Yough River Trail assets studied
CONNELLSVILLE – The strengths and weaknesses of the Yough River Trail as it traverses through Yough Park and what can be done to improve the two community assets is the focus of a feasibility study being completed by a Pittsburgh engineering firm. Representatives of city government, cultural trust, historical society, redevelopment authority, trail groups, property owners and residents gathered with Mackin Engineering designers and Progress Fund/Trail Town Regional Director Cathy McCollum recently to share ideas as to how to guide trail users through the park and onto the next section of the path and to enhance the park that draws hundreds of visitors.
Nearly 20 years ago the park was constructed and eventually the trail path intersected with it. However, as both trail and park use has increased, a need has arisen to better accommodate those utilizing the bike path and those gathering to celebrate family events, launching a raft or canoe, fishing, swimming or just enjoying the view from the shores of the Youghiogheny River.
McCollum said that the feasibility study, funded by a Katherine Mavis McKenna Foundation grant, is being done in connection with a second study that encompasses the two-mile trail corridor within the city limits.
The second study is being funded through a $100,000 state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Gateway-to-Gateway grant.
“After it is determined what is needed to improve these areas, I plan to go back to the DCNR and obtain the funding to implement the projects,” she said.
The Yough Trail is now a part of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), which connects Washington, D.C., with Pittsburgh.
McCollum said that towns along the GAP are showing an upward trend in the amount of money being spent by trail users.
According to a 2008 economic impact study, Fayette along with Westmoreland and Somerset counties have realized more than $12 million through trail use – up from $7.26 million last year.
“And it is going to grow,” said McCollum.
To tap into the trail-generated economy, said McCollum, Connellsville must welcome visitors and provide an environment that allows them easy access to restaurants, activities, landmarks and overnight accommodations.
“You have just a few minutes to grab them,” she said.
Mackin landscape engineer Robert Genter said the trail user oftentimes becomes disoriented when they arrive at the park.
“After riding for miles on the trail, very suddenly they have to deal with vehicular and pedestrian traffic when they enter the park,” he said. “They question whether they have missed a turn or wonder how to navigate through the park.”
The path through the park via the trail, said many in attendance, does not allow for the visitor to get a view of the Youghiogheny River.
“During events at the park there is a lot of vehicular congestion as people try to find a place to park,” said historical society member Tom Rusnack.
Additional parking is needed, said the attendees.
The group discussed removing the present boardwalk and replacing it with piers that could be used by fishermen or those wanting a closer view of the river. The removal of the boardwalk would also open the view of the waterway.
Another proposed option was to reroute the bike trail along the river or offer alternate throughways that would take them to the downtown area.
City chamber of commerce President Bryan Kisiel said that a visitor’s center located nearby would be able to offer directions to bikers and provide information as to the city’s historical background.
Regional Trail Corp. board member Dexston Reed noted that roller-blading is very popular with young people and that a designated area for the activity would be utilized by the local residents.
The revamping of the park and trail project, along with the trail corridor through the city, is part of several ongoing initiatives tied to the area, according to Connellsville Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Michael Edwards and McCollum.
The city is also in the process of establishing a parklet at Stewart’s Crossing where Maj. Gen. Edward Braddock crossed on his way to Fort Duquesne.
Over the next several months, artwork and kiosks will be installed at the northern and southern trail gateways to welcome those traveling along the GAP.
According to McCollom, a Pittsburgh retailer is currently in negotiations to purchase property along 3rd Street for a bed and breakfast and a local property owner is in the process of restoring a site for a similar use.
“Both are still in the early stages, but they are tiny baby steps toward improvement,” she said.
Genter, meanwhile, said the gathered information would be compiled in a report for the officials to review at a later date.