Community Profile

Summary

Downingtown Borough is situated in Chester County, Pennsylvania, 33 miles west of Philadelphia. It is in the original lands of the Lenape Peoples, then settled by European colonists in the early 18th century, and now has a population of roughly 8,000. The East Branch of the Brandywine Creek flows right through the heart of town, creating scenic vistas for Downingtown’s parks and open spaces, as well as a number of wetlands areas. There are also a number of stormwater issues, with roughly 16% of the Borough located within a 100-year floodplain. Downingtown’s Comprehensive Plan includes protecting and restoring natural resources and addressing stormwater issues in part through green infrastructure, including rain gardens and vegetative swales. The local volunteer native plant group Restore Our Roots is leading the efforts for NWF Community Certification, working hand in hand with Borough officials, the Parks and Recreation Committee, and several local partners including the Downingtown Shade Tree Commission and the East Branch Brewing Company Green Crew.