Jul 16, 2007 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – The Connellsville Redevelopment Authority and the Stewart’s Crossing committee have given the go-ahead to designers to move into the next development phase for the project, including the designation of the first construction phase. Two separate meetings this week resulted in an agreement that the initial work for the historic-related park will include improvements to the parking area and the development of a welcome area and a primary walkway.

A determination about the initial phase is critical, said engineer Glenn Wolfe, a representative of Widmer Engineering Inc., as those reviewing a $150,000 state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant application are in need of specific items that will be purchased or work completed with the funding should the request garner approval.

A requirement of the DCNR grant is that it be matched dollar-for-dollar and the city has set aside $172,000 through its allocations from the state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

“We have an opportunity here to double our investment,” said Wolfe.

Stewart’s Crossing, named for William Stewart, was the area used by earlier settlers to move from the east to the west, said Karen Hechler, president of the Connellsville Historical Society.

“The site has significant historic value and is very unique,” she said.

Col. William Crawford built a log cabin near the transportation artery and later Maj. Gen. Edward Braddock led his troops across the Youghiogheny River as they traveled to Fort Duquesne prior to the start of the French and Indian War. Before becoming the nation’s first president, George Washington was a frequent visitor to the area.

The historical society recently hosted a re-enactment of the river-crossing by Braddock’s troops which drew hundreds of visitors to the city.

The popularity of the event plus the growing number of bicyclists using the trail has encouraged the committee to move forward with the project, said Dexton Reed, redevelopment authority vice president and a member of the Stewart’s Crossing committee. “We want to get started,” he said.

In addition to upgrading the parking area, lighting and electrical service will be installed, landscaping completed and a welcome sign will be constructed.

Also, a water fountain, information center and decorative walking surface between the water and information areas will be completed in the first phase of the project.

A third component included in the initial phase will be to construct a crushed stone walkway that would connect Route 119 to the bike trail entranceway and provide access to the trail, park and river.

Later, amenities to the parklet will include overlooks, presentations to highlight Connellsville’s historic ties to coal and coke production and the railroad, but the major focus said Wolfe will be to bring attention to the site’s significance to the French and Indian War.

“This area is a crossroads,” he said. “Braddock came through here and Washington was here several times.

“While the local history is important and should be a part of the park, the theme should center on the French and Indian War.”

Authority executive director Ralph Wombacker was instructed to contact the National Park Service to inquire if the organization is interested in assisting with the project because of its connection to Fort Necessity, Jumonville Glen and Braddock’s gravesite, which are National Park Service sites.

“I like what I am seeing and hearing,” said Hechler of the plans.

The city will be notified in January if the DCNR application has been approved.