The SRG Trails Team is excited to share Governor Shapiro’s announcement that Phase 2 of the Mill Creek Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) project has been awarded a $1.38 Million PennDOT Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) grant. This award fully funds the nearly five-mile Mill Creek SRT section connecting the Boroughs of St. Clair and Frackville. Once completed, the Mill Creek section will represent the largest trail development project in Schuylkill County since the construction of the John B. Bartram Trail more than 20 years ago.

The excitement continues with another long-awaited improvement project: upgrades to Reeser’s Landing are scheduled to begin this July. Formerly known as the Exeter Boat Launch, the property was purchased by SRG from the Reeser family in 2022. Reeser’s Landing serves as an important trailhead for both the Exeter Scenic Trail and the Schuylkill River Water Trail. The landing provides convenient access for a short paddle to Union Meadows Park or a longer excursion to Ganshahawny Park and Pottstown’s Riverfront.

Construction at Reeser’s Landing is expected to take approximately 6–8 weeks and will include a new and improved concrete boat launch designed for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Vehicle parking capacity will expand from 15 to 60 spaces, along with the addition of six trailer parking spots to better accommodate trail and water users alike. Additional ADA-accessible parking spaces will also be added, along with a sign kiosk area featuring benches and a Bike Fix-It station.

Funding for the land acquisition and planned improvements was made possible through support from DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2), the PFBC Boating Facilities Grant Program, the PA American Water Foundation, and Imagine Berks grants.

Lastly, if you enjoy taking a relaxing break in a shady spot along the trail, please join us in giving a big shoutout to Bill Bikers for donating two new benches to the Thun Trail section. The benches are located on the east side of the Douglassville Bridge and the west side of the Whitaker Bridge (S.R. 724 crossing) in Monocacy. We hope these additions provide even more opportunities to pause, relax, and enjoy the beautiful summer scenery along the trail.

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See you on the trail! —Kent Himelwright, Trails Director