South Shore Feasibility Study
Excerpts from the South Shore Feasibility Study Proposals
“To say the proposed Ohio River Trail would be significant resource in the region would be an understatement. The trail would not only provide recreation benefits to the region, but it will also provide tremendous economic development, wellness, and alternative transportation opportunities. The Ohio River Trail would be a tremendous boost to the quality of life in Beaver and
“The proposed trail project, when completed will enhance and further develop recreational opportunities for the communities along the Ohio River Trail corridors as well as the region, by linking existing and proposed pedestrian, bicycle, recreation, open space, and transportation facilities while protecting environmental and cultural resources and improving public access to the River’s edge. One of the major outcomes of the project will be to foster further recreation and cultural-based economic development within the local communities and the region, capitalizing on the synergy of ecotourism and the potential development of a larger recreation and parks system as a way to reposition all the evolved communities for the 21st century business and lifestyle needs.”
Sean Garrigan,
“The Ohio River Trail feasibility study represents a tremendous opportunity for the Ohio River Trail corridor municipalities and trail user groups to connect the Ohio River Trail with the evolving regional and national trail network between the Great Allegheny Passage and the
Jim Klein,
“During the peak of the industrial development in the communities along the west bank of the
“It is a proven fact that citizens and employers find these types of facilities important to their goals and objectives. This plan will also serve as an instrument for education on the importance of preserving the environment and cultural heritage of the steel industry.”
Michael Marco
“Once thought of just a way to link communities or destinations together, (hiking and biking) trails are becoming very important to the overall quality of life for the municipalities in which they are located and to those who use them. As more trails are being completed we realize that their benefits go far beyond just recreation. Communities are seeing growth in the local economy as well as improvements in the health of people who use the trails. The social and environmental facets of communities (and the region) are also being impacted in a positive manner where trails are being constructed.”
Dennis Martinak,
“This project will reveal opportunities for all eight communities and discover, improve, and rehabilitate areas within the project that have significant local and historical meaning to the community and region.”
Geoffrey Nara,
“Upon completion, this proposed trail corridor will form an important segment of a very large recreational trail network by connecting to the Great Allegheny Passage (a Millennium Legacy Trail) via the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in Pittsburgh; by connecting to the Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Mainline Canal Greenway (another Millennium Legacy Trail) via planned extension to the of the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy’s West Penn Trail; and through association with the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance as a segment of the proposed Erie to Pittsburgh Trail. “
“The Ohio River Trail Feasibility study will provide Beaver and
Andrew Schwartz,
“The eight municipalities through which the trail pass all face economic development and revitalization challenges. While the challenges in each community will be somewhat unique, they will be linked physically and thematically by this trail project. The key toward the success of each community’s trail segment lies in its cooperation with each other.
Economic revitalization in the 8 participant communities will not happen overnight. Quite to the contrary, it will take some time. However, a trail that will traverse through these communities is a key quality of life amenity that can connect communities and neighbors, both literally and socially. Greenways and trails are the new “town commons” where neighbors greet neighbors and new friendships are forged. The trail will also be important in exposing area residents to sections of these communities that they have not previously visited. As these areas are “discovered” new opportunities for redevelopment will be created.”
Peter Simorie,