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millcreek
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« Reply #3 on: June 22, 2011, 06:58:23 AM » |
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What I have been saying for a long time. The rivers need cleaned up first though. How was Pittsburgh area able to clean thier rivers up so fast in comparison to us?
— More than two decades ago, some people scoffed when then-state Rep. John Wozniak of Westmont had the foresight to envision greater recreational use of the rivers running through the city. He even mentioned building a collapsible dam on the Conemaugh to raise the water level.
Certainly, he’s not alone with visions and hopes for the rivers, and his dam idea never materialized, obviously.
But two things are happening with the rivers:
-- Work is planned this year on a new Kernville Riverfront Park off Somerset Street along the Stonycreek River.
-- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has, for the first time, granted boaters access to three maintenance ramps.
It’s great news for the city and those hoping to cash in on the waterways for recreation and tourism.
“We’re going to start using those rivers more often,” Jim White, Johnstown’s community and economic development director, told reporter Mike Faher.
As outlined in Faher’s story, the riverfront park would be at Somerset and Dibert streets, where a playground already exists.
The play equipment will be upgraded to allow for handicapped accessibility, said Renee Daly, the city’s economic development coordinator.
In addition, officials envision blacktop removal; leveling and grading; and addition of a bench and water fountain.
That’s all part of an initial phase, with work funded through a $34,000 state grant that has been matched by the city.
A second phase involves removing a section of the concrete wall and terracing the park toward the Stonycreek, allowing for easy access to the waterway.
“The designers have created it so that it will not impede the flow of the river,” Daly said, adding that the terraced area would provide the same flood protection for the Kernville neighborhood.
That is of the utmost importance.
White believes the Army Corps is amenable to alternative river-wall use, and that in itself is a major change of thought.
The nearly nine miles of concrete walls have, until now, been off limits to city residents.
It also has been learned that advocates are seeking Army Corps approval to grow ivy down the river walls near Sandyvale Cemetery and along the Cambria Iron Trail adjacent to JAHA’s Festival Park.
There is tourism potential in the rivers – besides rafting and kayaking, of course – and it can be unleashed with vision, hard work – and funding.
Hopefully, the Kernville park and access to the boating ramps will only be the start of bigger things to come.
It’s exciting news.
We have only to look at cities such as Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Toledo to see what can be accomplished by combining waterways, vision, planning and funding.
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johnstownbuzz.com
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