Ours is a region built on the liquid foundation of rivers. They were our means of transportation. They were the birthplace of our industries.
In more recent times, our rivers and their banks are our joy. We swim, boat and fish in them. We bike, jog and stroll along them.
Wise are the municipal and civic leaders who continue to capitalize on the power of our rivers. Count Etna, Aspinwall, O’Hara and Sharpsburg among them.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in recent days at the future site of the Etna Riverfront Trail and Park, located at the foot of Bridge Street and a new extension of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail system. And at the same time, neighboring towns — Aspinwall, O’Hara and Sharpsburg — are on the road to establishing the Allegheny River Trail Park.
The Etna park/trail has an anticipated opening in summer 2020. Its terminus will be in Sharpsburg, where it will flow one day into the future Allegheny River Trail Park. Fundraising is on the agenda for that 1.5-mile trail. The park aspect of the project is envisioned to include a fishing pier, a community garden and even a beach in Sharpsburg.
If plans proceed smoothly, another environmentally friendly way to commute to Pittsburgh will be available to our region. This commuter bike trail is planned to parallel the railroad tracks and connect ultimately with the city. Meanwhile, a recreational biking/hiking trail, designed to be a more leisurely and picturesque jaunt, is planned as well.
The rails-to-trails movement found its steam some four decades ago and our region has ridden the momentum. We can peddle or walk the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh’s Point to Cumberland, Md.; we can meander throughout and around the city via Three Rivers Heritage; the Montour Trail takes us from Coraopolis to Clairton; the Panhandle stretches from Collier to Colliers, W.Va.; the GAP connects to the C&O trail to create a link between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Other regional and rural trails cut through the beauty of more distant climes: the Butler Freeport trail to the north, the Westmoreland Heritage Trail to the east.
Each offers its own particular gifts to those with open hands and willing feet.
First Published: June 27, 2019, 10:30 a.m.