Symposium highlights Connellsville’s future
John F. Brothers/HeraldStandard.com
Ted Koval, Yough River Trail Council president, talks about the progress and improvements made to the trail during the third annual Yough Country Symposium held Friday at Yough River Park in Connellsville.
Daniel Cocks (left), Fayette County Cultural Trust vice-president, talks with artist Jody Best who created the sculpture "Coke to Spokes." The sculpture, located on Third Street in Connellsville where the bike trail enters Yough River Park, was dedicated during the Yough Country Symposium on Friday.
Linda Boxx, Allegheny Trail Alliance president speaks to participants of the Yough Country Symposium sponsored by the Fayette County Cultural Trust held Friday at Connellsville's Yough River Park. With Boxx is Michael Edwards, trust president.
CONNELLSVILLE — A new look for several downtown buildings and vacant lots was unveiled and a new public art piece dedicated during a day long meeting at Yough Park.
The Yough Country Symposium drew about 40 people that represented a variety of organizations and businesses along with volunteers and officials seeking to revitalize Connellsville and the region.
The forum on Friday was hosted by the Fayette County Cultural Trust in partnership with Downtown Connellsville, the city’s “main street” program.
Discussions also centered on the ongoing improvements along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and the six trail towns that border the biking and hiking trail, plans for the development of a career and job market program, and long range plans to enhance the Fay-West region.
Linda Boxx, Allegheny Trail Alliance president, said that the final two legs of the GAP will be completed by the end of the year and urged symposium attendees to remember that the trail can be a part of economic development, but communities must play a key role and aid entrepreneurs in developing business and organizations in planning events.
Ted Koval, Yough River Trail president, said that with various grants and other revenue sources received by the city and the local trail group, along with the dedication of its members and others, new shelters, picnic tables, restroom facilities and grills are now available to those traveling through the city.
Fencing, too, was added along the Memorial Bridge to aid in the safety of those riding or walking the trail.
“The key is getting cooperation and not listening when someone tells you “no, it can’t be done,” said Koval.
The growing number of travelers to Connellsville will grow when Amtrak adds a roll-on, roll-off bike service, said Brad Clemenson, Pennsylvania Environmental Council senior project manager.
With the service, travelers will also be looking for overnight accommodations.
According to preliminary drawings prepared by Environmental Planning and Design (EPD), several downtown buildings could be upgraded and fill the accommodation void that now exists in the city.
Sidewiders Bar on Water Street and near the Amtrak station could provide several rooms on the upper floors with a restaurant, brew pub on the first floor, said Johnathan Stilan, EPD designer while Community Ministries could incorporate a hostel for travelers seeking an inexpensive stay-over.
Final drawings and other information will be a part of a June public meeting conducted by the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority. The authority received two grants to conduct the April design workshop.
Connellsville businessman Gary Colatch said he anticipates growth in the city and is in the process of rehabilitating a duplex on the city’s South Side and finalizing the purchase of the former Immaculate Conception School.
“This town has a lot to offer,” he said. “It has a hospital, airport, great restaurants, a gorgeous river and we sit at the foot of the Laurel Ridge. I believe in this town.”
Symposium attendees also took part in the dedication of a sculpture created by Jodi Best of Confluence.
The stainless steel art piece, located at the intersection of First and Third streets, commemorates the transition from the coal and coke era to the present-day biking era.
Connellsville Councilwoman Marilyn Weaver said like many aging communities, the city has problems with deteriorating buildings and empty storefronts, but a cooperative effort is needed for any success to be achieved.
“Connellsville has its problems, but it also can boast of many accomplishments,” she said. “Our parks for our young people have been improved, our landscape has been made more beautiful through the efforts of talented artists and organizations dedicated to our city.
“We have former residents that have returned and invested in this community and we have individuals that have inspired others to join with them to revitalize this city.
“We can not go back in time, nor can we stand still. We must all join together and be supportive of those that have dedicated themselves to moving us in a new and exciting direction.”