incredibly proud of our team—especially Julie DelMuto and our GIS staff—for bringing this vision to life. The PTN Information Hub makes it easy for everyone to see where we’ve been, where we are today, and where we’re headed in expanding trails across Delco. It also reflects the commitment of our partners in DVRPC, the William Penn Foundation, and The Circuit Trails Coalition, who continue to champion a more connected, healthier region.”
Why Trails Matter
Trails are more than amenities—they are proven drivers of economic activity, public health, and environmental sustainability. Delaware County’s “Return on Environment” study, completed in partnership with DVRPC, found that open space, including trails, generates $52 million in annual economic impact and supports 590 local jobs. Trails also deliver $142.6 million in recreation benefits annually to residents, help avoid more than $153 million in medical costs through healthier lifestyles, and add nearly $689 million in value to nearby homes.
Environmental benefits are equally significant: protected open space reduces pollution, mitigates flooding, stores carbon, and avoids more than $120 million in stormwater management costs. Trails knit these spaces together, connecting communities and providing access to recreation and nature close to home.
“Delaware County residents value our open spaces and trails because they represent some of the very best uses of County resources,” said Delaware County Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer. “The PTN Information Hub demonstrates how we are investing in a healthier, more connected future. Trails improve quality of life by encouraging exercise, reducing medical costs, and providing access to nature for all. They also strengthen our local economy and help us preserve the natural beauty of Delco. Most importantly, this work is about building a better future for generations to come.”
A Partner's Perspective
Local partners have also praised the County’s leadership in advancing trail planning and development.
"Delaware County's Primary Trail Network Information Hub is more than just a map—it’s a tool that helps residents enjoy what’s open today while giving planners the information they need to shape tomorrow," said Ariella Maron, Executive Director of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. "With this tool, local leaders and residents can collaborate on projects that support the region's vision for region's vision for a safe, modern, multimodal transportation system. And, by making trail progress visible and accessible, Delaware County is showing how smart planning and public engagement can go hand in hand to create healthier, more connected communities across the region."
"Throughout the nine counties that make up the Greater Philadelphia region, there are 418 miles of existing Circuit Trails," said Patrick Monahan, Regional Organizer with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Co-Chair of the Circuit Trails Coalition. "The full vision includes more than 800 miles of interconnected trails that allow all users to reach their destinations safely. Delaware County’s new Information Hub will help advance that vision by inspiring more communities to complete their segments and strengthen trail connectivity throughout the County."
A Growing Network
Currently, the Primary Trail Network includes 135 miles of identified corridors, with more than 45 miles already open to the public. Another 12 miles are in active design, 40 miles are in feasibility studies, and nearly 40 additional miles are planned conceptually. Each trail has its own dedicated “StoryMap” with detailed project information, and the Hub allows users to track progress in real time.
The PTN also connects to some of the most iconic regional trails, including the East Coast Greenway, the Radnor Trail, the Chester Creek Trail, and the Darby Creek Trail. Many segments are already part of The Circuit, linking Delaware County residents with hundreds of miles of bicycle and pedestrian routes across southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
Accessing the PTN Information Hub
Delaware County’s Primary Trail Network Information Hub is now live and available to the public through the Planning Department’s website. Residents, municipal officials, trail advocates, and visitors are encouraged to explore the interactive map, review planning documents, and learn more about upcoming projects.
“Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a weekend walker, or simply curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood, the Hub is designed for you,” Burritt added. “It’s a tool that empowers our residents and helps ensure the trails we build reflect community priorities.”
For more information and to explore Delaware County’s Primary Trail Network, visit DelcoPA.Link/PTN-Hub.