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“We’ve been excited to hear over time about the momentum that it’s generated,” said Laura Sparks, chief philanthropy officer at William Penn Foundation, whose long involvement in local trail development began as a way to increase public access to waterways and promote their stewardship.

The foundation’s investments in trails dates to at least 1986, with grants for trail design, construction, and advocacy totaling more than $20 million.

The Circuit consists of 275 navigable miles, with an additional 445 – improvement costs estimated at $250 million – envisioned by 2040.

With significant trail segments slated for completion in the next couple of years, including along the Manayunk Bridge to link Manayunk’s bars, restaurants and shops with cross-river neighbor Lower Merion, “what we’re saying to businesses is . . . now’s the time to pay attention, invest, and catch the wave – or the hill,” Starr said. He is also the Pennsylvania vice chair of the Circuit Coalition, a collaboration of nonprofit organizations, foundations, and other agencies pushing for completion.

“The investments made by the municipalities and counties pay off,” said Sarah Clark Stuart, chair of the Circuit Coalition and deputy director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. “These trails attract new development, increase property values, support small businesses that serve users, and help other businesses who have employees who want to use the trails [to get to and from work].”

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