BENEFITS OF GREENWAYS: A PENNSYLVANIA STUDY Prepared on behalf of the Pennsylvania Greenways Partnership Commission with Committee assistance, June, 2002. Contents of Report Introduction to Report ............................................................................. 1 Purpose ........................................................................................... 1 Acknowledgements ........................................................................ 1 Introduction to Benefits ........................................................................... 3 Natural Resources ........................................................................... 3 Protecting Rural Legacy ................................................................. 5 Economic Prosperity ...................................................................... 7 Historical and Cultural Resources ................................................ 10 Recreation, Health and Fitness ..................................................... 12 Education ...................................................................................... 14 Shaping Community Growth ........................................................ 16 Transportation ............................................................................... 18 Conclusion ............................................................................................. 19 Case Study Chart ................................................................................... 20 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study Introduction to Report There are numerous examples of greenways that serve the communities in which they are located. The benefits they provide range from the preservation of the Commonwealth's natural resources and educating children and adults on the unique history and culture found within Pennsylvania to promot- ing public recreation, health and fitness activities and enhancing opportunities for economic prosper- ity. With the help of the Greenways Partnership Commission, eight examples of Pennsylvania greenways that have had a demonstratively positive effect on their surrounding regions were selected in an effort to highlight the substantial benefits they provide. A chart of those case studies, which were researched in detail, is provided at the end of this report. Purpose of Report The Benefits of Pennsylvania Greenways Report will be used as a foundation for future communi- cation and outreach efforts focusing on educating the general public regarding the benefits that are and will continue to be provided by Pennsylvania greenways. Acknowledgements Significant effort was placed into the research, data collection and writing of this report. Recogni- tion and thanks are extended to the following individuals, groups and agencies for their assistance in finalizing the draft Greenways Benefits Report. The dedication of time, energy and resources by those listed greatly enhanced the content of this document. Allegheny Trail Alliance, Linda McKenna Coldwell Banker, Rita Halverson Boxx Conservation Fund, Anne Gore Allegheny Trail Alliance, Sandra Finley C.S. Davidson Incorporated, Jeff Shue Burke Lee's Boston Common, Terry Burke Dauphin County Parks and Recreation, Campbell Thomas and Company, Robert Edward Chubb Thomas Fairmount Park Commission, Stephanie City of Pittsburgh, Department of City Craighead Planning Fairmount Park Commission, Theresa City of York, Economic Development Stuhlman Department, Eric Menzer Farmland Preservation Corporation, G. Allen City of York, Planning Department, Veronica Houpt Whaley Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study 1 Fort Mifflin on the Delaware, Dori McMunn Oil Creek State Park, Carolyn Worley Friends of Fox Chase Farm, James Kates Oil Heritage Region Incorporated, Marilyn Black Friends of Pennypack, Stan Grossman Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Ellen Howard Hanna Simon Real Estate Services, Alamio Tom Simon Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association, Interactive Marketing Solutions, Carl Knoch Don Clouser Lower Makefield Township's Environmental Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, Advisory Council, Scott Fegley David Robertson Luzerne County Planning Commission, Pennypack Environmental Center, Peter Kurtz Adrian Merolli Realen Homes, Michael Stadulis Manayunk Development Corporation, Kay Smith River's Edge Café and Bread and Breakfast, Anna Marie Yakubisin Montgomery County Department of Parks, Ron Ahlbrant Schuylkill River Greenway Association, Dixie Swenson Montgomery County Planning Commission, John Wood Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, Hank Parke Natural Lands Trust, Ann Hutchinson University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Natural Lands Trust, Randall Arendt Public and International Affairs, Dr. Stephen Farber Oil Creek Bicycle Trail, Trail User, Paula Bittenbender York County Parks Rail Trail, Gwen Loose Oil Creek State Park, Marcia Baker York County Rail Trail Authority (Former Chair), Tim Fulton 2 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study Introduction to Benefits Pennsylvania is home to some of the nation's Protecting Natural Resources richest and most scenic natural areas, many of which are internationally known. Greenways Greenways provide numerous direct and indi- throughout the Commonwealth are currently serv- rect ecological benefits to the communities in ing the communities in which they are located by: which they are located. Primarily, they function as protectors and preservers of our natural resources * Protecting Natural Resources, by: * Protecting Rural Legacy, * Providing Communities with Economic * Preserving Vital Habitat Corridors, Opportunities and Prosperity, * Promoting Plant and Animal Species * Conserving Historic and Cultural Resources, Diversity, * Providing Opportunities for Public * Absorbing the Contaminants on Surface Recreation, Health and Fitness, Runoff, and Trees and Shrubs, * Enabling Outdoor Educational Opportunities * Cleansing and Replenishing the Air, for People of all Ages, * Buffering the Negative Effects of * Assisting in the Planning and Shaping of Development, Communities, and; * Mitigating Noise, Water, Thermal and Air * Providing Alternative and Safe Modes of Pollution, and; Transportation. * Controlling Property Damage Due to Flooding. As an interconnected network of open space corridors, the statewide greenways system will Among the many examples of greenways in enhance and support meaningful and lasting ben- Pennsylvania that serve to protect and promote vital efits such as those described above. natural resources is Luzerne County's Levee Trail. The Levee Trail Photo of Mountains in Pocono Region, Photo In 1936, a hurricane tore through North East- Courtesy of Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau. ern Pennsylvania causing severe damage to resi- dential areas located close to the Susquehanna River. As a result of this damage, and in an effort to prevent it from happening again, the County initiated the construction of a series of levees. The levees served their purpose in keeping storm dam- age to a minimum until 1972. In that year, Hurri- cane Agnes topped the reservoir causing mass flooding and prompted calls to raise the levee Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study 3 nity benefits everyone. I believe that we will pre- serve that which we appreciate, and we can only appreciate that which we see and know. The Susquehanna River is our treasure and instead of being removed from our consciousness and per- ceived as little more than a threat it will be seen, admired, and hopefully preserved and valued." Ellen Alamio, Director of the Northeast Office of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council Photo of the Susquehanna River in Luzerne While the primary purpose of each levee is flood County. Photo courtesy of the RBA Group. control, the levees, or greenways, have also be- come important to the natural surroundings by act- Charged with this undertaking, the Army Corp ing as corridors for wildlife and enabling protec- of Engineers and the County of Luzerne soon de- tion from encroaching development for the termined that enhancing the levee with proper de- Susquehanna River. The added value of a signed sign could also mean enhancing the benefits being trail adds both recreational and educational ben- provided to the community. After noticing a dirt efits to this greenway and it enables residents to path running along the levee, the engineering team enjoy the natural resources found along the river. decided to initiate construction on a trail network. The goals of the trail network were to ensure that "Before development began on the trail it was the primary functions of the levees were not com- difficult for the community to access the river. In promised while providing residents an opportunity fact many residents felt it was more of a burden to enjoy this natural resource. then a prized resource. The river was out of site, out of mind to the people of Luzerne County and we needed to turn that around." Adrian Merolli, Construction on the Levee Trail in Luzerne Luzerne County Planning Commission. County. Photo courtesy of the RBA Group Photo of the Susquehanna River in Luzerne County. Photo courtesy of the RBA Group "Using the levee to further enhance the natu- ral environment by making it a part of the commu- 4 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study The Pennypack Greenway Corridor Benefits of The Levee Trail: The Pennypack Greenway Corridor is a wind- * Assists with Flood Control, ing creek corridor in Montgomery and Philadel- * Provides Wildlife Corridors, phia Counties made up of public parks, privately * Provides Education and Awareness of the owned preserved open space and old-growth for- River and its Natural Resources, est, working farms, abandoned rail lines, and count- * Promotes and Encourages Safe less trails. The 25-mile-long corridor extends from Recreational Activities, and; the Delaware River to Hatboro and is surrounded * Enhances Quality of Life. by urban and suburban communities in the most densely populated area of the state. Protecting Rural Legacy Pennsylvania's rural landscape is an inextricable link to its history as well as a demonstration of the success that continues to be achieved by its farm- ing community. Studies demonstrate that Pennsyl- vania has lost much of its agricultural land over the last 25 years to urban areas. This rate of loss has a sizeable economic impact, but it also threat- Photo Depicting a Rur Photo Depicting a Rural Settlement al Settlement Along the Along the ens the unique characteristics that encompass Penn- Pennypac Pennypack Ecolo k Ecologgical Restor ical Restoration ation TTrrust Lands, ust Lands, sylvania such as its rural legacy. Development Montgomery County Montgomery County. Photo Courtesy of Campbell . Photo Courtesy of Campbell without preservation of this rural character signifi- Thomas and Company Thomas and Company cantly impacts on the future course of the Com- monwealth. Grain and dairy farms surrounded the Pennypack watershed from the late 17th century to Greenways help to preserve the rural character the middle of the 20th. Railroads constructed in of a community by: the late 1800s did not interfere with the rural settle- ment but enhanced it with the creation of country * Protecting Ridge Lines, River Corridors, and estates and villages and towns. The turn of the 19th Scenic Resources, century brought additional settlement to Philadel- * Providing Visual Relief by Framing and phia but the Pennypack watershed as a whole did Distinguishing Neighborhoods in the Face of not begin to change significantly until after WWII Sprawl, and; with widespread construction of paved roads and * Preserving Farmland, Small Country suburban sprawl. Settlements and Surrounding Open Space. Efforts to preserve the natural and rural setting Among the greenways within the Commonwealth of this region began as far back as 1905 when leg- that serve to protect and enhance Pennsylvania's ru- islation, aimed at preserving the watershed, was ral legacy is the Pennypack Greenway Corridor. passed. Other planning initiatives followed, which helped create the current corridor. The greenway Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study 5 is continuous in Philadelphia and with the realiza- In addition to these programs, Fairmount Park tion of Montgomery County's initiative, conducts festivals and special events such as Fam- "Pennypack Connection" the final two parcels of ily Farm Day, and Sheep Shearing Day and Sun- land will be purchased or leased making the day tours which are open to the public and bring greenway continuous in this county as well. over 10,000 visitors a year to the greenway. Raytharn Farm found along the Pennypack Ecological Raytharn Farm found along the Pennypack Ecological Restor Restoraation tion Tr Trust Lands, Montg ust Lands, Montgomery County omery County. Photo . Photo courtesy of Campbell Thomas and Company courtesy of Campbell Thomas and Company Photo depicting Fo Photo depicting Fox Chase Fa x Chase Farm Gr rm Grounds on ounds on Fairmount Park Commission Land in Philadelphia. Fairmount Park Commission Land in Philadelphia. Photo Courtesy of Campbell Thomas and Company Photo Courtesy of Campbell Thomas and Company The environmental, cultural, and economic ben- Raytharn Farm, owned by a private nonprofit efits of Pennypack Greenway are immeasurable. organization, Pennypack Ecological Restoration One benefit with particular significance is the pro- Trust, is located in the midst of over 690 acres of tection of rural legacy that has been realized with protected meadows and woodlands in central the development of this greenway. The rural legacy Montgomery County. This working farm, coun- is inherent in two farms and the adjacent valleys tryside and trail system offer numerous opportu- and hillsides and small country settlements that nities to see and learn about rural life. Trail maps, exist around them. Both Fox Chase and Raytharn available through the Visitor's Center, highlight the farms and their surrounding countryside were scenic overlooks from the hilltops. Included along saved from private development with a combina- the trail is a spectacular view of a nearby farm- tion of Federal, State and local fundraising efforts. house, as well as of the valley and wooded hillside with the medieval architecture of Bryn Athyn Ca- Fox Chase Farm, owned by The Philadelphia thedral. Fairmount Park Commission and leased by the Philadelphia School District, conducts year-round educational programs for Philadelphia public school students. The Friends of Fox Chase Farm President said, "The public school programs are so popular that within the first three days of the school year, the programs are booked." 6 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study dustry supported 459,000 jobs, an increase of nearly 100,000 jobs compared to four years ago. Greenways promoting outdoor activities con- tinue to ensure that tourism is Pennsylvania's sec- ond-largest industry. The growing popularity of such recreational pursuits has created opportuni- ties for economic growth by generating revenue Raytharn Farm found along the Pennypack Ecological from: Raytharn Farm found along the Pennypack Ecological Restor Restoraation tion Tr Trust Lands, Montg ust Lands, Montgomery County omery County. Photo . Photo courtesy of Campbell Thomas and Company courtesy of Campbell Thomas and Company * Lodging, * Food, and; Pennypack Greenway with its creek valley and * Rental Equipment Sales. woods, farms and surrounding countryside, is quite spectacular in that it offers a taste of rural life in Aside from tourism, there is also evidence to the midst of bustling urban and suburban neigh- demonstrate that communities with recreational borhoods. The Executive Director of Pennypack greenways have witnessed significant increases in Trust, David Robertson claims that "In addition real estate values. to restoring our natural lands, the [Pennypack Greenway] maintains community character". Among the numerous greenways throughout the Commonwealth whose presence has generated tre- Benefits of The Pennypack Greenway: mendous economic benefits is the Pittsburgh to * Provision of Rural Quality of Life in the Cumberland Trail Corridor. Midst of Urban and Suburban Development, The Pittsburgh to Cumberland Trail Corridor * Environmental Preservation and In 1975, members of the Western Pennsylvania Education, Conservancy purchased 17 miles of abandoned * Provision of Historical Architecture, railroad for Ohiopyle State Park. Eleven years later, * Outdoor Recreational Opportunities, the first nine miles of trail opened at Ohiopyle at- * Reduces Sprawl, and; tracting an influx of people from all over the re- * Economic Benefits Stemming from gion. "This effort, and its enthusiastic endorsement Visitors to the Greenway. by the community, led to the formation of several trail groups from Pittsburgh to Cumberland and the dream of a continuous trail began to take Economic Prosperity shape." Linda McKenna Boxx, President of the A recent Department of Conservation and Natu- Allegheny Trail Alliance. ral Resources survey indicated that nearly one-fifth of Pennsylvania's tourists are traveling primarily for outdoor recreation activities. Last year, the in- Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study 7 Aside from the appeal of this greenway to its many users, its creation has also meant incredible opportunities for those with a mind for business. Anna Marie Yakubisin owns and operates the River's Edge Café Bed and Breakfast and the River's Edge Antiques in Confluence. "One of the main reasons why we moved to Confluence was because of the Pittsburgh to Cumberland Trail. We The Mile Marker Cafe and Lounge located along the saw a definite business opportunity with the trail Pittsburgh to Cumberland Trail Corridor in Connellsville, and are now going into our 11th season." PA. Photo Courtesy of the Allegheny Trail Alliance. Examples of businesses and employment op- Thanks to the efforts of those trail groups and portunities may be found all along the trail as en- their hard-working volunteers, 124 miles of the trepreneurs continue to take advantage of the in- 204-mile trail system in the Pittsburgh to credible possibilities that continue to emerge. Terry Cumberland Trail Corridor is now completed. The Burke, owner of Burke-Lee's Boston Commons trail system meanders through five counties in says that she and her husband first started their busi- Pennsylvania and one in Maryland and boasts over ness in 1997. "People laughed at us when we said 500,000 visitors per year and growing. we were going to open a Bed and Breakfast. We took three dilapidated properties and built them The history of the trail as a major transporta- up and we now operate seven businesses and have tion corridor dates back to early colonial days when plans to continue expanding." young George Washington identified these rivers as a means to cross the Alleghenies. The "Endless Mountains," as he referred to them, would connect the eastern seaboard to the forks of the Ohio. In the 1800's, it be- came a railroad corridor carry- ing coal, coke and steel. Now, this trail system has helped to transform the landscape of this region and also restored its eco- nomic prosperity as visitors continue to flock to the trail. Riders enjoying the trail in Smithton, PA. Photo Courtesy of the Allegheny Trail Alliance. 8 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study trail has been the biggest draw in West Newton since I've been in business over the last twelve years. It has really put West Newton on the map." Statistics demonstrating such profound eco- nomic benefits resulting from the Pittsburgh to Cumberland Corridor were collected and analyzed by the Pennsylvania Economy League, Inc and Dr. The Duck House Trading Company located in Stephen Farber, Graduate School of Public and Connellsville, PA is an example of one of the numer- International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh ous businesses found along the trail corridor. Photo courtesy of the Allegheny Trail Alliance in January 1999. The economic impact study found that "spending in trail head communities by trail users in 1998 ranged from $5.4 to $14.1 million". Hank Parke, Executive Director for the In contrast, maintaining the greenway costs, on Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, has wit- average, approximately $1,000 per mile per year. nessed the changes in the way the trail has influ- Dr. Farber adds, "the areas along the trail are, for enced property values along the Allegheny High- the most part, isolated communities with very little land portion of the trail. He points out that proper- economic opportunity. From an economic prosper- ties that were once abandoned have been given new ity perspective, development of this trail system has life with the creation of this greenway. "Several been and will continue to be critical to sustaining properties near the trail in Somerset County, that the economies of these communities" were once in dire disrepair have been purchased and renovated into bed and breakfast operations. There has also been a mushroom effect associated with the changes to these properties for adjacent and nearby land. Quite simply, these locations had no meaning before the trail went in." Rita Halverson, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker has also noticed the positive effect the trail has had for properties located near the trail. " I have a num- The J The John Butler House Bed & Br ohn Butler House Bed & Breakfast located eakfast located ber of agents who often receive phone calls from 500 yar 500 yards fr ds from the tr om the trail in Buena ail in Buena VVista, PA. Photo ista, PA. Photo people who are specifically asking for properties courtesy of the courtesy of the Alle Allegheny gheny TTrrail ail Alliance Alliance.. close to the trail." Tom Simon, President of Howard Hanna Simon Real Estate Services in West Newton says, "living close to the trail is so popular among potential home buyers that our agents now add proximity to the trail in the advertisement for the home. The Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study 9 "Aside from the recreational and scenic enjoy- The Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor ment that people derive from this greenway, the The Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor is a 135- effects it has had on local communities and resi- mile long, roughly three-mile wide corridor along dents throughout the region have been tremendous the Schuylkill River and is comprised of countless and there is potential for much more." Linda natural landscapes and varieties of rural, suburban McKenna Boxx, President of the Allegheny Trail and urban settlement. The boundary is not a stan- Alliance. dard delineated greenway boundary but varies to incorporate cultural and geographic regions, which Benefits of the Pittsburgh to Cumberland help showcase the legacy of this five-county re- Trail Corridor: gion. The entire corridor was designated a State * Increased Employment Opportunities, Heritage Corridor in 1995 and the Schuylkill River * Soaring Real Estate Sales, is part of the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers System. * Increased Property Values, This river is also one of six state fish and boat wa- * Recreational Connection Between Two ter trails. States, * Created an Alliance of Seven Trail Historic and cultural resources along the Corri- Organizations, and; dor date back hundreds of years. Lenape Indians * Motivated Hundreds of Local Volunteers. lived along the Schuylkill and used the river for water, food, recreation and transportation during Conservation of Historic and the 1500s and 1600s. European settlers then took Cultural Resources over the area, and in the mid 1600's made Phila- delphia a commercial and cultural center. Up- Our best link to our future is through our past. stream, they created agricultural settlements and Greenways serve to promote the unique history and later coal mining and manufacturing centers. culture of towns, cities and villages all across the United States by providing: * Access to Buildings of Historic and Architectural Significance in a Community, * A Look Back at the Events and People that Shaped the Present, and; * An Opportunity to Preserve Historic Assets and Archeological Artifacts. Photo depicting bridge abutments of an early 19th Photo depicting bridge abutments of an early 19th Since its official heritage designation five years centur century bridg y bridge that once spanned the e that once spanned the W Wissahic issahickkon near on near ago, the Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor has its mouth at the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. Photo its mouth at the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Campbell courtesy of Campbell Thomas and Company Thomas and Company.. proven to be a valuable historic and cultural re- source for South Eastern Pennsylvania. 10 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study With the overall goals of creating a greenway "Schuylkill River Greenway is so diverse. The the length of the Schuylkill River and of encour- corridor is like a laboratory ..." says Dixie aging the restoration and interpretation of historic Swenson, Executive Director, Schuylkill River landmarks, the Schuylkill River Greenway Asso- Greenway Association. As an important resource ciation was formed in 1974. Today, several dozen for Native Americans, location of one of the first miles of greenway open space and trail are avail- colonial settlements, and site of the first United able to the public. Art and cultural facilities have States capital, the Schuylkill River Greenway of- been funded as well and historic sites refurbished fers one of the oldest and richest looks into our and interpreted so visitors may learn about the rich nation's culture and history. history of the river and its settlement. Photo taken near Manayunk in Philadelphia depicting past industry existing along the river and the Manayunk Canal. Photo depicting a portion of the Schuylkill River Photo depicting a portion of the Schuylkill River Gr Greenway in the Philadelphia r eenway in the Philadelphia reeggion tha ion that cr t crosses osses oover a boar ver a boardw dwalk bridg alk bridgee.. Photo courtesy of Campbell Photo courtesy of Campbell Thomas and Company Thomas and Company.. The Benefits of The Schuykill River According to the 1995 Management Action Heritage Greenway Corridor: Plan, "Few places in America can claim the * Preservation and Restoration of Historic Schuylkill River Valley's importance in history." and Cultural Resources Dating Back Throughout the greenway corridor, numerous ex- Hundreds of Years, amples of centuries of activity may be found. Some * Opportunities to Educate and Create examples of what visitors can expect to see include Awareness of the Resources Along the 18th and 19th century country estates, 250-year-old Corridor, German agricultural settlements with active mills, * Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation, and; covered bridges, farmhouses and barns, coal min- * Economic Benefits Resulting from ing towns built into the sides of mountains, ca- Greenway Visitors. nals, and the remnants of steel, textile, and paper mills. Fort Mifflin on the Delaware, the oldest fort in continuous use in the United States, is also fea- tured along this greenway. Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study 11 Public Recreation, Health and The history of this greenway dates back to its Fitness use in the 19th century as a vital railroad link be- tween Washington D.C., Harrisburg, upstate New Greenways offer numerous opportunities for York and Lake Ontario. Over a century later, the recreation, health and fitness. Studies have shown bankruptcy of the Penn Central Railroad combined that as little as 30 minutes a day of moderate to with the devastation caused by Hurricane Agnes, intense exercise can improve a person's mental and both in the early 1970's, left the future of the rail physical health and prevent certain diseases. Stud- corridor in serious doubt. ies also support the premise that Americans place a high priority on having trails and open space in their community for recreation purposes. Greenways encourage healthier lifestyles by: * Serving as Close to Home Outdoor Fitness Resources for Walking, Jogging, Photo depicting the damage caused to the Y Photo depicting the damage caused to the o York rk Herita Heritaggee Rail Rail T Trrail by ail by In-Line Skating, Bicycling, Horseback Hurr Hurricane icane Agnus in 1972. Photo courtesy of Y Agnus in 1972. Photo courtesy of o York rk Riding and Other Forms of Exercise, and; County P County Paarks Rail rks Rail T Trrail, County of ail, Y County of o York. rk. * Encouraging Safe and Interpersonal Interaction by Linking Neighborhoods. After being purchased and renovated by The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the The residents of York County are well served corridor was eventually advertised for sale in the in this capacity as a result of York County's Heri- late 1980's. Thanks to the combined efforts of vol- tage Rail Trail County Park. unteers and local and state government agencies, the County of York was able to purchase the corri- York County's Heritage Rail Trail County dor in 1990. "A decade later, 21 miles of the Heri- Park tage Rail Trail is completed and the trail now serves The lure of fresh air and the fun and fitness as a central spine of what has the potential to be achieved from recreational activities have served an entire system of trails." Tim Fulton, Former to increase the priority which Americans now place Chair of the York County Rail Trail Authority. on having trails and open space in their communi- ties. York County residents are fortunate to have easy access to the Heritage Rail Trail County Park, also known as "York County's Big Adventure". Rated as one of the top 10 trails in the nation by television's "Today Show," this greenway contin- ues to be a favorite among trail users from within the local communities as well as among those from "Childr "Children and their Daycar en and their Daycare Instructor e Instructor Walking Walking Along Along out of State. the Y the o York Herita rk Heritaggee Rail Rail Tr Trail County Pa ail County Park. Photo courtesy of rk. Photo courtesy of Yo York County Pa rk County Parks Rail rks Rail Tr Trail, ail, County of Y County of o York rk.. 12 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study "The trail has been so successful that the City Some of the unique and interesting features now has a comprehensive greenway/bikeway strat- along the corridor include four bridges and the New egy that uses the presence of this trail as a central Freedom and Hanover Junction railroad stations, element in its planning." Eric Menzer, Director of all of which are listed on the National Register of Economic Development, City of York. Historic Places. The latter station is where Presi- dent Lincoln stopped in route to give his famous "York County's Big Adventure" serves a mul- Gettysburg Address. titude of users including walkers, hikers, and run- ners, cross country skiers and snowshoers. In 1999, The trail also connects the historic district of a trail user survey, completed by Interactive Mar- downtown York with Maryland's Northern Cen- keting Solutions, discovered a high frequency rate tral Rail Trail. "York County's Big Adventure" by a specific user group. Although the trail is used serves a multitude of users including walkers, hik- by people of all ages, almost 86% are over the age ers, and runners, cross country skiers, snowshoers of 35. "This truly is a greenway that serves many and equestrian riders . health and recreational needs for residents. People are drawn to it because they can feel comfortable, get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air. It's just a Walkers from Pennsylvania Greet Equestrain Riders from nice place to be." Carl Knoch, President, Interac- Maryland along the York County tive Marketing Solutions. Heritage Rail Trail County Park. Photo courtesy of York County Parks Rail Trail, County of York. Photo courtesy of York County Parks Rail Trail, County of York Users were also asked for their comments re- "It is projects like the York Heritage Rail Trail garding their experiences on the trail. "The trail that make certain that the downtown of York re- was overwhelmingly described with positive words mains a great place to work, live and to visit," says and phrases," adds Carl Knoch, "Many described York Mayor Charles Robertson. the trail as the greatest thing to happen in a long time in the York area and as the most significant investment in South Central Pennsylvania this cen- tury." Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study 13 Trails or Wildlife Preserves, * Assist Students, Both Young and Old, in Developing Concepts and Skills by Helping Them Become Effective Environmental Stewards and Decision Makers, and; * Promote and Encourage Interaction with Natural Surroundings. Oil Creek State Park is steeped in the unique Tim Fulton, f Tim Fulton, foorrmer c mer chair of the Y hair of the o York County Rail rk County Rail Tr Trail ail A Authority, uthority skiing along the tr , skiing along the trail. Photo courtesy of ail. Photo courtesy of and exciting history of Pennsylvania's oil boom. Yo York County P rk a County Parks Rail rks Rail Tr Trail, County of ail, Y County of o York. rk. Throughout the park, particularly along the bicycle trail, there are numerous reminders of the area's oil past and the successful renewal of its landscape. Benefits of York County's Heritage Rail Trail County Park: Oil Creek State Park Bicycle Trail * Outdoor Recreation for a Multitude of In August of 1859, Edwin L. Drake completed Users, the world's first commercial oil well, Drake Well. * Economic Benefits Stemming from Trail This discovery significantly altered the communi- Visitors, ties and the landscape of a once quiet and unsettled * Restoration of Historic Sites, area in Western Pennsylvania. Droves of people * Connectivity Between Rural Areas and the flocked to the oil region seeking to find their for- Heart of the City of York, tune. * Enhances Quality of Life for Residents, and; Photo of Oil Boom Photo of Oil Boom Wo Work rker ers in the 1860' s in the 1860's and s and Their Their * Physically Connects Pennsylvania with its Equipment. Photo Cour Equipment. Photo Courtesy of Oil Cr tesy of Oil Creek Sta eek State Pa te Park rk Neighboring State, Maryland. Education Natural areas that are set aside for educational purposes provide immeasurable opportunities for people of all ages to learn and interact with their natural surroundings. Greenways: Eventually, the oil boom period of 1859 turned * Act as Living Museums, Outdoor to an oil bust and the boomtowns, associated with Classrooms and Laboratories, the activity and excitement of a discovery that * Provide Scenic Excursions Along Water would change the world, were eventually left aban- doned. Today, in place of the sound of oil drilling, is Oil Creek State Park. 14 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study The Park was developed to preserve Oil Creek to learn about the ecological features found along Gorge and to commemorate Pennsylvania's boom- the trail and about Pennsylvania's unique and ex- ing oil industry and the natural evolution of a once citing oil history." Paula Bittenbender, Trail User. polluted landscape. Within the Park, there are nu- merous greenways that reveal the incredible his- The events, the people and the excitement that tory of Oil Creek Gorge. One such greenway is transformed entire communities from unsettled the Oil Creek State Park Bicycle Trail. areas to industrial centers to ghost towns are re- lived for those who use the Oil Creek State Park Bicycle Trail. "People who use the trail are al- ways pleased by the educational component that it provides. Teachers call frequently to gather in- formation so they can bring their students out to learn more about the people and the events of this unique aspect of Pennsylvania's history." Carolyn Worley, Oil Creek Park Clerk Typist 2, former Park Environmental Education Specialist. A group of bicyclists enjoy a ride along the Oil Creek State Bicycle Trail. Photo courtesy of Oil Creek State Park. Photo of visitor Photo of visitors stopping at one of the numer s stopping at one of the numerous ous interpr interpretive stations along the tr etive stations along the trail, Photo Cour ail, Photo Courtesy tesy of Oil Cr of Oil Creek State Pa eek State Park rk The greenway, which attracts 45,000 people per year, takes its visitors on an adventurous and edu- cational journey from the historic site of Petroleum Center through the scenic river valley to Drake Well. Visitors are provided interpretive stations along the very route that was once used to trans- port barrels of oil from the wells in this, and adja- cent valleys, to their destinations. "This valley acts as a gateway to the past and provides people of all ages opportunities to learn and explore. It's a great "This greenway truly acts as a museum for the place to visit." Marilyn Black, Manager, Oil Heri- past and an interactive stage for environmental tage Region, Incorporated. learning. Visitors are provided the unique combi- nation of enjoying the natural beauty of Oil Creek Visitors may also view the breathtaking land- Valley and taking in traces of the oil boom that scape that has been dramatically altered over the once dominated this area of Pennsylvania." Marcia course of the past century and a half. After an in- Baker, Park Manager tense period of drilling and activity, nature restored the valley to the clean trout streams and forested hillsides that are present today. "Using this greenway is a great way to get some exercise, and Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study 15 Benefits Provided by Oil Creek State Farmview Subdivision Park Bicycle Trail: In July 1986, Realen Homes, a residential de- * A Fun Atmosphere for Environmental veloper headquartered in Yardley, Pennsylvania, Education, purchased several contiguous farms in Lower * A Fun Atmosphere for Historical Makefield Township, Bucks County, totaling 418 Education, acres of land. Recognizing the agricultural and his- * Outdoor Recreation Activities, toric villages that characterize the Township, * Economic Benefits Resulting from Visitors Realen Homes initiated an innovative development to the Park and Surrounding Area, and; concept for a 418-acre parcel of land, Farmview. * Enhances Quality of Life for Residents. Their goal was to design a subdivision that would allow them to meet the housing market demand Shaping Community Growth while also conserving a considerable amount of the tract's irreplaceable farmland. and Development Across the United States, urban areas continue "We recognized that homebuyers were attracted to grow and expand spilling over into the rural land- to the rural character of Bucks County and we scape. These once rural areas are often developed wanted to design a subdivision to appeal to those with inappropriate densities leading to problems interests. We also wanted to demonstrate that land associated with urban sprawl. As an example, Penn- conservation and development do not have to be sylvania has lost over one million acres of crop- mutually exclusive goals, and I think Farmview il- land, forest and open space in just five years (1992- lustrates that premise very effectively." Michael 1997). According to the findings of Pennsylvania's Stadulis, Land Development Coordinator, Realen 21st Century Environment Commission, land use Homes is the Commonwealth's most critical issue head- ing into the new millennium. Photo of Pennsylvania Farmland. Photo courtesy of Greenways Incorporated. Greenways can serve to promote sustainable growth and development by: * Helping to Define Patterns of Development, * Protecting Rural Character and Landscapes, and; * Preserving Valuable Land and Meeting the Needs of Economic and Spatial Development. The subdivision of Farmview, located in Lower After negotiating changes to local land use regu- Makefield Township has demonstrated how com- lations with the Township, Realen was able to de- munities may use greenways as a central factor in velop the subdivision, while conserving more than the planing of development patterns. half the land as permanent farmland and wood- 16 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study lands. When their design concept was imple- mented, 332 single-family houses were built on just half of the land that would ordinarily have been consumed, and 213 acres of prime agricultural land and forest were preserved at no cost to the com- munity, the original landowner, or the developer. As a part of their land planning strategy, Realen Homes had purposely maximized the number of home sites that had farmland vistas or that abutted woodlands. This, in turn, enabled them to strengthen their marketing position with prospec- tive homebuyers by showcasing the permanent rural surroundings for most of the home sites in the various neighborhoods. Farmview Subdivision as drawn by Stephen Kuter, Natural Lands Trust. Graphic Courtesy of In addition to the obvious ecological benefits Natural Lands Trust. derived, the township continues to benefit from the reduced street and utility infrastructure mainte- The example of Farmview is illustrative of the nance costs that were a result of the smaller lot ways and means by which communities can grow sizes. Another benefit of the plan is that the fami- according to design principles that promote the best lies that live in Farmview's neighborhoods will use of land. "The potential for replicating this always enjoy the social interaction that is the en- concept and achieving similar results throughout viable result of compact neighborhoods the Commonwealth is enormous." Randall Arendt, Senior Conservation Advisor, Natural Lands Trust. The 145 acres of farmland that were saved by Realen's initiative were donated to the Lower Benefits of Farmview: Makefield Farmland Preservation Corporation. * Preservation of Open Space, This non-profit corporation was founded to own * Protection and Enhancement of Natural and manage the farmland that would eventually Resources, be donated by Realen and subsequent developers. * A Model of Proactive Planning that Best With this arrangement we are able to help keep Serves the Community and its Land Base, Lower Makefield green and maintain its charac- * Cost Savings Stemming from Reduced ter." G. Allen Houpt, Chair of the Farmland Pres- Street and Utility Infrastructure ervation Corporation. Maintenance Costs, and; * Increased Social Interaction and Enhanced Quality of Life for Residents. Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study 17 Providing Alternative As a connector to downtown Pittsburgh from Transportation the neighborhood of Greenfield, the trail has suc- cessfully decreased the number of motorized com- Transportation in the United States has become muters. It's popularity has already initiated plans increasingly focused on accommodating cars and for expansion with the city's larger trail network. trucks, creating congestion and increased stress on "We've proposed changing what is largely a rec- our roads and highways. People who cannot or do reational system of bike trails and paths to a fully not drive a vehicle are increasingly limited in terms commuter system," said Richard Meritzer senior of mobility. Within Pennsylvania, governments, city planner in a June 11, 1999 interview with Post- greenway organizations and individuals have un- Gazette Staff Writer Don Hopey. Meritzer went dertaken considerable efforts to change our increas- on to say, "When it's completed, anyone will be ing dependency on motorized vehicles. able to get anywhere in the city by bike." Greenways can provide alternative travel choices, connecting neighborhoods to transit, The Eliza Furnace The Eliza Furnace Tr Trail located just of ail located just off of I-376, f of I-376, The The schools, workplaces and shopping areas. Alterna- Penn-Lincoln Highw P ay enn-Lincoln Highway. Photo courtesy of the RB . Photo courtesy of the RBA Gr A Group. oup. tive travel choices serve a community by: * Reducing Congestion, * Improving Air Quality, and; * Providing Safe Alternatives to Residents Wishing to Bicycle or Walk to Nearby Destinations. Since becoming operational two years ago, the Eliza Furnace Trail has provided Pittsburgh area commuters with a safe, healthy and environmen- tally friendly transportation option. The Eliza Furnace Trail has not only encour- aged recreational activity, but it has encouraged The Eliza Furnace Trail the use of non-motorized transportation within the In the two years since its opening, the Eliza city. In doing so the trail has served its primary Furnace Trail has proven to be a success among function as a safe transportation alternative and has commuters and recreational users alike. Parallel- also helped to create a sense of place and commu- ing the former Baltimore and Ohio rail tracks, the nity pride in the greater Pittsburgh area. trail runs adjacent to Western Pennsylvania's busi- est interstate highway and runs through the Riverfront Office Park. 18 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study As a result of the substantial direct and indirect values provided by open space corridors, greenways are influencing how we plan and de- velop our communities. Increasingly, individuals, families, organizations and governments are focus- ing their efforts on the continued development of greenways as tools for planning sustainable com- munities that offer an enhanced quality of life for residents. Pennsylvania Greenways: * Protect and Enhance Natural Resources, * Protect Unique Rural Legacy, * Provide Economic Prosperity Tw Two runner o runners enjoying r s enjoying recr ecrea eational tional time on the Eliza Furnace time on the Eliza Furnace TTrrail. Communities, ail. Photo cour Photo courtesy of the RB tesy of the RBA Gr A Group. oup. * Conserve Historic and Natural Resources, * Provide Opportunities for Public Recreation, Health and Fitness, Benefits of The Eliza Furnace Trail: * Provide Educational Opportunities, * Provides Safe and Environmentally * Help Communities Shape Growth and Friendly Transportation Options, Development, and; * Provides a Physical Link Between * Provide Choices for Alternative and Safe Neighborhoods and the City of Modes of Transportation. Pittsburgh, * Provides Recreational Opportunities, * Enhances Quality of Life, and; Photo of visitors enjoying the view at Oil Creek State Park. Photo * Provides Cost Savings in Car and Road courtesy of Oil Creek State Park. Maintenance. Conclusion Greenways connect neighborhoods and com- munities, connect wildlife with habitat corridors, protect open space, provide opportunities for out- door recreation, increase economic development opportunities and serve to increase environmental awareness. Greenways also provide important value to the health, well being and aesthetic needs of human communities and are vital to the func- tions of ecosystems. Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study 19 Case Study Chart Case Study Benefit Unique Features Region Key Contact Flood Control J. Brozena, Engineer, 1)The Levee Trail Protection of Natural Resources and Recreation. North Eastern Luzerne County 570-825-1600 Linda Boxx, 2)The Pittsburgh to South President of the Cumberland Trail Economic Prosperity Grass Roots Support, West Allegheny Trail Corridor Connects Two States. Alliance 724-537-6900 Highlights Oil Creek's Unique Marilyn 3) The Oil Creek Past and Evolution of its North Black, Manager, Oil State Park Trail Education Landscape. West Heritage Region Incorporated 814-677-3152 Gwen Loose, 4) York County's Rated as one of the top 10 Development Heritage Rail/Trail Public Recreation, trails in the nation by the South Coordinator, County Park Health and Fitness Today Show. York County Parks Rail Trail 717-840-2360 Dixie Swenson 5) The Schuylkill Historic and Executive Director River Heritage Cultural A State Heritage Corridor Schulykill River Corridor Resource Since 1995. East Greenway Association 610-372-3916. Randall Arendt, 6) The Farmview Met Consumer Demands for Senior Conservation Subdivision Shaping Urban Form Land While Preserving South East Advisor, Natural Lands Farmland and Open Space. Trust 610-353-5587 Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust 215- 7) Pennypack Protection of Rural A Region That Has 657-0830 Greenway Corridor Legacy Maintained its Rural Character South East for Over 300 Years. Montgomery County Parks 610-278-3736 Patrick Hassett, 8) Eliza Furnace Office of the Mayor of Trail Transportation Successful Commuter and Recreation Greenway. West Pittsburgh 412-255-2256 20 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study