LHVA Opens the Downtown Scranton Riverwalk
On July 13, LHVA officially cut the ribbon on the Downtown Scranton Riverwalk. More than one hundred people attended the event, and many took the opportunity to try out the new trail. Later that day, more than one hundred runners and walkers, including families with small children and the St. Joseph’s Walking Club, took part in the inaugural Riverwalk Fun Run/Walk. The popular event was sponsored by the Scranton Running Company. LHVA also held a raffle with prizes donated by the Scranton Running Company and the National Running Center, Clarks Summit, PA.
The newest section of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT) begins at Olive Street in Scranton, across the street from the Ice Box Sports Complex (click here for directions). The Riverwalk continues for almost a mile to the trailhead at the Central New Jersey (CNJ) Rail-Trail section at 7th Avenue. From there, the trail continues to Elm Street in South Scranton. Together, these sections form a round trip of approximately four miles for walkers, runners, and bicyclists.
The Riverwalk has a paved asphalt surface that is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The CNJ Rail-Trail is surfaced with packed stone dust. Parking for both sections is available at either the Ice Box Sports Complex on Olive Street, at the trailhead on 7th Avenue across from the Sunoco Gas Station, or at the South Side Sports Complex on Broadway Street. Visit http://www.lhva.org/heritage-trail.html for more detailed information about the trail.
Walkers and bicyclists can reach the Scranton Riverwalk from Central City by using the sidewalk on the Mulberry Street Bridge to the spur trail near Scranton High School. The spur trail traverses a lovely wooded area for a short distance before connecting to the main Riverwalk. The spur was constructed with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s “Safe Route for School” program to allow students of Scranton High School to travel to and from their neighborhoods and to avoid the dangerous traffic situation at the end of the school day.
The opening of the Downtown Scranton Riverwalk marked the completion of a multi-year project. The public feedback has been overwhelming. Cross country teams, marathoners, residents walking their dogs, families pushing strollers, as well as traditional walkers, runners and cyclists use the Riverwalk. Shortly after the ribbon cutting, a man was observed descending the path from Redner’s, groceries in tow!
The trail provides alternative transportation to buses and automobiles. Scranton joins the list of “livable cities” where trails enhance the quality of life for their residents and visitors by providing recreational, wellness and social opportunities along with enjoyment of natural resources.
The Scranton Riverwalk is the gateway to the forty-mile Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LHRT) from Union Dale to Pittston. Click here for information about other sections of the LRHT.
Funding
The Scranton Riverwalk has been funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation through the Federal Highway Administration’s Safe Routes to Schools and Transportation Enhancements Programs, and the National Park Service. Senator Robert J. Mellow and the Lackawanna County Commissioners were instrumental in obtaining state funding for this project.
For More Information
Stephanie Milewski, RLA
LHVA Trail Manager and Environmental Program Officer
(570) 963-6730 ext. 8203
smilewski@LHVA.org |
