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Downingtown PA Area Guide

Downingtown is a borough located in Chester County, Pennsylvania. As of the year 2000, Downingtown was home to approximately 7,000 people. Downingtown is just 33 miles west of Philadelphia, giving residents of the Downingtown community easy access to big city adventures all while having the comforts of home close by.

Downingtown History

Downingtown’s beginnings go back to the 1700s. The town was originally named Milltown due to its number of mills along the Brandywine Creek. Milltown became more commonly known as Downing’s Town around the time of the American Revolution, because Thomas Downing, a 1717 Quaker immigrant from Bradninch, Devon, England, owned a number of those mills. The town’s name officially became Downingtown in 1812.

Established in 1953, the Borough of Downingtown today uses a council-manager form of government. The Borough is governed by a six member Borough Council. The President of the Borough Council is a member of and elected by entire Borough Council. The mayor is elected by the Borough at large. Borough Council oversees all functions of Borough administration as well as the following citizen boards and commissions: Historical and Parks Commission, Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and the Main Street Program.

Downingtown Parks and Recreation

The Borough of Downingtown's Department of Parks and Recreation has several parks for the enjoyment of community residents and visitors. The community is dedicated to preserving their parks and keeping them a safe, fun place to play and relax. Downingtown’s parks offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including biking, hiking, nature trails, fishing and picnicking.

Kerr Park

Kerr Park is a 45-acre classic municipal park. The park is centrally located and it offers facilities for sports leagues, family and community events.

Johnsontown Park

Johnsontown Park is a seven acre park located along the banks of the Brandywine Creek. The park offers soccer fields, play areas and picnic areas.

Marsh Creek State Park and Lake

Marsh Creek State Park encompasses 1,705 acres and contains the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake. The lake is a regional attraction for boating, windsurfing and fishing. Within the park, you’ll discover a world of adventure and fun. Marsh Creek State Park offers many types of boats for rent, several refreshment stands, a huge swimming pool, windsurfing lessons, fantastic fishing opportunities, swimming lessons and more. In addition, you will find picnic areas, hiking trails and a relaxing time. Gather up your family and friends and check out the Marsh Creek State Park and Lake for a great time. The park is open from dawn to dusk.

Struble Trail and Park

The Struble Trail was created from the rail bed of the former Waynesburg Railroad. The Struble Trail is a work in progress. Currently, it is a 2.6 mile paved, multi-use recreational trail, popular with nature enthusiasts, picnickers and other recreational users. When the trail is completed, it will travel through Lyndell, Cornog and Glenmoore, passing near Springton Manor Farm and Struble Lake before ending near Honey Brook Borough, for a total length of sixteen (16) miles.

Sunnybrook Park

Sunnybrook Park is a 2-acre park that provides a basketball court and softball field.

The Ponds

The Ponds is a 12-acre park. It is a natural area with four lakes and trails, and connects to the County’s Struble Trail.

Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium

The Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium (DARC) is a multi-government entity composed of municipalities in the Downingtown Area School District. The municipalities include the townships of East Brandywine, East Caln, Upper Uwchlan, Uwchlan, Wallace, West Bradford and West Pikeland as well as the School District. DARC is a regional municipal recreation office providing recreation, adult education and youth learning opportunities for residents. The goal of these municipalities is to work together to provide economical, recreational opportunities to the community.  

United Sports Training Center

Downingtown Events and Attractions

Downingtown is full of many great events and attractions perfect for everyone in your family. Take a visit to the Marsh Creek State Park or the Downingtown Log House, where you are sure to get a glimpse into Downingtown’s past.

Downingtown Log House

The Downingtown Log House was built in 1705 by John Hickman. In 1713 Hickman sold the structure to Thomas Moore and his wife Mary. Thomas Downing acquired the Log House in 1739. It remained in the Downing family until 1940 when Thomas W. Downing died and left it to the Borough of Downingtown. It served as home to the Downingtown Chamber of Commerce from 1950 until 1988. From 1988 until 1990 The Downingtown Historical Society did an extensive restoration and relocation of the Log House. Don't miss the annual Log House Arts & Crafts Show sponspored by the Historical & Parks Commissions.

Downingtown Farmers Market

Every weekend you can find great deals on antiques and collectibles, new and used merchandise, clothing, furniture, jewelry, crafts, and fresh produce at the farmer's market 

Good Neighbors Day

Good Neighbor Day is a day long event that starts with the Run for Life and 5K Freedom Walk. Approximately 1,500 athletes participate each year. Throughout the day you can enjoy fabulous food, visit 80-100 craft exhibitors or simply enjoy one of the many activities scheduled for the day.  The day is capped off with a Fireworks Grand Finale that starts at 9:30 p.m.

And...there is the Downingtown Fall Fest, Ghost Walks, the Halloween Parade and the annual Christmas Parade!