Riverfront Parks
"Opening the River to the People"
“Communities across the nation are turning their attention to their once-neglected waterfronts. The waterfront development movement stems from quality-of-life priorities and a desire among many people to return to the water. For several decades cities turned their backs on the water while riverfronts and harbors attracted industrial development. Developers focused inland on downtown areas and on suburban shopping malls so the waterfronts often deteriorated. But now, people are moving back to the water. They feel a need to see and touch the water. So in recent years, developers have taken abandoned waterfronts and turned them into parks, marinas, commercial and retail facilities and housing developments - places that make their communities more attractive and improve the quality of life. American cities are using waterfront redevelopment projects to revitalize urban areas and bolster local economies with new jobs, better housing, improved community amenities and added tourism possibilities. Communities recognize the value of attractive waterfronts and their inherent recreational attributes. Cities with areas along a body of water provide many more opportunities for leisure and recreation. Residents are calling for access and municipal governments are responding. Many cities are beginning to realize just how dynamic an effect waterfront development can have on a city. An attractive waterfront makes a city more livable and generates tourism dollars.”
Fishing is a popular recreational activity in the Pennsylvania. About 1.5 million fishing licenses and permits were sold in 2008. The Commonwealth remains a destination for out of state anglers with approximately 80,000 individuals purchasing non-resident or tourist licenses in 2008.
The ORTC envisions an expansion of Boardwalks and Fishing Parks along the Ohio and Beaver River, which would be a significant addition to the river waterfront and trail by providing improved public access to our rivers. The plan consists of over-the-water sections including a fishing pier along with land-based boardwalk sections. One proposed site is located in Moon Township at the mouth of Narrows Run. A second location is along the Beaver River in Rochester Township. Please refer to attachments for ongoing projects and design examples. Additional information regarding the Beaver County Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan can be found at
http://www.beavercountypa.gov/PublicServices/PlanningCommission/Reports.aspx
Please join the ORTC to assist in the development of this project.
In Allegheny County, the Ohio River Trail will interconnect Montour Junction Park, Robert Morris University Island Sports Center, Coraopolis Main Street Boat Launch and Moon Township Riverfront Park.
