Preventative maintenance for the Park’s historic structures and visitor facilities is a priority at Valley Forge National Historical Park. This work includes regularly scheduled cyclic maintenance as well as special projects that take place over longer periods of time. Because funding can be scarce, preventative maintenance sometimes becomes deferred. The decision to defer maintenance is always a last choice, and one that must be attended to as quickly as possible. This year, the following projects will take place to address deferred maintenance at the park:

Rehabilitation of Joseph Plumb Martin Multi-use Trail (Phase 2)

Construction Begins:  October 2009

Completion:  December 2009

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

Construction Begins:  February 2009

Completion:  October 2009

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

Construction Begins:  June 2009

Completion:  July 2009

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

Construction Begins:  August 2009

Completion:  October 2009

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.