Race the Course supports LMT park accessibility

Despite blustery March weather, more than 150 runners and walkers turned out Saturday, March 14 for the fourth Race the Course 5K/10K: Leprechauns on the Links at the Makefield Highlands Golf Club, making this year’s event a record-breaking turnout.

Participants bundled up against the cold but embraced the festive theme, with many wearing green and St. Patrick’s Day attire. One runner even arrived dressed as a leprechaun, drawing smiles from fellow racers as they set out across the scenic golf course paths. After crossing the finish line, runners celebrated their accomplishments with a complimentary drink ticket at Makefield Highlands Public House.

Beyond the festive atmosphere, the race marked an important milestone. “This is the first year this race raised proceeds for accessibility options throughout Lower Makefield Township (LMT) parks,” said Robert Vandegrift, recreation program manager for the township’s Parks and Recreation Department.

“Race the Course has been around since 2021. We used to have it in conjunction with the Makefield Highlands Falls of Honor, benefitting veterans in the area,” Vandegrift said. “But due to scheduling issues we had to reschedule Race the Course, and now we do it in March to support ADA accessibility throughout Lower Makefield Township parks.”

While this year marks the first time the race itself has raised funds for accessibility initiatives, the township has been working for several years to make its parks and recreation facilities more inclusive for residents of all abilities.

Lower Makefield Parks and Recreation has been collaborating with the township’s Disability Advisory Board since 2020 on a comprehensive ADA Transition Plan designed to identify and remove accessibility barriers throughout local parks and facilities.

“This is beyond important because we have an ADA transition plan which goes to helping our local residents and non-residents come visit our parks and facilities by giving them accessibility options,” Vandegrift said.

Funds raised through the race were placed into a dedicated accessibility fund that supports ongoing improvements.

“Funds raised from this March race have not been earmarked specifically,” Vandegrift explained. “They go into a fund and then the fund is disbursed to achieve next steps, whether that be matching grant funds to complete a specific ADA project or getting supplies needed to do curbing at a specific park.”

In addition to the Race the Course event, the township has also raised funds for accessibility initiatives through other events, including the annual 5K Any Way Color Fun Run held each fall. 

Several projects have already been completed as part of the transition plan, including major improvements at township parks.

At Lower Makefield Township Memorial Park, upgrades to the Secret Garden playground have created a more inclusive environment for children of all abilities. Improvements included ADA-compliant playground surfacing, updated fencing, and an accessible pathway connecting the playground to nearby restrooms.

“Kids going out to the Secret Garden at Lower Makefield Township Memorial Park can go straight out there on the inclusive playground and enjoy it just like any other child can due to the ADA equipment and surfacing there,” Vandegrift said. “We are making these parks accessible so everyone can enjoy them.”

Another major project took place at Five Mile Woods Nature Preserve, where the township installed an ADA-accessible boardwalk trail that allows visitors using wheelchairs or mobility devices to experience the wooded preserve.

The trail stretches just over an eighth of a mile and was completed with assistance from a PECO Green Region grant along with township funding.

The impact of that improvement became clear during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project in 2024.

“When we completed the initial boardwalk and did the ribbon cutting, we had a local member who was about 16 or 17 who came to the event who was overjoyed because he was finally able to access Five Mile Woods,” Vandegrift recalled. “This person is wheelchair bound and for the first time could go out there with his parents and explore the woods.”

Accessibility improvements have also been made at several other township facilities. Parking areas at Community Park have been repaved to improve access, while Macclesfield Park now includes designated handicapped parking spaces placed as close as possible to athletic fields.

The township has also upgraded facilities at Schuyler Tennis Courts with ADA-accessible parking and improved access points, while other parks have seen updates such as improved curbing, striping, and safer walking surfaces.

These improvements benefit a wide range of park visitors, from children with disabilities to seniors and individuals with limited mobility.

“For seniors, the boardwalk at Five Mile Woods is a welcome improvement because it eliminates trip hazards since it doesn’t have the roots coming through it,” Vandegrift said. “It’s a flat surface that they can walk across easily without losing their footing.”

Looking ahead, township officials plan to continue expanding accessibility improvements as part of the next phase of the ADA Transition Plan.

“We are continuing to work on making Five Mile Woods more accessible,” Vandegrift said. “This year we will be doing construction of a trail loop that connects the current accessible pathway to a platform in a classroom area, enabling visitors to explore more of the preserve.”

The township is also developing an updated ADA Transition Plan 2.0 that will guide improvements through 2030.

“There’s no end date,” Vandegrift said. “Our original ADA Transition plan was scheduled to end last year, but now we hope to continue these improvements through 2025 and beyond as we move toward the next plan that goes through 2030.”

For township officials, the ultimate goal is ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or physical ability, can enjoy the outdoors and the recreational opportunities Lower Makefield Township parks provide.

“Our motto here is ‘Play for All,’” Vandegrift said. “We are looking to get everyone outside, enjoying life and enjoying the benefits of being outdoors. By making these parks accessible, people of all abilities will have a way to get out there and enjoy our parks.”