Schuylkill River Greenway Opportunities DRAFT July, 2010 1
Schuylkill River Greenway bringing new life to Montgomery County's hidden waterway. Schuylkill River Greenway... Celebrating and maintaining the health of the Schuylkill River with an interconnected system of trails, parks, historic sites, and vibrant riverfront communities. Key elements of the Schuylkilll River Greenway: Expanded Schuylkill River Trail system. New riverfront access. Science-based environmental education for children. Waterfront public recreation facilities. Exciting river events. Showcase green technology. Greenway protection and reforestation. Sustainable revitalization of river communities. Heritage preservation and interpretation. 1
WHY SHOULD THE COUNTY FOCUS ON THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER AS A GREENWAY? Local recreation and quality of life opportunities: In an era of expensive transportation, County residents are seeking local recreation and cultural opportunities. The Schuylkill River is an obvious choice since it is located within a half -hour drive of every resident in the County and is also accessible by walking, biking, or riding mass transit. Economic development: The older industrial communities along the river are undergoing an economic development transformation. Enlivening the riverfront and making it more attractive for businesses and residents will stimulate economic growth in river communities. Connections: Rivers are all about connections. The Schuylkill River connects us with our rich colonial, agricultural, and industrial heritage and physically links communities together in the Schuylkill Valley. Protect the region s largest natural resource: The river provides a vital source of the region s drinking water and contains some of the County s most significant natural resources and critical habitat. Linking existing parks and trails: Our Schuylkill River Trail is one of the most widely enjoyed recreation features in the entire Delaware Valley. When completed the trail will connect Valley Forge National Historic Park, Audubon Sanctuary, the Upper Schuylkill Valley Park, Port Providence Canal, and Pottsgrove Manor, all important historic sites, education centers, and cultural attractions. By linking them together through their common geography, they become even more attractive to future visitors. Water is popular: Water has a compelling quality. People want to live near water and to recreate around it. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of houses proposed along the river in recent years. Personal boat sales including kayaks and canoes have increased over the last 10 years. In recent voter preference polls, respondents indicated that water is very important to them. Montgomery County s river: The Schuylkill River traverses the entire length of Montgomery County for 42 miles. 2
POTENTIAL GOALS FOR Establish the Schuylkill River as a popular destination for all residents and visitors. Promote sustainability and economic development in riverfront communities. Improve the image and visibility of the river as an irreplaceable resource. Support regional heritage tourism and interpret the historic legacy of the river corridor. Enhance natural resource protection and environmental education. Develop and nurture effective partnerships among all governments and organizations working along the river. Promote river activities that provide cultural enrichment and healthy lifestyles to be enjoyed by county residents. Make the river a public place by providing multiple access points. Focus regional open space and recreational activities along the Schuylkill River. 3
NEEDED ORGANIZATIONAL ELEMENTS FOR THE 1. Dynamic county staff leadership to manage the Schuylkill River Greenway. 2. An executive board to work with staff. This board should include membership from the Open Space Board, Planning Commission, Parks and Heritage Services Advisory Committee, and Revitalization Board to ensure continuity with existing county efforts and provide strategic guidance in developing the Greenway. 3. A working group representing key municipal, conservation, recreation, redevelopment, and heritage preservation stakeholders to meet periodically and assist the staff and executive board in forwarding greenway projects. 4. Good working relations with all key stakeholders are essential, particularly: the 16 municipalities along the river, adjoining counties, Schuylkill River Heritage Area, the National Parks Service, PA Fish and Boat Commission, and numerous other state and local organizations to effectively promote and support the Greenway. 5. Reprioritized county financial and staff resources focused on the Greenway. 6. A volunteer service network along the river. 7. An annual Schuylkill River Summit meeting with all stakeholders. 4
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION 1. Proclaim the Schuylkill River Greenway: The County Commissioners have established the Schuylkill Greenway Greenway, linking existing parks, historic sites, and trails within the corridor to promote the health and enjoyment of the river and the revitalization of riverfront communities. 2. Greenway Promotion: Branding and promotion strategies are needed to expand public awareness of the Schuylkill River. To do this, the county could work with other river organizations including the Schuylkill Heritage Area. Public information by the county would be focused on the Schuylkill River Greenway as an exciting recreational resource and geotourism attraction. The county could be instrumental in promoting existing river events scheduled each year. 3. Develop River Interpretative Information: A plan for interpretative information could be developed to enrich the experience of curious greenway visitors. Interesting and relevant information conveyed through the internet, cellular phones, podcasts and signage would describe key historic, community, and natural resources within the Greenway. Initially, interpretative messages could focus on topics such as the history of the Schuylkill Canal, life along the river, the legacy of industrial development, natural resources, early settlement, the Schuylkill River Restoration Project, aquatic life, the rails-to-trails story of the bike trail, or the history of Spring Mill. Photo images of the river and trail system could be added to various internet mapping resources to better enable visitors to re-discover the Greenway. 4. Signature River Event: The County could develop a signature County-sponsored river activity such as a festival, music event, art show, Commissioners crew race, canoe sojourn, triathlon, fireworks display, or fishing derby to be held along the river annually. This event would bring people to the river and complement other public events offered along the river. Sufficient time for event planning is required. 5. Connections with Manayunk: The County should continue to expand and enhance the extremely popular Schuylkill River Trail by working with the City of Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township to establish connections with Manayunk and Lower Merion Township. The county is currently funding a grant to Lower Merion Township to develop the Cynwyd Trail. The City of Philadelphia is working to improve connections to the Schuylkill River Trail between County line and Ivy Ridge. 5
6. Boat Facilities: Two rowing facilities exist along the river in the Whitemarsh and Bridgeport areas. Both facilities support local high school and college crew teams and other amateur rowers. The Whitemarsh boat house sits along the Flat Rock Dam pool offering a straight mile of river for non-motorized boats. The Bridgeport/ Upper Merion Boat house sits above the county owned Norristown Dam. The county can work to support these privately operated facilities to expand their use and popularize rowing along the river. 7. Norristown River and Trail Visitor Center: The Montgomery County Parks and Heritage Services Department (PHS) could complete the rehabilitation of the historic Norristown Freight Station for use as an environmental educational center, trail hub, and Schuylkill welcome center. The rehabilitation of this old structure could utilize green technology. This project is dependent upon the Lafayette Street construction project. 8. Mont Clare/ Port Providence Canal Area: Working with the state, Schuylkill Canal Association, and Upper Providence Township, the County will continue to manage the Mont Clare/ Port Providence Canal historic and recreation area, recently acquired by the county. In the future the county could acquire the 34 acre Port Providence basin owned by the state and other lands to expand connections and recreational opportunities along the river. 9. Art Along the River: Sculpture and mural art that embrace river heritage themes and water could be added along the trail to complement the greenway experience. Murals could be developed on existing walls along the trail such as bridge abutments. These murals could be designed and painted by local school groups or artist associations. A sculpture garden or various individual pieces of sculpture could be placed along the trail to add to the trail users visual experience. 10. Green Tree Corridor: The county could continue to reforest the Schuylkill River corridor. Under a partnership with TreeVitalize and other organizations, the county could utilize volunteers to remove invasive species and reestablish vegetation along the trail and river banks. This effort could be tied to environmental education programs offered along the river. 11. River-Based Business Development: The county could employ various economic development strategies to attract businesses that can provide river recreation, heritage tourism, or river protection services. These businesses could be located in redeveloped brownfield sites along the river. 6
12. Upper Schuylkill Valley Park River Front Improvements: A boat launch and fishing area could be developed at the Upper Schuylkill Valley Park water front. The new boat launch for non-motorized boats will complement the motorized launch across the river in Chester County. The County could seek a rental canoe or kayak vendor to use this site. The many anglers who frequent this site would enjoy new fishing benches and river access improvements. An existing pond near the river could be improved for young anglers. A new rustic picnic grove and environmental interpretation area offering spectacular views of the river could be developed at the Bernard House site. 13. Schuylkill River Trail Amenities: Trail users have expressed the need for various amenities to enhance their experience. In various surveys, bathrooms, water fountains, and benches are specifically requested. These facilities could be provided at key locations with the help of local service clubs, water companies, businesses, and other organizations. 14. Pottsgrove Manor: To commemorate the hand-over of Pottsgrove Manor from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Montgomery County, the Commissioners could hold a meeting at the historic site. This event would showcase heritage tourism opportunities along the Greenway and support activities underway to further connect Pottsgorve Manor, Memorial Park, the Carousel, and Community College with the river. 15. Betzwood Bike Bridge: Montgomery County should continue to assist in the development of a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Schuylkill River at the former Betzwood Bridge location. This would replace the temporary trail crossing on the 422 Bridge at Betzwood. It would further connect Valley Forge Park facilities and provide and easier link between the Schuylkill River Trail and trails through Valley Forge National Historical Park. Funding for this project will be provided by PaDot as part of the Schuylkill River Crossing Complex project. 16. Complete the Schuylkill River Trail: Montgomery County could complete the section of the Schuylkill River Trail in Pottstown Borough and Lower Pottsgrove Township, and work with Chester County in completing the trail from Phoenixville Borough to Lower Pottsgrove Township. PaDot will construct the trail crossing over the Schuylkill River as part of the re- 7
building of the US Route 422 bridge at Kenilworth within the next two years. 17. Barbadoes Island Recreation Site: The county could ensure the preservation of the 77 acre Barbadoes Island located in the Norristown Area by working with various partners to develop compatible and sustainable destination public use activities on it such as a concert facility, sports complex, birding area, executive golf course, or park. The island is currently owned by Exelon and contains facilities operated by PECO. The power plant on the island has been demolished. 18. Rivercasts: The County could establish a rivercasts public information reporting system to provide information on the current water quality conditions of the river. This should be done in conjunction with the Philarivercast program. Partners include the Health and Public Safety departments who could provide information about the health and safety of the river, as well as water utilities operating along the river which could perform water quality testing information. 19. Shad Restoration: In cooperation with PA Fish and Boat Commission, the County could promote shad restoration along the river and expand fishing opportunities. This will include environmental education and signage at the Norristown fish ladder owned by the county. A shad-a-bration event could be established to celebrate the annual shad migration. 18. Schuylkill River Water Trail: Working with the Schuylkill Heritage Area, the County could develop new boat portage facilities at the Black Rock and Norristown Dams, new launch facilities, and boat oriented park facilities at strategic locations along the river. 19. Funding to Municipalities: A grant funding preference from the Montgomery County Revitalization and Green Fields Green Towns programs could be established to encourage to grant projects that would improve the river corridor. 20. Riverfront Redevelopment: The Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority and/or other public economic development agencies could assist developers in assembling key riverfront properties in Norristown, Conshohocken, Bridgeport, Pottstown, and Royersford for greenway compatible redevelopment projects. Needed infrastructure and access would have 8
to be addressed as part of this effort. 21. Schuylkill River Wild: The Upper Schuylkill Valley Park animal exhibit could display and interpret the significance of fauna typical of the Schuylkill River Valley including: beaver, mink, various amphibians and reptiles. Even mules could be part of the animal exhibit due to there role in towing canal boats. The new exhibit could be housed in one of the former farm buildings that is now vacant. 22. Community Planning Along the River: Model ordinances for riverfront development could be developed by the Planning Commission in appropriate riverfront communities. The County planning staff could also assist municipalities and other partners in developing compatible public facilities along the greenway. 22. Valley Forge National Historic Park and Mill Grove Area Connections: The County can continue to establish connections between Valley Forge National Historical Park, Mill Grove, and other county trails and park facilities. Ongoing efforts to integrate County facilities along the river with the Valley Forge Park and Mill Grove will be required. 23. Schuylkill Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center: The Montgomery County should continue its support of the efforts of the Montgomery County Community College and the Schuylkill River Heritage Area in the development of a Schuylkill Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center to be established by renovating the existing 140 College Drive property in Pottstown Borough. This project would establish new environmental science learning facilities for the college and a primary Schuylkill River destination point for tourists and river users. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area offices would remain at the center. 24. River Corridor Property Acquisition: The County could work to acquire land along the river in Upper Providence Township, Limerick Township, Lower Pottsgrove Townsip, and West Pottsgrove Township. Acquisitions could involve fee simple transactions and easements. Legislation is needed to qualify the county for the acquisition of surplus river front property in West Pottsgrove Township currently owned by PADot. This land will be available when Route 422 is realigned. 25. Environmental Education: Environmental education partnerships could be forged by the county with organizations including the Schuylkill Center and Riverbend to foster better awareness of the river. 26. River Atlas: Natural Resource information about the river is compiled by various organiza- 9
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