Earlier this week, the East Goshen Township Department of Parks and Recreation was awarded 2019 Agency of the Year by the Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society, according to a report from the Daily Local News.

The department was recognized for its efforts in making parks and recreation a vital public service that have created a meaningful community impact.

It was also honored for showcasing innovation and collaboration and for demonstrating a high level of resourcefulness over the last five years.

The achievements by the department include the recent opening of the first Department of Conservation and Natural Resources state-funded playground in Pennsylvania. It has also obtained $5.6 million for the Paoli Pike Trail project and managed to grow community programming by more than 400 percent.

Last year, East Goshen Township was the first location in Chester County to be designated a gold-level sustainable community by the Pennsylvania Sustainable Community Certified Program.

At present, the department is responsible for managing more than 500 acres of park space.

Read more about the East Goshen Township Department of Parks and Recreation in the Daily Local News here.