As you’re driving by it looks like a typical small park with a children’s play area with a parking lot, and some paved trails in the grassy open areas. If you look closer, you’ll see the dog park on top of the hill.
But Goddard Park is much, much more than that. The park itself is over 125 acres.
In addition, Goddard Park has different types of community driven features that draws people from different areas to participate in all that it has to offer. This was especially true during COVID.
Similar to the William M. Redd Junior Park in Newark, DE, there are trails that are paved, and trails that traverse through the woods. This provides a blended experience for different types of hikers. In this case urban hikers and day hikers (see our category descriptions in our Nature-Hiking article).
The network of trails that are interconnected with local neighborhood trails is staggering. From South Guernsey Road to Wickerton Road (SR 841) to School House Road (where the current AGHS is) to Rosehill Avenue. The networks incorporate trails that span over a half dozen neighborhoods in the area. The green lines on the map below indicate where the formal trails are. There are a number of existing trails not on the map that you can discover.
How did it start?
If you guessed the Goddards, you’d be right! Steven and Marna Goddard graciously donated some of the land for the strict purpose of a park. Their donation, along with London Grove Township (in Chester County, PA) and lots of planning made this dream transition from dream to reality.
Anyone who has frequented the park on a regular basis in the early days has probably either met or walked passed the Goddards. People who have had the opportunity to actually talk with either of them have experienced their wonderful and giving personalities.
Taken from the London Grove Township Goddard Park webpage, the mission statement of the park is as follows – “To care for, preserve and protect the park’s natural features while providing “A Place” for the community to gather for recreation.”
The Park
As previously mentioned the park has a number of great features. The children’s play area offers a variety of apparatus for kids of all ages. It includes a pavilion with picnic tables so you can eat a snack or meal, or retreat from the sun. The two enclosed fenced areas for dogs to play (one for big dogs, one for little ones) tends to get a lot of use. Both areas are very large, so it’s the perfect opportunity for dogs to have fun and expend energy outdoors. They even provide bags to pick up the mess should a dog need to “go” while there.
For those looking to hike/walk, a combination of trails are offered. Some are paved and others are dirt trails in the woods. It’s easy to log a few miles on just the paved trails! There’s a southern parking lot on Wickerton Road. The trail is connected, so hikers can use that lot as a trailhead and walk north to the more developed park or simply walk through the woods and enjoy nature. The 10 Year AnniversaryThe anniversary event was incredibly well attended (London Grove Township pictures here)! The number of people who showed up for the event was a testimony to the smashing success of the park. It was also a testimony to the park’s beauty and features. There is discussion about having regular events to promote local business and the park.
The PracticalThe parking is free thanks to the London Grove Township. Be aware though, as is with any parking lot, do not leave valuables in your car. Especially where they can be seen.
There are bathrooms onsite at this park. They are located just off of the northern parking area.