Ohio River Trail Council

 "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.” 

The ORTC envisions a Boardwalk & Fishing Pier, the Ohio River Trail Riverwalk & Fishing Park, which would be a significant addition to the river waterfront and trail by providing improved public access to the Ohio River.  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.

Authored by Dr. Vincent  Troia, January 2009.

Attachments:

Ashtabula Lighthouse Walkway	[Ashtabula Lighthouse Walkway OH]	586 Kb
Beaver County CED Bridgewater Crossing	[Beaver County Community Economic Development Bridgewater Crossing Bridgewater Pa]	151 Kb
Beaver County CED Riverfront Development 2008	[Beaver County Pa Community Economic development Riverfront Development 2008]	175 Kb
Bet Tech Enterprise Business Park	[Bet Tech Proposed Commercial and Recreational Complex Beaver County Pa]	164 Kb
Broken Arrow	[Broken Arrow]	2295 Kb
Moffatt & Nichol News 2003	[Moffatt & Nichol News 2003]	808 Kb
Monaca Pa Water Works	[Monaca Pa Water Works Proposed Master Plan]	6515 Kb
Riverwalk Public Garden	[Riverwalk Public Garden]	108 Kb