Continuing this summer and extending over the next several years, a number of construction projects will commence and continue in the Park. These projects have been planned and developed over the last several years, have completed Park and public review, and are now funded. This update provides an overview of the projects as well as current information on the status of each.
Rehabilitate Support Facilities at Washington’s Headquarters for Visitor Use
This project includes changes to existing parking lots and circulation; enhancement of the cultural landscape rehabilitation of the historic Valley Forge Train Station as a visitor orientation space; rehabilitation or addition of rest rooms; and addition of interpretive elements on the history of the encampment and the village.
UPDATE (June 2009)
The Washington's Headquarters area is now open to the public as of May 23.
Work continues on the renovation of the interior of the Valley Forge Train Station for the installation of interpretive media. The landscape surrounding the Train Station and new upper parking lot area is being reconstructed to provide enhanced visitor experience and provide adequate traffic control.
The Park continues to plant new trees in the landscape, and staff is installing fencing around the plantings to prevent damages from wildlife.
Demolition, re-grading, and re-seeding of the lower parking lot has been completed.
Areas around the Train Station and access road have been closed to all traffic for visitor safety. These areas are specified using signage and orange construction fencing. The section of Chapel Trail that extends to the Washington's Headquarters Area will be closed during construction.
Rehabilitation of Joseph Plumb Martin Multi-use Trail (Phase 2)
This fall, the Park will be rehabilitating various damaged sections of the Joseph Plumb Martin Multi-use Trail (JPM Trail). Trail sections to be repaired include a 1,775 lineal foot section extending from the Maine Memorial Marker on North Outer Line Drive to Gulph Road, a 600 lineal foot section near the Visitor Center along SR23, and a 1,000 lineal foot section reaching from the new connector trail at the Washington's Headquarters Complex to the entrance road to the Valley Forge Train Station. The trail will remain at its original 8-foot width to prevent further soil disturbance and to allow efficient maintenance for all seasons.
Repair and Replacement of Doors and Windows
Both historic and non-historic buildings park-wide will recieve extensive door and window repair and replacement. Buildings include the Philander Knox Chase Mansion/Library, General Knox's Barn, Lafayette's Quarters, Mordecai Moore House and Garage (Law Enforcement Ranger Station and Garage), Walnut Hill Tenant House, General Varnum's Quarters, and the Maintenance Main Building.
Replacement of Failing Air Handler at the Education Center
Although park staff has taken many preventative measures to avoid this failure, the air handler that services the Education Center has extended its normal life cycle and will be replaced. The Education Center is the largest conference area in the park and is utilized for Law Enforcement Federal Court hearings, regular NPS staff meetings, and various educational programs, and this center is also used by the parks many partners and cooperative groups.
Ventilation of the Carpenter's Shop at the Maintenance Main Building
Valley Forge NHP produces much of its own woodwork and woodcrafts, and has a carpenter shop designated for performing this work. The current ventilation system in this shop has become innefficient for the volume of activity and will be replaced with a new, energy and cost efficient system.
Widening of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Enlargement of Facilities at Rest Stop
The turnpike will be completely reconstructed and widened from four to six lanes from the Valley Forge interchange westward approximately six miles. The work will take place on turnpike commission property, but will have impacts to the park and neighboring properties. VAFO is working with the turnpike commission and other stakeholders on impacts including excessive storm water, loss of the tree screen between the turnpike and the park, and noise. This project is behind schedule. Dates below are tentative.
For more information on this project, please click here.
The Valley Forge rest stop will be completely demolished, with a larger restaurant and fueling station and reconfigured auto and truck parking. The park is working with Tredyffrin Township to ensure that current uncontrolled storm water runoff from the rest stop is completely infiltrated, and that current views of the rest stop from within the park are completely screened.
