The Pagoda Foundation, in collaboration with the City of Reading and the County of Berks held an Open House and Forum at the Stokesay Castle Ballroom to seek community input, engagement and support to discuss the future of the Pagoda as well as other features on the mountain. This is affectionately being called, "Mount Penn Preserve". This is not a new idea as a study was done in the 1960's to explore a similar concept.

The forum, hosted by Pagoda Foundation President Lee Olsen, AIA and Berks County Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt, discussed the potential of Mount Penn becoming a destination with its restaurants, trail, vistas, outdoor activities and events with the possibility of additional recreation venues. Discussions also included ways to raise funds for matching grants that may be available for the Mount Penn Preserve. Attendees also had the opportunity to share their support with the forum and discussed future community meetings to be held in support of the Mount Penn Preserve.

Below are the ownership and trail maps as well as a photo slide show that was presented at the forum and lead to many discussions about the uses in the Mount Penn Preserve.

Mount Penn Preserve Ownership Map

Mount Penn Preserve Aerial and Trail Map

Mount Penn Preserve Photo Slide Show (11mb file size)