Fall 2007 Public Review Draft Public Review Draft

Fayette County’s Fayette County’s

Getting Outside Getting Outside Getting Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Plan Greenways and Trails Open Space, Executive Summary

To be completed following the Fall 2007 Public Review period. Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space,

Fayette 2 County

Executive Summary

3 Table of Contents

Table of Contents Maps Tables/Diagrams

Municipalities Map Table 1: Year 2000 Surpluses and Deficiencies Executive Summary Parks and Greenways Master Plan Table 2: Year 2010 Surpluses and Deficiencies Unweighted Natural Resource Composite Map Table 3: Year 2030 Surpluses and Deficiencies Acknowledgments Weighted Composite Map Table 4: Corridor Network Threat Analysis Table 5: Classification Table Resolution Project Corridors Table 6: Overall County Needs Population Density map Table 7: Regional Project Population Preface School Facilities Map Table 8: Year 2000 Needs Analysis Potable Water Service Area Map Table 9: Year 2010 Needs Analysis Section 1: Opportunities and Challenges Sewer Service Map Table 10: Year 2030 Needs Analysis Understanding Existing Influences Utility Corridors Map A Decade of Accomplishments Transportation Infrastructure Map Landform Map Section 2: Mission Statement and Goals Ridgetops Map Planning Overview Land Coverage Map Mission Statement Steep Slopes map Goals General Stream Quality Analysis Map Wetlands and Floodplains Map Section 3: Parks and Recreation Recommendations Reservoir Watersheds Map Overview Agricultural Resources Map Administration Biological Diversity Areas Map Facilities Important Bird Areas Map Maintenance Parklands Map Programming, Promotion and Public Awareness ATV Analysis Map Funding Special Recreation Map Trails Map Section 4: Greenways, Open Space and Trails Historic Resources Map Recommendations Purpose and Goals General Planning Approach Analyzing Opportunities Project Corridors

Section 5: Action Plan Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Introduction Parks and Recreation Greenways

Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, Section 6: Background Data Natural Resources Background Mapping Greenway Planning Approach Community Participation

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Table ofContents

5 Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments Entities of Public Service

Getting Outside is dedicated to the children of Fayette County Fayette County Commissioners in hopes that they, the County’s future residents and leaders, Angela Zimmerlink, Chairperson will showcase the memorable, fun and healthy outdoor Joseph A. Hardy III recreation and conservation experiences in the County to those Vince Vicites living within the region and beyond.

The development of Fayette County’s Comprehensive Parks, Fayette County Office of Planning Zoning and Community Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Development represents a collaborative effort of the public and private Tammy Stenson, Executive Director sectors. Defining the many possibilities from which the County’s residents, businesses and visitors can benefit has been possible through the insight of many including: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Steering Committee This Plan was funded by the residents of Fayette County and through a grant provided by the PA Department of The Steering Committee guiding the preparation of the Conservation and Natural Resources. Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways

and Trails Plan was prepared with the guidance of

representatives of various local, regional, County and State Organizations including: Photo Credits

Fallingwater “ Natural Heritage Program” of the Western German Township Pennsylvania Conservancy Fayette County Office of Planning, Zoning and Community Development PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Fayette County Manager’s Office Fayette County Redevelopment Authority Adrian Horvath, Recreation Planner FayPenn Economic Development Fort Necessity National Battlefield Environmental Planning and Design, LLC Luzerne Township National Road Heritage Corridor PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Redstone Township Getting Outside was prepared by:

Environmental Planning and Design, LLC

Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, 100 Ross Street , PA 15219 [email protected]

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Acknowledgments

7 Resolution

To be completed following the Fall 2007 Public Review Period. Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space,

Fayette 8 County

Resolution

9 Preface

Section 4: Open Space, Greenways and Trails Preface Recommendations Municipal Leaders’ Survey Each of the County’s 42 municipalities received a survey Section 5: Action Plan soliciting opinions and information about current recreation With its rivers of whitewater, its unique woodland habitats and Section 6: Background Data opportunities and challenges. 38 out of the County’s 42 its historic battlefields, Fayette County’s natural and cultural communities provided feedback about the opportunities and resources provide residents and visitors alike with one of In addition to parks, Getting Outside presents a long-term concerns that exist for their residents. Overall, the survey Pennsylvania’s finest “playgrounds.” Yet to many, Fayette strategy to develop a County-wide network of greenways and revealed that municipalities generally have two park and open County’s outdoor opportunities remain unknown. Getting trails. Greenways are linear corridors, comprised of both land space-related concerns: the ability to finance recreation Outside: Fayette County’s Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, and water resources, serving to connect key natural resources facilities and programming as well as minimizing vandalism. Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan to address the wide and open spaces. In recent years, one greenway/ within range of popular recreation experiences along with those that Fayette County has risen to regional and national notoriety: many have to discover. Getting Outside is a guidebook for use the which links Pittsburgh to western School Survey in shaping and balancing the management, maintenance, Maryland and, ultimately, to Washington, D.C. In addition to The County’s Office of Planning, Zoning and Community promotion and use of the County’s natural and recreation this major hiking/biking thoroughfare, other future designated Development worked with School District leaders to distribute a resources. recreation and conservation-oriented greenway corridors in 2-page survey to students in the 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade Fayette County can provide opportunities to: classes of each of the nine school districts in the County. Why is the Plan Important? While some school districts chose not to participate, an • Expand local and regional-scale recreation; analysis of responses received revealed there are numerous • Enhance an area’s attractiveness; outdoor recreation opportunities that the majority of children in The goals and initiatives of Getting Outside are broad and far- • Provide alternative transportation routes/connections; Fayette County have yet to discover. Promoting children’s reaching. The Plan explores initiatives from building • Provide for and/or maintain continuity of critical natural exploration and interaction with the outdoors can also be one awareness about natural resource conservation to optimizing habitats; and tool to encouraging healthy lifestyles in the County. the use of existing facilities to promoting improvement of • Improve or restore stream quality. physical and mental well-being. Getting Outside defines a series of recommended planning principles, roles and projects Resident Survey for the County’s leaders and residents to pursue. Foremost, Public Involvement A Resident Survey was designed and distributed to County the Plan identifies how cooperation among stakeholders of households to identify citizens’ preferences and opinions about local, regional, County and State initiatives can translate into Getting Outside is the result of many individuals and recreation. The survey was also available to through the success. organizations’ involvement. Outreach conducted throughout County’s web site. Many surveyed residents noted they are not the planning process include the project’s Steering Committee, familiar with some or all of the County’s Parks including Components of the Plan a Resident Survey, a Municipal Leaders’ Survey and a School locations and types of recreation facilities provided. When Survey. Other public involvement specifically included two residents participate in park and recreation activities, a majority Public Meetings and elected officials briefings. of households travel to their destinations by car —often driving Fayette County’s Planning, Zoning and Community more than five miles from home. Development Office worked with a Steering Committee, professional recreation planning consultants and the Steering Committee Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural The Plan’s Steering Committee members represent a broad Public Meeting Resources (DCNR) to develop Getting Outside. From range of recreation and conservation interests in the County. , A series of public meetings were also conducted as part of

Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive maintained park lands to untouched opens spaces, each of the The volunteer committee assisted the County’s Office of developing the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Plan’s following chapters explores the varying facets of outdoor Planning, Zoning and Community Development and the Plan’s Space, Greenways and Trail Plan. At each meeting, citizens resource planning and management: administration, facilities, recreation consultant through a number of facets. In addition to contributed feedback to the Plan’s analyses as well as ideas programming, maintenance and financing. The Plan’s chapters contributing information regarding local community activities, and recommendations for enhancing recreation opportunities in Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, include: members provided in-depth insights about opportunities of the County. State and Federal facilities and other recreation and Section 1: Opportunities and Challenges conservation efforts happening throughout the County. Section 2: Mission Statement and Goals Section 3: Parks and Recreation Recommendations

Fayette 10 County

Municipalities Map community are wide-ranging. In examining recreation trends throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania and the tri-state

region (PA, WV and MD), Fayette County has a growing Within each of the 42 communities of Fayette County, community of businesses and outreach organizations which opportunity exists for residents and visitors alike to explore a offer unique opportunities which build on the County’s range of natural and/or cultural resources. The physical natural resources. characteristics and socio-economic patterns of each

Preface

11 Section 1 Opportunities and Challenges

County and Municipal Coordination Understanding Existing Influences County Manager The County Manager administers the maintenance and

operations at the three regional parks through the Buildings As related to parks and recreation, the coordination between How can Fayette County achieve its desired parks, recreation, and Grounds Office and the Bridge Department. There are County and community-scale recreation facilities and activities open space and greenway goals? To develop a realistic and three full time employees in the Buildings and Grounds Office is currently limited. As part of creating Getting Outside, the achievable answer to this question, several factors can be and seven employees in the Bridge Department. The crews County has begun compiling a database of local park inventory considered. The following factors are shaping the ways in are based at the Public Works Complex in Menallen Township data for each of the 42 municipalities. In completing this first which the future successes can be realized. near Dunlap Creek Park. The fulltime employees are Service comprehensive collection of municipal-related recreation data,

Employees International Union (SEIU) union members under a both the County and local officials are able to recognize there Ownership contract that expires in December, 2009. All employees have are many “untapped” opportunities for recreation in many job descriptions. communities. Initiating and continuing dialogue about how Fayette County is approximately half a million acres in size. these existing resources can be utilized to expand opportunities About 10% of this land is formally designated as park and Other Support for residents to get outside and enjoy the outdoors will be a key recreation land. A majority of this land is owned and managed The employees of the Buildings and Grounds Office work a to optimizing the future use, amenities and safety of these by the State of Pennsylvania either as State Park or State paid work week, and the employees of the Bridge Department facilities. Forest facilities. These facilities are attractions to local, work a paid work week. The crews have a one hour lunch (½ regional and national audiences. hour paid, ½ hour unpaid). The crews work a Monday through Securing Finances Friday schedule. The County owns three park sites totaling approximately 500 acres, or one-tenth of 1% of the overall amount of recreation One employee from the Buildings and Grounds Office, along The Parks and Recreation portion of the County’s Buildings land in the County. Based upon municipal data, an additional with prisoners from the Fayette County Prison facility, mow, and Grounds Office Budget is solely funded by tax dollars. 1,200 acres of locally owned and managed parks can found provide litter pick up, and clean pavilions and restrooms While the County and a majority of its municipalities do within the County’s 42 municipalities. weekdays at Dunlap Creek Park and German-Masontown annually budget for parks and recreation, limited resources are Park. The employees of the Bridge Department provide typically allocated each year. Within the County’s 42 assistance to maintain the roads and parking areas or work on municipalities, the majority of municipalities budget less than Staffing larger maintenance or capital improvement projects as needed. $2,500 per year for recreation. Based upon an evaluation of The German-Masontown Parks and Recreation Board hires a State budgeting records, the amount of monies budgeted in the A number of County Offices are involved in the planning and part-time employee to clean up the pavilions and restrooms on County and in municipalities has generally remained the same maintenance of parks and recreation. However, currently, weekends at the German-Masontown Park. Dumpsters for for the past several years. recreation-related work tasks are minor components of each of garbage removal are provided under contract at Dunlap Creek the County staff’s responsibilities Park and German-Masontown Park. The County collects no revenues as a result of its parks and recreation ownership or operations. All revenue resulting from The County contracts with Goodwill Industries, Inc. to mow, the park and recreation program fees, charges, permits, Planning, Zoning and Community Development pick up litter/remove garbage, and clean pavilions and concessions, etc. at the German-Masontown Park is collected Planning for the County’s three park and recreation sites is restrooms at Jacobs Creek Park. Bullskin Township maintains by the German-Masontown Park and Recreation Board to currently coordinated through the County’s Office of Planning, and operates the athletic facility at Jacobs Creek Park. The offset its expenses. Zoning and Community Development. In addition to parks

Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive County contracts with Fayette Engineering to perform the coordination, the Planning, Zoning, and Community required annual inspection of Dunlap Dam and Greenlick Dam. Development Office is responsible for the zoning in 32 of the The County, through its insurance provider, inspects the park County’s 42 municipalities. The Department provides grant facilities at the three regional parks on an annual basis. The writing assistance to the municipalities and non-profit agencies

Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, County Manager meets every weekday at 7:00 AM, with the throughout Fayette County. The Department has non-union member of the Buildings and Grounds Office who maintains the employees who were specifically hired to write grants. Dunlap Creek Park and the German-Masontown Park and reviews work tasks. That crew member maintains a notebook to identify work needs and work completed.

Fayette 12 County

Accessibility of Recreation County residents, few visit or are aware of these older population, are likely to affect the ways in which the sites; County prioritizes its outreach related to recreation and 5. For those who actively participate in recreation conservation. Topography, infrastructure availability and land ownership activities, a majority of residents (from the young to influence patterns of development in the County. With its the old), do so for five (5) or fewer hours per week; As part of losing population, the County’s businesses and rolling hills, established regional road network and extensive and industry sectors have been impacted. Collectively, these availability of public utilities, the western portion of the 6. The vast majority of the County population travel five factors have decreased the tax base that supports the County supports a majority of its residents. Higher (5) or more miles to meet their leisure needs. services the County provides including the availability of elevations, steeper slopes as well as more limited road and personnel and maintenance. infrastructure network characterize the County’s sparsely population eastern half. Resident Health In spite of these changes there has been positive growth in some portions of the County. The growth has occurred

Consequently, as part of these varying characteristics, two Bullskin, Saltlick, and Springfield Townships. Job growth In January 2000, the U.S. Department of Health and Human different geographic regions exist in the County. One of the has occurred as a result of the expansion of the Seven Services launched Healthy People 2010 as a nationwide greatest challenges with this pattern relates to recreation Springs Resort and the expansion of the industrial complex access. While recreation opportunities are abundant in health promotion and disease prevention effort. Within the around the Sony Plant in New Stanton, Westmoreland County, this program is promoted as “Steps to a Healthier County’s east, they are sparse in the populated west. County. Population growth, housing and business PA.” Based upon the project’s findings, several notable Moreover, pedestrian access between the west’s more development is also being seen around the Nemacolin trends exist in examining Fayette County residents’ health. intensely populated areas and the east’s larger public open Woodlands Resort and Spa. spaces is currently limited. The County ranks as one of the top counties in the

Commonwealth with residents experiencing several serious health problems including coronary heart disease, obesity Tourism Assessing Needs and diabetes. These conditions are often correlated to Tourism is the second largest industry in Pennsylvania. “inactive lifestyles.” Tourism and the County’s existing parks and recreation As part of the planning process, the County completed a facilities/areas share a very close relationship. Fayette series of technical analyses based upon planning criteria Another aspect of resident well-being is access to adequate County has a large number of primary tourist attractions: defined by the National Recreation and Parks Association. infrastructure. The status of infrastructure planning efforts in Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, Seven Springs Park and open space acreage was evaluated in context of the communities varies. It is recognized that the provision of Resort (Somerset County), Ohiopyle State Park, current and projected population trends to identify what adequate infrastructure service is an important component of Dam and Lake, Fort Necessity, the needs, if any, for additional recreation space exist for County the both promoting resident health and well-being along with National Road Corridor, Youghiogheny River Trail, Laurel residents. improved economic development. Highlands Trail, to name a few. The local Municipal and smaller private park and recreation related facilities and Three surveys— for residents, school children and municipal programs often provide a second tier of attractions to support

Demographic Considerations Opportunities and leaders– were developed and issued as part of the County’s the primary attractions. As one succeeds, so can the other. Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan. Ways in which Fayette County harnesses the positive Although experiencing some specific periods of growth,

Each of the surveys was developed to understand current impacts of the tourism industry can bring benefits to both Challenges park visitation patterns and identify what future recreation Fayette County’s overall population has declined over the local and regional economics. Tourism can provide preferences are desired. From the nearly 3,500 households, past forty five (45) years—from 169,340 persons in 1960 to opportunity to elevate residents’ sense of pride through 1,000 students and 38 municipalities which responded, a few 148,644 in 2000. The US Census estimates an additional showcasing and maintaining what make the places in which primary planning challenges emerged: population decline (2.0%) to 145,760 in 2005. A variety of they live special. factors, including shifting economies, have contributed to 1. Accessibility of recreation areas to existing population these patterns. Cooperative Efforts centers is perceived to be limited; Survey responses from municipal officials and school 2. Available funds for the financing of parks and The population of senior citizens (65 years of age and older) has increased 3.2 % from 26,076 in 1990 to 26,930 in 2000, students also indicate that limited “after-school” programs, recreation is relatively limited; with the exception of organized athletics in older grades, are 3. Vandalism, and the desire to reduce it, of parks and but the population of school aged children (0-18) has decreased 3.8% from 35,083 to 33,754 during this same available for students to attend. Reasons for this could vary recreation areas is a common concern among many widely, from finances to available volunteers. Consequently, municipalities; timeframe. The size of family households has also decreased. These trends are expected to continue. These many school facilities become inaccessible for recreation 4. Even with tens of thousands of local, County, State purposes after school hours. From analysis of existing and Federal park and open space acres available to factors, coupled with the retirement of the “baby boomers” over the next 15 years adding significantly to the County’s conditions, Getting Outside identifies an important question

13 as part of future planning strategies could be “What, if any, constructed include one baseball field, a combination recreation opportunities could be developed or expanded football/soccer field, a concession facility, an access road through a County-Municipality-School partnership?” and parking area, chain link fencing, and landscaping.

2000-2002 Spreading the Word The Fayette County Planning Commission completed an update of the County’s Comprehensive Plan in 2000, which As part of public meeting discussion, survey feedback and is in compliance with amendments to the Municipalities field reviews, two additional observations about the current Planning Code. marketing of recreation can be gleaned:

The Dunlap Lake Task Force Committee obtained a 1. Recreation-oriented promotion in Fayette County $5,000.00 DCED Grant and installed a handicap asphalt focuses on State Parks and other regionally paved handicap walkway of the eastern side of the lake at significant historical venues. The Dunlap Creek Park. Visitors Bureau is an entity promoting tourism

throughout Fayette, Westmoreland and Somerset The County, in cooperation with the Regional Trail Counties. The audience focus typically extends to Corporation, have obtained funding to develop the 32-mile those living outside the region. A similar type of . The Sheepskin Trail will link the outreach geared toward the local County population Youghiogheny Trail at Wheeler Bottom (Dunbar) with the is not known to currently exist for Fayette County. West ’s Trail. Fayette County 2. Wayfinding, or an illustrative system, to navigate park has received nearly $800,000.00 in grants to construct this goers to both County and local recreation trail. In 2000, The County received a federal Transportation destinations, is limited. Approximately half of those Equity Act (TEA 21) grant in the amount of $366,000.00 to surveyed have never visited the County-owned construct the 12 mile trail from Connellsville to Uniontown Dunlap Creek Park, German-Masontown Park and and a Pennsylvania DCNR grant in the amount of Jacobs Creek Park. This could be for a variety of $60,000.00 for the Brown’s Run Trail (8.3 miles) to connect reasons including familiarity, or lack thereof, with the the Mon River to the Sheepskin Trail. The County received Park’s locations. Very little to no signage exists to an additional $375,000.00 TEA 21 grant in 2002 for the trail. assist in navigating locals or visitors to County or

municipal parks. 2005-2007

A Decade of Accomplishments The County replaced and upgraded, to National Playground Safety Standards, two play areas at German-Masontown Park; three play areas at Dunlap Creek Park; and four play 1997-1999 areas at Jacobs Creek Park.

A Natural Diversity Inventory was completed for Fayette The County initiated and adopted its first Comprehensive, County in 1998 and 1999. On May 29, 1997, Fayette County Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan received a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and to identify recommendations and strategies for improving

Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Natural Resources grant in the amount of $40,000.00 to conservation of natural resources and promoting resident complete a Natural Heritage Inventory of Fayette County. well-being through recreation. This study was completed by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, Bullskin Township received a $50,000.00 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Keystone Conservation Fund Grant on May 29, 1997 to develop sport facilities at Jacobs Creek Park. The facilities

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Opportunities and Challenges

15 Section 2 Mission Statement and Goals

Planning Overview Mission Statement Goals

Fayette County, which contains 790 square miles, is a fourth The core component of the County’s Comprehensive Parks, Goals represent what wants to be achieved. The purpose class county located in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and trails Plan is its defining the Plan’s goals is to establish consistency with its The County is enabled to function and operate under legislation Mission Statement. The purpose of defining a Mission identified mission. Listed below are the overarching goals of created by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s County Code Statement is to clearly define the intention and focus of the the County’s Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Opens Space, for Fourth through Eighth Class Counties. County effort at hand. The Plan’s Mission Statement, outlined below, Greenways and Trails Plan. Each of the recommendations that classifications in Pennsylvania are based on population. A is based upon the input of key community stakeholders, the the Plan presents relates to one or more of them. Fourth Class County contains a population between 145,000 Plan’s Steering Committee, County leaders and residents. and 209,999. County planning is based on the Pennsylvania #1 Encourage public/private partnerships to enhance Municipalities Planning Code, Act of 1968, PL 805, No. 247 of Enhance the quality of life for Fayette County residents outdoor recreational opportunities and encourage public law. and visitors by providing parks, recreational facilities, open related economic development;

space areas, greenways and trails that: With nearly 150,000 residents in the year 2000, Fayette County rd ranks as the 23 most populated county in Pennsylvania. It #2 Continue partnerships which enhance the has a population density of 188 residents per square mile • Promote improvement of physical and mental well- relationship and quality of municipal and regional making it the 28th most populated county in the state. Fayette being; scale facilities and activities; County’s population grew 2.3 % between 1990 and 2000, ranking it 37th among the counties in population growth in • Nurture family relationships; #3 Examine various marketing initiatives in order to Pennsylvania. promote County recreation opportunities and • Build awareness about the benefits of conserving natural resources; Fayette County has two predominate cities, Uniontown, which sensitive natural resources. is the County Seat and primary service center, and #4 Ensure consistent maintenance and updated Connellsville. However, the County is predominately rural in regulation of parks, open spaces and recreation character with nearly 90% of its total land area being potentially facilities; classified as undeveloped. The majority of this undeveloped land is devoted to forest and agriculture uses. #5 Create additional administrative positions that Building on the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan, support the County and its Municipalities to Fayette County officials worked with the Pennsylvania oversee parks, recreation, open space, greenways Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to help and trails decisions; and fulfill its State-wide goal to plan for the wise use and

enhancement of recreation and conservation in the #6 Pursue potential sources of funding for parks and

Commonwealth. Subsequently, Fayette’s leaders and recreation needs and improvements. residents began to evaluate how they can harness and best coordinate the many recognized as well as “unrealized” Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive possibilities that exist for parks, recreation, open space, greenways and trails in the County.

Lastly, in order for this Plan to flourish, recommendations for Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, parks, recreation, open space, greenways and trails should be evaluated annually in context of the County’s economic development planning initiatives as well as other community and regional planning projects.

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Mission Statement and Goals

17 Section 3 Parks and Recreation Recommendations

term organizational strategies. The strategies focus on the 9) Relationships with volunteer or private Overview administrative, operational and staffing needs and are designed organizations to provide a flexible framework with which this organizational 10) Fund raising policies The following discussion summarizes the Plan’s parks and structure can evolve as the Plan is implemented. 11) Policies for acceptance of gifts or donations recreation recommendations. The recommendations are 12) Requirements for record-keeping manifestations of the Plan’s mission, goals and findings from Parks and Natural Resources Division 13) Job descriptions for key positions 14) Risk Management policies technical analyses. The recommendations represent a series of inter-related actions, policies and strategies that the County 15) Park rules #1 Form a formal Parks and Natural Resources Division and its various recreation providers should implement A Parks and Natural Resources Division should be incrementally over time. The recommendations have been #2 Update Planning Efforts created as part of the County’s administrative system. In organized into various themes which relate to the project’s key The Division will also be responsible for providing the short-term, to optimize available resources and issues. These themes, or Elements, have emerged from the periodic updates to the County’s Comprehensive Parks, knowledge of current administrative procedures, the project’s analyses, assessments, evaluation and pubic input Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan. Division should be housed County’s Office of Planning, processes. The Park and Recreation Elements include the The County’s Division of Parks and Natural Resources Zoning and Community Development. In long-term, the following: should be charged with the responsibility to measure Division become its own “Office” in the County’s progress of Getting Outside’s implementation by administrative structure. The timing of this structure will • Administration preparing annual status reports. Also, broader updates likely depend upon the pace of development and the • Facilities should evaluate changes in population, resource evolution of other municipal and regional recreation- • Maintenance conservation initiatives, facility construction and open related efforts. • Municipal Capacity Building and Support space inventories and County-wide acreage needs. At

• Programming, Promotion and Public Awareness a minimum, these comprehensive updates should occur No matter the organizational structure, the Division should • Funding approximately every 10 years. strive to keep informed of trends of the park and

recreation profession. One way to achieve this is to Outlined below are the specific recommendations associated establish memberships in the State’s professional park Division Chief with each Element.. The recommendations provide detailed organization (Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society) direction regarding policies, projects, actions and assignments. and the national park organization (National Recreation #3 Hire a Division Chief In some instances, these recommendations will also be and Park Association). These groups provide outstanding The Division of Parks and Natural Resources should applicable to greenways and trail planning strategies outlined in literature as well as valuable training opportunities. have a full-time Director, or Division Chief, on staff to the following section. When practical additional information, fulfill a variety of roles. Specifically, the Division Chief examples and case studies regarding the Plan’s specific The Division should develop a policy manual to outline should focus on: recommendations or policies have been included in the rules for employees, participants, and volunteers. The document’s appendix. manual should, at a minimum, include the following: •Coordinating park development, open space and greenways/trail recreation and conservation 1) Mission Statement projects 2) Safety policies for all facilities including first aid •Developing annual and long-term objectives Administration provisions •Creating parks development budgeting • Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive 3) Policies for inclement weather Soliciting funding from local, State, Federal and The Administration Element represents the foundation of the 4) Policies for unsupervised youth, transportation other sources Plan’s “blueprint” for success. The Element defines the rules, and other common program hazards •Preparing grant applications/develop funding principal roles and responsibilities for Fayette County‘s park 5) Promotion guidelines, such as a format for news sources for County activities as well as assisting and recreation provider, whether public, quasi-public or private-

Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, releases, and public service announcements municipalities and local interest groups such sector. Opportunities for inter-government cooperation and 6) Joint use agreements as necessary efforts pubic-private partnerships are identified and a set of policies to 7) policies for fees and charges, including policies for •Supervising and direct activities of the facility coordinate future planning activities is established. In addition non-residents supervisors, project coordinators, maintenance to the roles and responsibilities discussion, the Administration 8) Rental policies and fees personnel, etc. Element integrates recommendations into short-term and long-

Fayette 18 County

strategies. Many park and recreation agencies find Based upon these roles, the Division Chief should have a Multi-Municipal Cooperation this type of citizen-based advisory group is invaluable minimum of five (5) years experience with all facets of to pursuing and protecting long-term recreation and recreation planning including master planning conservation goals. implementation, facility management /construction, #5 Create the Recreation Alliance of Fayette (RAFT) Such a volunteer advisory group should be programming and budgeting. A candidate should also have The County should develop the Recreation Alliance comprised of representatives from the public (e.g. an educational degree in parks and recreation management of Fayette (RAFT) to encourage opening discussion County Planning Office, school districts), quasi-public and/or be certified to fulfill a professional recreation and among community recreation providers and improve (e.g. conservancies, historic groups) and private parks position (CPRP). the coordination and provisions of municipal and (e.g. business) recreation sectors and typically meet regional-scale programs and facilities throughout on a regular basis (monthly or bi-monthly year-round. Staffing Fayette County. RAFT’s objective is centered on In general, the role of the LARC is as follows: exchanging ideas, information and referrals.

Discussions can focus on any potential cooperative • Serve as a “sounding board” to the Parks and #4 Hire qualified support staff effort—from sharing equipment and buying bulk to Recreation Division Chief. As the Division Chief will be responsible for the creating a regional ATV facility. • Review and evaluate existing and future overall system of parks and natural resources in the programs, facilities and recreational services County, the assistance of other supporting staff will RAFT meetings can be structured to offer a forum to the County and communities provides. The be necessary. Some of these supporting discuss local and multi-municipal problems and Commission should also encourage the local responsibilities are able to be filled through the solutions—whether it is related to working effectively and regional scale stakeholders to develop County’s existing administrative structure. Personnel with volunteers, optimizing finances or honing new programs as needs/interests change. employed in these roles would be responsible for the leadership skills. following types of tasks (for which the Division Chief • Monitor the entire recreation and park system will be responsible for coordinating these tasks in the Membership which represents each of the County’s and make continual recommendations for short-term). 42 municipalities, whether individual or multi- improvements. The Commission should municipal, should be a goal of the Alliance. Meetings assist the Division in conducting a resident • Apply for construction permits as necessary of all members should occur bi-monthly or, at a survey every five years. Levels of quality and service of maintenance, signage and facility • Coordinate involvement and efforts of outside minimum, quarterly. Sub-committee groups, such as design could be evaluated. agencies, various community organizations the executive leadership (Chair, Vice-Chair, and special interest groups Secretary and Treasurer) should meet on months in • Become the proponent for recreation and park priorities, whether the priorities are park Recreation Recommendations • Recruit, train and direct volunteers between. Meeting locations should vary as members can host events their respective communities. The improvements or expansion of personnel. Develop and monitor program budgets • Alliance should organize periodic workshops on Moreover, the Commission should be • Plan and coordinate park maintenance issues that members would like to address-from prepared to attend community meetings to activities vandalism to marketing. The Alliance should also make presentations when necessary. • Supervise the use, storage and maintenance encourage the development of funding applications • Communicate Commission decisions to of equipment and supplies which address regional or multi-municipal projects. elected officials as recommendations. A • Coordinate equipment maintenance routine reporting of actions should be shared • Develop parks brochures, maps, schedules, A small membership fee could be charged to each with the Division and officials on a regular Parks and etc. participating municipality/organization to help with basis. • Conduct public relations activities basic expenses such as postage, paper supplies, copies and speakers. It is important that the LARC remain as apolitical as • Prepare for special events possible. They should apply, be interviewed, and be • Account for fees collected from various Public, Quasi-public and Private Stakeholders appointed by the County Commissioners. vendors Appointments should be made to those who exhibit a • Maintain time sheets and attendance records wide range of interests, not just a single interest area. • Maintain billing records #6 Establish a Local Advisory Recreation Commission The County should Establish a 12-member Local Order supplies and other materials Recognizably, this layer of decision-making will be • Advisory Recreation Commission (LARC) to assist require administrative duties of the County’s Division the County Commissioners and the County’s Division Staff (e.g. prepare reports and attend meetings). of Parks and Recreation to conceptualize, review The County should also be mindful of the assumption and refine long-term planning initiatives and funding

19 of some committee members about the LARC’s #14 Work with the agricultural community to optimize the recommendations for the next five (5) years through responsibility of their input as advisory not policy- location and proximity of Agricultural Security Areas, 2012. This meeting could generate a new enthusiasm making. County Staff will need to conduct an park and recreation facilities and open space in the community and the region for park and recreation orientation for each new appointee to be certain to be conservation/preservation areas. use and assist the County in ways to make (Parks and precise about their advisory task. The Pennsylvania Recreation) more financially feasible. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources #15 Continue the working agreements with Pennsylvania’s can provide materials about such citizen advisory Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission to #17 Develop a publicly accessible trail and greenway groups; these materials are very helpful to train manage fish and game populations within the County resource database appointed citizens about their responsibilities and to Park and open space areas. In addition to gathering and publishing data the County help staff understand how to best use this type of should establish a set of coordination guidelines that outreach. outline policies, procedures and timetables. The Facilities County Division of Parks and Natural Resources should Organizational Summary and Supporting Tasks monitor the availability of railroad rights-of-way and utility corridors as related to this Plan. Subsequently, The Facilities Element provides recommendations as to how the Division will serve as a technical clearinghouse for As part of parks and recreation administrative duties, the the County should meet its current and future park acreage and the planning and implementation of the trails and following recommended strategies should also be explored. distribution needs. The Element prioritizes needs based on greenways. Study Region and time and offers criteria for selecting

#7 Map recreation projects as they develop into the appropriate sites for future park and recreation facilities. The #18 Emphasize ADA accessibility improvements at the County’s GIS system. Element outlines a strategy for developing an integrated park County parks and continue to make ADA-related capital and recreation system through a coordinated network of trails improvements. In addition, the Division should advise #8 Create a County-wide Adopt-a-Park program that and greenways (See also Section 4: Greenways, Open Space municipal parks of improvement regulations with encourages private organizations and municipal groups and trails Recommendations). respect to local park and recreation facilities. to aid in municipal and County park maintenance and to

join in park safety efforts. Facility Enhancements #19 Upgrade the restroom facilities at the Dunlap Creek

Park and the Jacobs Creek Park #9 Create job descriptions which outline the roles and #16 Create 5-Year comprehensive management plans responsibilities of new and revised roles and Such a Plan for each County Park can ensure long-term #20 Survey all County Park boundaries and develop a responsibilities. protection of its natural, cultural and historic resources/ marker system for property identification.

character as well as to plan for short-term initiatives and #10 Create a conservation program (via voluntary land capital improvement projects. Goals and objectives for Rails to Trails dedication, steep slope and flood plain ordinance, resource management; each Management Plan should financial incentive, direct purchase) to protect include recommended techniques in preserving park environmentally sensitive lands and critical open space character; and Short-term capital improvements, cost #21 Monitor, through the County Division of Parks and areas. estimates and phasing plans. Recreation, the availability of railroad rights-of-way and The County has a previously developed master plan for utility corridors as related to future opportunities for #11 Define salaries of the County division’s professional the German-Masontown Regional Park, design plans linear parks, greenways and trails staff to remain competitive with comparable county and operations and maintenance plans for the Dunlap agencies. Creek Park. The U.S. Soil Conservation Service had Additional Park Lands last prepared such for Jacobs Creek Park in the 1970s. #12 Promote regionalization of neighborhood and Comprehensive Plans and Master Plans should community parks, under the guidance of the County’s generally be reviewed every five (5) years and revised #22 Convert underutilized active recreation and support Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Division of Parks and Natural Resources. The Division, as necessary to meet the changing needs of the facilities in all park and recreation facilities, County-wide through the Regional Alliance of Fayette (RAFT) and community. The County should convene a meeting with to passive open space areas the Local Advisory Recreation Commission (LARC) the volunteer groups involved with the present regional should encourage local municipalities to combine parks particularly the German-Masontown Recreation #23 Work with municipalities to provide future park and Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, facilities, programs and services/provisions, etc… Board, the Dunlap Creek Task Force Committee, and needs by adopting a proactive approach to controlling the Bullskin Township Supervisors, the U.S. Soil land in areas where “needs” have been demonstrated #13 Work with other State and County agencies to develop Conservation Service, and the Pennsylvania Fish cooperative efforts and coordinate planning/ Commission and evaluate the progress made on the This approach seeks to control lands suitable for park and development activities. plan and develop procedures to expedite the future recreational use as well as open space conservation/

Fayette 20 County preservation areas in advance of physical development. Size: Methods of control include mutual or joint-use agreements, A potential site should contain sufficient land as per the right-to-entry easements, land grant programs, municipal Park Classifications Standards in Part 6 and be of a zoning, land dedication, gifts, eminent domain or out-right suitable configuration to protect the park, and especially purchase. The following tables summarizes the County’s any environmentally sensitive areas, from acreage needs by time period, park classification and Study encroachment by incompatible peripheral uses and Region. Some Study Regions don’t possess a short or long- development. term need in any particular park classification and are accordingly denoted with a zero. The detailed analysis process Natural Features: and definitions of each park classification utilized in obtaining A potential site’s topography, vegetation, soil, water these values is outlined in Section 6 of this Plan. resources, climate and existing or potential water/ sanitary facilities should be suitable for the park use intended and should comply with any specific Table 1: Year 2000 Surpluses and Deficiencies development capability criteria for the proposed park classification. The presence of unique features such as Region prehistoric, historic or scenic resources, water features 123456Total Park Classification acres acres acres acres acres acres acres and flora and fauna habitats is considered desirable. This plan recommends preserving areas with Neighborhood/ concentrations of natural resources. Community 23 (20) (119) (15) 56 (5) (80) Metropolitan 527 183 167 (154) (26) 4701 #24 Institutionalize criteria and a process with which to Regional 221 503 1,927 (121) 564 1,963 5,057 Rails to Trails evaluate the long-term feasibility of new park, trail and open space proposals. #21 Monitor, through the County Division of Parks and Table 2: Year 2010 Surpluses and Deficiencies The County should work with local municipalities and regional recreation providers to secure or control only Recreation, the availability of railroad rights-of-way and Region sites which are determined to have multi-municipal utility corridors as related to future opportunities for 123456Total significance. This means that the site should attract linear parks, greenways and trails Park Classification acre acres acres acres acres acres acres users from several municipalities and be physically able Neighborhood/ to accommodate them. Additional Park Lands Recreation Recommendations Community 15 (27) (109) (37) 53 (10) (115) Furthermore, a potential site should be either capable of Metropolitan 517 173 180 (181) (30) (3) 656 #22 Convert underutilized active recreation and support Regional 221 466 1,979 (231) 548 1,936 4,919 meeting specialized needs that cannot be met at the facilities in all park and recreation facilities, County-wide municipal level or have resources which cannot be to passive open space areas protected at the municipal level due to size, overlapping

jurisdictions or administrative or operational capabilities. #23 Work with municipalities to provide future park and Table 3: Year 2030 Surpluses and Deficiencies Every proposal should be evaluated based on the needs by adopting a proactive approach to controlling following factors: land in areas where “needs” have been demonstrated Parks and Region

123456Total Location: This approach seeks to control lands suitable for park Park Classification acres acres acres acres acres acres acres Future park and recreation facilities should be located Neighborhood/ and recreational use as well as open space within Study Regions that exhibit a deficiency in parks Community 8 (32) (113) (47) 40 (10) (154) conservation/preservation areas in advance of physical and open space. Potential sites should serve primarily Metropolitan 507 168 175 (193) (46) (3) 608 development. Methods of control include mutual or the County residents living within the planned facility’s Regional 143 445 1,960 (279) 486 1,936 4,691 joint-use agreements, right-to-entry easements, land service area. Potential sites located in Study Regions grant programs, municipal zoning, land dedication, gifts, that exhibit a surplus of park and open space acreage eminent domain or out-right purchase. The following should be secured/controlled only through “opportunity.” tables summarizes the County’s acreage needs by time Opportunity relates to voluntary land dedications, gifts, period, park classification and Study Region. Some government grants and private sector contributions. Study Regions don’t possess a short or long-term need

in any particular park classification and are accordingly denoted with a zero. The detailed analysis process

21 utilized in obtaining these values is outlined in Section 6 This plan recommends preserving areas with #26 Incorporate native xeriscape (drought resistant) of this Plan. concentrations of natural resources. landscape treatments in the passive open space areas of all parks #24 Institutionalize criteria and a process with which to Access: Native landscape treatments reduce mowing and evaluate the long-term feasibility of new park, trail and Ideally there should be no public thoroughfares through irrigation requirements, minimize surface water run-off open space proposals. the site for ease of operation and optimum public safety. and provide suitable habitat for wildlife. The County should work with local municipalities and The site should have reasonable public access for its regional recreation providers to secure or control only intended use and should comply with the location sites which are determined to have multi-municipal criteria for its proposed park classification. Maintenance significance. This means that the site should attract users from several municipalities and be physically able Existing Site Development: The County has acquired and developed three regional parks to accommodate them. The existence of structures suitable for use, renovation (German-Masontown Park, Dunlap Creek Park, and Jacobs or expansion for park activities should be considered as Creek Park) since the early 1970’s. Many of the facilities in Furthermore, a potential site should be either capable of a positive site feature. The existence of structures these parks are thirty years old or older. The County has meeting specialized needs that cannot be met at the which, due to their condition or utility, would have to be provided a variety of minimal maintenance on these facilities municipal level or have resources which cannot be removed should be considered as a liability. over the years. Many of the facilities are showing their age. protected at the municipal level due to size, overlapping The County should establish an upgraded written operations jurisdictions or administrative or operational capabilities. and maintenance plan for each of these three facilities, Every proposal should be evaluated based on the particularly upgrading the operations and maintenance plans following factors: Costs: for Dunlap Creek Park and Jacobs Creek Park. It is cheaper to The cost of property acquisition and associated provide the necessary maintenance on these facilities than it is Location: purchase procedures including appraisals, closing costs to replace them. Good maintenance will often extend the life of Future park and recreation facilities should be located and where applicable condemnation proceedings and a park facility. within Study Regions that exhibit a deficiency in parks the estimated development, operating and maintenance and open space. Potential sites should serve primarily costs as offset by current and potential revenues must Staffing the County residents living within the planned facility’s be carefully evaluated. service area. Potential sites located in Study Regions that exhibit a surplus of park and open space acreage #25 Prepare a Forest Stewardship Plan for each County The Buildings and Grounds Office (Parks & Recreation) is a should be secured/controlled only through “opportunity.” Parks’ woodlands and/or open space labor intense operation. From the long term standpoint serious Opportunity relates to voluntary land dedications, gifts, Each Forest Stewardship Plan should: thought should be given to contain the existing labor force and government grants and private sector contributions. its associated wages and fringe benefits. Work procedures should be developed to improve the efficiency of the Office of • Inventory a park’s particular natural resources; Size: Buildings and Grounds ‘operations and labor saving equipment • Define goals and objectives for conservation; should be purchased and implemented. A potential site should contain sufficient land as per the and Park Classifications Standards on page __ and be of a • Detail management practices and activities for suitable configuration to protect the park, and especially #27 Increase the annual maintenance budget specific woodland programs. any environmentally sensitive areas, from Consideration should be given to enhance the County’s

encroachment by incompatible peripheral uses and current service approach with to respect park Identify natural resources (steep slopes, wetlands) that development. maintenance and operations by increasing the current require protection or enhancement, classify their annual maintenance budget by $40,000. The budget condition, and develop management guidelines for each Natural Features: increase should be used for additional maintenance resources use or protection. Work with the Fayette staff or for maintenance contracts with private vendors. Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive A potential site’s topography, vegetation, soil, water County Conservation District to develop detailed resources, climate and existing or potential water/ Maintenance contracts should be reserved for major specifications for resource preservation and sanitary facilities should be suitable for the park use capital improvements, specialized construction projects, conservation. Site designs and recommendations intended and should comply with any specific trash collection or septic improvements. evolving from each Forest Stewardship Plan will ensure Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, development capability criteria for the proposed park forest resources are utilized or enhanced appropriately classification. The presence of unique features such as #28 Obtain applicable licensing and in accordance with defined land uses. Typical prehistoric, historic or scenic resources, water features The County expends a considerable amount of labor elements found within a Forest Stewardship Plan are and flora and fauna habitats is considered desirable. trim mowing. The County should consider having the outlined in the Appendix. This palette of elements County Manager or his designate obtain a Public should be customized to fit each particular park site. Chemical Applicators License with a “Parks Category”

Fayette 22 County

to apply and/or train other employees as technicians to Policies Operations apply herbicides and weed killers throughout the County

Parks to lessen or eliminate trim mowing. The #33 Conduct annual inspections with written follow-up purchase of the chemical “Round Up” and associated #30 Develop a Procedures and Policy Handbook The County Manager or his designate should conduct herbicides, the purchase of three gallon hand tank The County should develop a procedures and policy an annual inspection of the three regional parks and sprayers and the purchase of a fifty or two hundred fifty handbook. This manual should have employee input. It develop a written check list of the “work to be gallon tank sprayer, and the labor required to apply the should identify the County’s maintenance standards and performed” to the Department of Buildings and Grounds chemicals, will greatly reduce the amount of time the maintenance tasks necessary to keep the park and (Parks and Recreation). It is recommended that this needed for trim mowing and string trimmer operations. recreation facilities and programs in good operating inspection be conducted prior to the fall budget process Herbicides could also be applied to the flower gardens, order. This manual would streamline operating so monies needed for materials, equipment, etc. can shrub planters, road guide rails, and signs to reduce procedures. The manual would instruct workers on the be included as part of the budget request process. A and/or eliminate weeding. procedures and man hours needed to perform certain list of projects completed in the parks should be functions. Operations are better facilitated when employees know what equipment, materials, number of provided to the County Commissioners and the County #29 Optimize mowing men and man-hours an operation requires. Controller on an annual basis to assure them the The County could investigate the contracting of the County tax dollars have been properly expended. application of chemicals. The County’s Office of #31 Develop written operational pans Buildings and Grounds maintenance personnel and The County should develop a written annual, monthly, #34 Promote and achieve playground safety three prisoners expend five days per week mowing and weekly operational plan. This plan should also Over 150,000 children across the nation annually are County properties. The good park maintenance have employee input. This Department should post treated in hospital emergency rooms for playground- operation generally doesn’t spend more than three to these plans in a variety of locations to give workers a related injuries. To reduce the occurrence and severity three and one half days per week mowing its facilities, sense of the work to be performed during that month or of playground injuries, the United States Consumer allowing a day and a half to two days to perform other week. This would reduce preparation time at the Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American needed maintenance tasks. Based on the age and beginning of shifts when workers are preparing for the Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) have condition of the present mowing equipment and a need day’s work. The policy and procedures manual would established general guidelines for new and existing for a future capital expenditure for mowing equipment, it detail the number of men and man-hours needed for playgrounds and technical guidelines for equipment and is recommended the County consider the following specific operations. These work plans could be surfacing which, if followed, will dramatically reduce the options: developed in the form of check lists where an employee number of playground injuries. The Commonwealth of

could check off the work as completed. This plan would Pennsylvania has not adopted these guidelines as law, • Purchase a diesel tractor/mower (4x4) with a ten or

establish a 12 month maintenance schedule and but the Courts in Pennsylvania are following them to Recreation Recommendations twelve feet out front rotary mower with a zero prioritize the park and recreation operations to insure determine a municipality’s liability in law suits. Law turning radius; retain the best existing tractor/ the park and recreation facilities are clean, well- suits are an unwanted financial drain on community mower as trim mower; reduce mowing time. maintained, and safe. See the Appendix April resources, particularly losing one. Expend the time saved on other park maintenance Maintenance Check List. needs. Fayette County should develop a “Risk Reduction Plan

for Playgrounds” program and update all of the County’s Or Volunteers playgrounds to the current (CPSC) and (ASTM) safety

standards. The program should continue the County’s Parks and • Contract the mowing operations to a private #32 Promote volunteerism to assist in clean-ups present program to update the play areas in its regional contractor. Eliminate the existing mowing In addition to hired staff, the County could create a parks. An associated risk management plan should be equipment and reduce associated operation costs. “Friends of the Parks” Program where volunteers are developed. The County’s insurance provider should be The one remaining staff person will complete the encouraged to help maintain the park and recreation able to help the County develop this plan. This program other park maintenance functions or associated facilities and operations and initiate an “Eager Beaver could be based on Points about Playgrounds: A buildings and grounds functions. Day” in April. Individuals from the neighborhoods and Compilation of Significant Information, National Parks nd volunteer organizations can come to the park to clean and Recreation Association (Monty Christiansen, ed, 2 The County should consider establishing mow lines in and prepare the park and recreation facilities for season edition, 1995) and/or Playground Safety is No Accident, the parks to reduce unnecessary mowing to reduce use. A similar activity could occur in the Fall season as Developing a Public Playground Safety and operation costs. There are many areas in the parks that well. Maintenance Program, National Park and Recreation are unnecessarily mowed. These areas could provide Association (Kenneth S. Kutska, Kevin J. Hoffman, nesting areas for the wildlife if left unmowed. rd Antonio Malkusak, 3 edition, 2002)

23 The County Manager or his designate should conduct with a private contractor, or develop the program with show the senior citizen population is going to an annual Spring Safety Walk visiting and inspecting one of the neighboring townships where the regional significantly grow in the next fifteen (15) years. the County owned facilities for safety. The safety park is located that surface treat roads on an annual problems should be identified and placed on a check list basis. This program will pay long term dividends. #39 Continue to foster present programs with the for work to be performed. A time frame for corrections Pennsylvania Fish Commission, the Pennsylvania should be made. The list would be checked off when Game Commission and Pennsylvania Department of the corrections are made. The County should consider Programming, Promotion and Conservation and Natural Resources ordering the following manuals and information to develop this “annual spring safety walk”: Handbook for Public Awareness The County, in joining with municipalities, should

Public Playground Safety, U.S. Consumer Product continue to support programming efforts sponsored by Safety Commission, Washington, D.C., (1994), Programming outlines the recommended strategies to market the state’s Game Commission and Fish and Boat Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification parks and recreational amenities County-wide and to Commissions. These types of programs typically for Playground Equipment for Public Use, F1487-01 and simultaneously strengthen public awareness and support for provide unique and cost-effective options for residents Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of parks, recreation and open space. Specific marketing and and visitors. Surface Systems Under and Around Playground promotional venues or opportunities are detailed. Equipment, F1292, ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, Subsequently, promotion opportunities, performance Furthermore, as the Department of Conservation and Conshohocken PA 19428, and Safety First Checklist, benchmarks and staffing needs are quantified as related to the Natural Resources pursues planning efforts in the Audit & Inspection Program for Children’s Play Areas, County’s Division of Parks and Natural Resources. Commonwealth’s Laurel Highlands region, it is MIG Communications, 800 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, encouraged that the County and local municipalities nd

CA 94710 (Sally McIntyre and Susan M. Goltsman, 2 stay abreast and involved in related discussions to

edition, 1997). Cooperative Outreach ensure there is clear understanding of proposed regional conservation landscape initiatives and #35 Develop cooperative maintenance agreements investments. The County should consider developing an #37 Encourage Municipal-School District cooperation intergovernmental program with its municipalities where The County should take the lead and encourage the Marketing services, training, and equipment are shared. It could School Districts to develop inter-cooperative be set up similar to Penn DOT Agility Program or a “fee agreements with the local municipalities throughout the for service” program. County to share facility use and develop after school #40 Develop a signage program programs and summer recreation programs for the As many County residents have expressed they are #36 Create long-term paving programs for parks youth. See the Appendix for Program Opportunities. unfamiliar with the locations of the County’s parks, the Road and parking area maintenance are considered design and installation of a signage system for parks “big ticket” items for parks and recreation operations. National statistics show that cities that have reduced and recreation facilities is a fundamental component of Park roads and parking areas are not considered high and ended their summer recreation and playground the County’s future outreach. A unified signage speed travel areas and often do not require asphalt programs see their public safety costs regarding program designating appropriate wayfinding between paving. The County should develop a long term juvenile crime and delinquency escalate 300% to 800% local and County facilities should be developed. maintenance program for the County’s roads and for the similar time period. The municipality’s money Several communities, such as Connellsville, how have parking areas in the park and recreation areas. It is would be better spent funding these summer programs. taken initiatives to orient residents and visitors toward recommended that the County develop a long term Many working parents in the local municipalities rely on places of recreational and cultural significance. Bituminous Surface Treatment and/or a Bituminous these structured programs to keep their children out of Seal Coating Program to maintain the County’s park harm’s way while they are away at work during the Sign designs, as identified by the principles of DCNR’s access roads and parking areas. It is cheaper to summer months or during after school hours when the Heritage Parks Program wayfinding system, should be kids don’t have school. considered. Cost sharing opportunities could also be

Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive surface treat or seal coat these areas rather than asphalt them. An excellent plan would be to bituminous explored through sponsorships from other public and/or surface treat these areas for two consecutive years, #38 Promote activities and interaction among seniors private recreation providers who are in the general then bituminous surface treat or seal coat these areas The County should be encouraged to develop facilities vicinity of proposed signs. and programming in the County to meet the needs of Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, every four years, thereafter. The program should be designed and phased so all of the areas don’t come due the senior citizens throughout the County. The County #41 Initiate a marketing and promotion campaign to for treatment at the same time but in an affordable should encourage the local municipalities to follow their increase and expand public awareness and education fashion. The County could initiate this plan with Penn suit. The installation of walking trails and park benches about the benefits of recreating DOT as part of an agility program, contract the program in the parks would greatly encourage senior citizen Marketing and promotion can take on many forms, attendance in the parks. County census figures are including compiling a program brochure for each

Fayette 24 County season of the year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. each year. Cable companies are required by federal Building). Donate profits to a special park fund and The four-season format will require new print services law to produce and air numerous local public service acknowledge the proceeds on the cards (for example, by bid, so the new position should prepare programs. Typically, cable companies are seeking the back of each card could read “proceeds benefit the specifications annually. The program brochures will ideas, so it might as well be Fayette County Parks as Park Improvement Fund”). It is important to realize that need to be budgeted also. Be sure to develop the most the subject matter for at least one production each year. the fundraising aspect of this idea is less significant specific information for each season’s program Try to pick a subject best told in video; that is, select than the promotional value. Many park visitors would brochure. Study ways to distribute the brochure to the beautiful or unusual sights. Try to avoid interview delight in purchasing note cards to send to their friends public. Some agencies simply print their seasonal programs and the big crowd events, which are already which depicts their favorite park bench or their favorite program in a newspaper, while others bulk-mail them to covered by the television stations. fishing spot. households. Some distribute through schools (although it is not recommended since it eliminates older and Develop a current mailing list for the print media and Develop a Division of Parks and Natural Resources web younger households). broadcast media to be targeted. Update the list every 2 site. In addition, promote links about County park, months. Contact each media contact to request how recreation open space, greenways and trail Create a regular news release format for each program and when they prefer to receive releases or public opportunities on existing information on the Internet and/or service. Many news editors rely on press service announcements. (Some may now prefer to (web pages for Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau). releases almost as much as they count on material receive faxes or even e-mails instead of hard copy) developed from their staff writers. Send releases to Invite a reporter to one of the parks for a tour Distribute County Park system information through the print media at least 2 weeks prior to each program/ occasionally, so they can observe firsthand some of the local municipalities, schools, Chambers of Commerce service weeks if advance registration is required). Be Division’s concerns and accomplishments. Guarantee and other County-oriented service organizations. sure each news release contains who, what, where, a timely response to the press and their questions. when, and how much for the fee amount. Be sure to list Understand that when the press needs information, they a contact person should the reporter or editor need need it immediately. Be the conduit to the sources. Funding additional information. Compile a display to take to local shopping centers and Obtain Funding Routinely, perhaps monthly, brainstorm positive feature the Uniontown Mall on a weekend at least once each story ideas for the print media and follow through. year to promote special projects. For example, one Educate all staff members to contribute to this year- year feature new construction projects, and another Similar to many planning efforts, a principal factor in the round effort. Compile enough solid ideas to pitch a year feature unique offerings such as the Friends of the implementation of recommended actions is having adequate sound story at least every month all year; some months Parks’ Eager Beaver Days activities. fiscal resources. To help fund Getting Outside, the County may naturally generate extra ideas. Highlight special Follow-up each grant announcement and award should consider the following: Recreation Recommendations accomplishments of staff (service on a special announcement with a photo for media distribution. This committee, e.g.), or tell a human interest story about an not only provides an opportunity for the elected officials #42 Use grant monies to fund major maintenance and active volunteer. Have a specialist on the staff give a to recognize their part in supporting the parks and capital improvement projects throughout the park helpful hint or suggestion. Always share results of recreation, but also reminds the public the high esteem system. surveys; those that affect large numbers of readers in which the Division is held statewide. Try to utilize key fascinate the public and media. End result of the story people at the highest echelons as well as those The County should work with community stakeholders will usually be a written feature story. However, it could performing the very basic contribution, such as key to finance the control and development of County and also be an invitation for an interview by the press, or an volunteers. other regionally-oriented park facilities by using Parks and invitation for a “behind-the-scenes” look at an operation corporate gifts, grants and cooperative agreements with by a photographer. Consider producing cards or postcards featuring an the private-sector. Alternative sources of funding can artist’s rendering of a park setting (pen and ink sketches be used for land acquisition, planning and cooperative Create a public service announcement format for or photographs, for example) to market as a activities. These programs typically require a cost broadcast media (radio and television), also to be used promotional tool. A painting or photography contest share. The County’s labor costs will often fulfill the local for each program, facility’s opening, or service. Be sure also could be sponsored. Stationary or note cards with cost share. the format is short and to the point. A radio matching envelopes can be printed typically for under announcement, for example, will permit the most brief $200 per 1000 quantity. These can be sold in sets of Alternative revenue sources should be used as a information (usually only where and when). 20 for $10 (or 60% profit). Consider using a volunteer compliment to the Division’s existing grant sources. artist to perform the camera-ready artwork; many would These existing sources should be used primarily to Contact the cable television company to discuss special do so for the exposure or to publicly display their finance County park facility improvements. feature production opportunities at the beginning of artwork (at the County Courthouse or Public Service

25 #43 Introduce an amusement tax #48 Seek advertising support Utility costs are going up. The use of energy saving It should be noted that funding for some of the Plan’s Tourism and local recreation and parks are closely devices should be incorporated into both the existing recommendations, particularly most of the new related in Fayette County. The County contracts with and future park facilities and programs. personnel, ought to be borne by county tax resources. the Laurel Highlands Visitor Center to promote tourism While a circuit rider might be an avenue to assist one of in Fayette County. The agency markets tourism outside The County should closely monitor fuel costs related the positions (See Section 5), the County needs to fund of Fayette County. The County should develop a plan with the maintenance of the park facilities with fuel the Division Chief and Supporting Staff on a long-term to market its’ large variety of recreation and leisure prices escalating nearly 125% over the three years. basis. The same is true for adding restrooms in parks; facilities and programs to both tourists and its local The monies extended for the general care and the the initial expense to design and build them may be residents. This can be accomplished by creating a maintenance of the park and recreation facilities and able to be shared with other funding sources. But the quarterly or semi-annual attachment to the local equipment have remained flat or slightly increased over on-going maintenance expenditure to keep them usable newspapers with copies delivered to both the local the past five years. Serious attention should be paid to for families visiting the parks ought to be funded through newspaper subscribers and to the primary tourist more fully fund these operations as it is cheaper to tax sources. These are the commitments necessary to attractions. These attachments would be fully funded maintain a facility than replace it. continue to operate a professional park and recreation by advertisements. The attachment would feature the department in the future; they need to be anchored in a different primary attractions and well as provide a #50 Developing a Capital Equipment Reserve Fund as part safe funding base. calendar of events and directions to the local program of the County budget process facilities and events. Both will benefit from this type of The fund would pay for the equipment needed to The amusement tax or similar recreation-oriented tax, advertisement. Westmoreland County has been able to operate and maintain the park and recreation facilities. as enabled by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, reach nearly 90,000 of its 150,000 local households in The fund would be based on a five year Capital could be implemented by either County or local entities the County with this type of marketing technique. For Equipment Plan. The cost of the expenditures would be on uses that are geared toward visitors, thus enabling information on this program contact Westmoreland balanced over years as part of the budget process and users of recreation, which are largely from out of the County Parks at 724-830-3950 or 724-830-3951. expended solely based on need and availability of County, to support this revenue stream. monies. Unspent monies would carry over from year to year. The fund would be identified as a separate item #44 Develop fees and charges Annual and Long-Term Budgeting removed from the budget with expenditures scrutinized To offset the costs of operations including maintenance, annually based on the capital equipment plan. The the County should establish a reservation fee program capital equipment plan would be updated biannually. for pavilion use at Dunlap Creek Park and Jacobs The County has acquired and developed three regional parks Creek Park. and trails in the County primarily relying on Federal and State grant funding with the local cost share being provided by #45 Develop programs in the parks foundations or local non-profit organizations. To offset the costs of operations, program fees in most park and recreation operations can generally provide 50 #49 Review contracts percent or more of the revenues necessary to operate The County collects no revenues to off-set its expenses and maintain the park facilities. resulting from the parks and recreation operations. The County contracts the grounds maintenance and clean #46 Create an Endowment Fund up of Jacobs Creek Park with “Goodwill.” The County The fund would be designed to provide monies to off- should regularly check and scrutinize the maintenance set the costs of future development, programming, operations under this contract to insure the work is operations, and maintenance. It should be marketed being properly performed. This contract does not through the County Bar Association where wills are release the County of its liability for the facilities at the park.

Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive being developed and the local mortuary associations.

#47 Develop a five year major maintenance/capital Fayette County has a collective bargaining agreement improvement plan for the parks with the Service International Employees Union (SEIU) which expires in December, 2009. It will have a direct Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, This plan would specifically identify how and when that particular project would be targeted for funding and on increases in department wages, overtime, and fringe completion. benefit expenditures. Depending on contractual obligations, direct costs (wages) will likely increase over the next five years. However, fringe benefit costs will dramatically grow with increases in medical insurance.

Fayette 26 County

Recreation Recommendations Parks and

27 Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space,

Fayette 28 County

Parks and Greenways Master Plan #51 Preparing an Annual Report The Division Chief should prepare an “Annual Park and Recreation Report” for elected official review. The report should indicate the completion status of the Plan’s recommendations and should detail a schedule for those to be addressed over the next year. It is recommended that the report is presented to elected officials in the early fall before the next year’s proposed budget is re- viewed and adopted.

The Parks and Greenways Master Plan illustrated to the left identified the location and relationship of existing and proposed resource improvements. Recommendations identified as part of this Com- prehensive planning document are embodied to the greatest extent possible within the Master Plan graphic.

Additional information about proposed specific greenways, open space and trail efforts is out- lined in the following Section. Recreation Recommendations Parks and

29 Section 4 Open Space, Greenways and Trails Recommendations local, regional and State-wide conservation and recreation Purpose and Goals planning initiatives. General Planning Approach

Purpose of the Greenway Plan The Pennsylvania Greenways Partnership Commission (Partnership) was created in 1998 to support the Secretary of The Approach the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural The Open Space, Greenways and Trails component of Getting Resources (DCNR) in the promotion of greenways throughout To define the County’s greenway network, a geographic Outside presents a series of analyses and recommendations Pennsylvania. DCNR’s Pennsylvania Greenways: An Action information system (GIS) was the primary technical tool used for implementing both conservation and recreation projects and Plan for Creating Connections includes strategic approach to for the project’s inventory and analysis phase. This first policies. This component of the County’s Plan also has been the development of greenways in the State. This Action Plan phase’s main steps include analyzing opportunities. The created as a tool to unify the County, its municipalities and the defines the following vision for Pennsylvania’s greenways: second phase, recommendations, presents the components of development community. the County’s comprehensive greenway network. A series of “Pennsylvania and its many partners will develop an specific Corridor Projects, actions and tools for implementing How Fayette County can, through the enhancement of its outstanding network of greenways across the these opportunities are outlined. existing natural resources, best leverage its assets and improve Commonwealth, creating an asset highly valued by the quality of life within all of its communities? As part of this Section a series of discussions are presented about how Pennsylvanians and enhancing the quality of life for all. This network of greenways will connect Pennsylvania’s greenways can be identified and what types of actions will be Analyzing Opportunities needed in order for the this network of open spaces, greenways open space, natural landscape features, scenic, cultural, and trails to be realized. historic and recreational sites, and urban and rural communities. Greenways will become one of the Introduction Commonwealth’s most powerful tools to achieve This section details the step-by-step approach used in What is a Greenway? sustainable growth and livable communities.” completing the Plan’s analyses. The three initial steps of this approach include: A greenway is a linear corridor of land connecting natural • Creating Background Mapping; resources, open spaces and man-made characteristics. PA Potential Greenway Plan Goals • Establishing Criteria; and DCNR identifies greenways as “Linear corridors of public and • Identifying Greenway Elements. private land that serve as the linkages between specifically In context of the State’s identified greenway initiatives, other identified natural resource-based or manmade features. They surrounding Counties’ evolving greenway systems and Fayette Natural resource and infrastructure data, ranging from land can be either land-based [greenways] or water-based County’s pattern of natural resources, several greenway-related coverage and utilities to stream quality and woodland areas, [blueways] and serve a variety of functions and benefits planning goals emerge: were mapped and evaluated. Other data sources were used including recreation, transportation, community revitalization including state and federal agencies, the County’s GIS and economic development, natural resource conservation, • Establish an integral network to improve residents’ inventory, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s environmental protection, wildlife habitat and migration and accessibility between the County’s eastern and western regional Natural Infrastructure GIS database and non- education. These corridors often follow old railways, canals, landscape. governmental organizations’ available resource analyses, such ridge tops, rivers and stream valleys.” as the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s biological diversity

• Link Fayette County’s greenway opportunities with area information. Fayette County’s identified greenways are comprised of those in surrounding Counties. recreation and conservation-oriented corridors and open Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Topography influences the planning and accessibility of spaces. Furthermore, these greenways with or without trails • Market greenways to expand tourism opportunities as a greenways. The location of stream valleys, ridgelines and course through urban, suburban and rural landscapes to create means of strengthening local economies. other landform features can often define the extent of these an integrated network of resources. corridors. Because digitally-formatted data was not available

Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, for all of the County’s geographic characteristics, GIS mapping As a system of these interconnected resources is established was created by digitizing paper maps and other sources. One within the County, opportunity arises to develop greenway example of this is “ridgelines.” Ridgeline information was connections across county boundaries. Consequently, Fayette visually identified and digitized using United States Geological County’s identified greenway projects contribute to forwarding Survey topographic information. All background mapping

Fayette 30 County graphics and summary descriptions are included within Section An illustration of the locations of these characteristics when 6 of the Plan. layered together is found on the following map “Unweighted Natural Resource Composite Map.“ Darker areas represent the Once the individual patterns of the County’s various resources presence of a greater number of resources whereas lighter were identified, each map was “layered” on top of one another areas represent the presence of fewer resources. This map to identify potential areas rich in resources. These resource served as the first building block in establishing resource rich areas were further evaluated to determine if there were any criteria to formulate Getting Outside’s first greenway planning characteristics which may have a greater influence on concepts. enhancing the quality of open spaces whether it be for the benefit of future recreation, development and/or habitat The resources were then “weighted” based upon their conservation. Based upon feedback gained from the project’s sensitivity to human use and/or human impact. The “Weighted Steering Committee as well as the public, the characteristics of Natural Resource Composite Map” depicts the areas Fayette County which were determined to fit this criteria include determined to be the least to most sensitive. In general, those the following: areas of higher sensitivity were further evaluated for their potential relevance and inclusion in the County’s overall 1) Natural or “Green” Infrastructure greenways and open space network. • State Forests, State Gamelands State Parks, County/ Local Parks • Federal Parks/Lands • Biological Diversity Areas • Important Bird and Animal Areas • Wetlands • Flood Plains • Lakes and Ponds • Water Trails • High Value Streams • Exceptional Value Streams • Flatwater/Whitewater Streams • Slopes > or equal to 25% Open Space,Greenwaysand • Ridge-Tops Trails Recommendations

2) Man Made or “Gray” Infrastructure • Historic Sites • Utility Corridors • Off Road Trails • Active Railroads • Abandoned Railroads

31 Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Unweighted Natural Resource Composite Map This map served as the first building block in establishing resource criteria to formulate Getting Outside’s first greenway planning concepts. Darker areas represent the presence of a Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, greater number of resources whereas lighter areas represent the presence of fewer resources.

Fayette 32 County

Open Space,Greenwaysand Trails Recommendations

Weighted Composite Map The criteria identified in creating the Fayette County’s Open Space, Greenways and Trail Plan Component were then assigned weighted values based on their sensitivity to human use. The values ranged from 5 (most sensitive) to 1 (least sensitive). The table above illustrates the components and their weighted value. The Weighted Criteria are then used to construct a composite of highly sensitive areas. The darker the shading, the higher the sensitivity of resources in a given area.

33 Project Corridors Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive In consideration of the weighted natural resources analysis and relationship of existing and planned greenways (both recreation the County’s existing trail network/system, a diagram of future and conservation) in surrounding counties of Pennsylvania, West greenways corridors, or Project Corridors was established. This Virginia and Maryland. Fayette County’s greenways are a

Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, diagram, shown above, illustrates more than two dozen greenway significant component of interconnectivity between planning corridors identified in the County. Each corridor is identified and efforts in the tri-state area. color-coded based upon its relevance to recreation, conservation or a combination thereof. The general characteristics of each Corridor is outlined on the following pages. A significant factor in the proposed alignment and location of several potential greenway corridors within Fayette County is the

Fayette 34 County

Open Space,Greenwaysand Trails Recommendations

Threat Analysis Recognizably, a corridor’s success and feasibility of challenge to achieving the Project Corridor’s improvements. For implementation is directly affected by development opportunities • Proximity to public water service; the purposes of this analysis, those greenways which are scenic adjacent to the corridor. The existence of development • Proximity to public sanitary service; routes, were not considered to be impacted by the presence or opportunities may challenge the possibility of the corridor’s lack of presence of this assessment’s criteria. • Location within densely populated areas; and greenway success. This Project Corridor Threat Analysis Map identifies the potential degree of “threat” along each of the greenway corridors. Reflecting upon the County’s existing The severity of “threats” is determined by the number of criteria comprehensive land use, parks and recreation planning initiatives, that overlay a Project Corridor. As the number of criteria criteria considered in this evaluation include: existing along a Corridor increase, there is a higher potential

35 Project Corridor Types Type III: Improved/Maintained Dirt Trail Type V: Water Trail The other major component of defining the County’s greenways Medium impact trails; blazed/marked; multi-purpose trail Mapped and identified water routes with public access at least network is evaluating and assigning the “type” of greenway approximately 6’ every five miles corridor that is desired. To properly plan for and improve Project Corridor areas, each corridor is one of six different corridor types.

Within Fayette County, there are corridors that have no impact to the landscape to those that will or currently do include maintained, paved trails. Each project corridor’s type was determined based on the nature of the underlying intent for a greenway to be used for recreation or conservation. The six Corridor Types include:

Type I: Open Space No constructed trails; unblazed/unmarked; public access permitted

Type IV: Improved/Maintained Crushed Aggregate/Asphalt Type VI: Scenic Corridor Trail Vehicular-oriented corridors with historical and/or cultural High impact trails; blazed/marked; multipurpose trail significance approximately 6’10’ wide

Type II: Maintained Dirt Trail Light impact trails; blazed/marked; pedestrian trail approximately 2’ wide

Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive

Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space,

Fayette 36 County

Executive Summary

Project Corridor Types In keeping with the spirit of the County’s rural nature, a majority of The map above illustrates the proposed Corridor Type for each of corridors are proposed to be improved for pedestrian use but the recreation and conservation oriented greenways that create remain unpaved. the County’s network. Factors which have influenced each of these designations are existing trail construction, slated trail As opportunity arises in the long-term, however, the County could projects and potential connections with greenways in surrounding convert the improved/maintained dirt trail (Type IV) forming the Counties. Sheepskin Trail to become a hard surfaced trail as similar to that seen on the Yough River Greenway/Great Allegheny Passage.

37 Project Corridors

Table 4: Corridor Network Total Project Type of Length # Name Corridor PurposeCorridor (miles) Threat Level Descri ption Connections to Other Greenwa ys/Trails 1 Mon River Trail Conservation/ IV, V 49 Low to High Travels the length of the County's western border along the Sheepskin Trail, Forbes Wildlife Corridor, Recreation Monongahela River. Includes numerous scenic and historic North Brown's Run Trail, South Brown's Run sites, including Patsy Hillman Park and the Belle Vernon Trail, Masontown/Brownsville Trail, Cokeworks. Connects the historic districts of Belle Vernon, Yough/Mon Link, U.S. 40 Scenic Corridor Brownsville, and Brownsville Northside, and passes through a number of different State Gamelands.

2 Yough/Mon Link Conservation I 6 Moderate to Serves as an important link between two major greenway Mon River Trail, Yough River High projects. Connects Fayette City Borough and Perryopolis Greenway/Allegheny Passage Borough. 3 Redstone/Yough Connector Conservation/ II 9 Highest Serves as an important link between two major greenway Yough River Greenway/Allegheny Passage, Recreation projects. Connects Perryopolis Borough and Brownsville North Brown's Run Trail Borough. 4 North Brown's Run Trail Recreation IV 30 High to Travels through some of Fayette County's most populated Mon River Trail, Redstone/Yough Connector, Highest areas along North Brown's Run stream corridor. Connects Southern Coal and Coke Heritage Trail, Brownsville Borough, Uniontown City and Masontown Sheepskin Trail, Dunlap Creek Trail, Borough. Masontown/Brownsville Trail, South Brown's Run Trail, U.S. 40 Scenic Corridor

5 Dunlap Creek Greenway Conservation I 7 High to Serves Dunlap Creek Park in a suburban area of Fayette Masontown/Brownsville Trail, North Brown's Highest County. Run Trail 6 Masontown/Brownsville Trail Recreation III 13 Highest Serves Brownsville Borough and a Biological Diversity Area Mon River Trail, Dunlap Creek Greenway, south of town. Connects a number of important historic North Brown Run's Trail sites, including the Mon Railway Bridge, Saint Peter's Church, Bowman's Castle, and Dunlap's Creek Bridge.

7 South Brown's Run Trail Recreation IV 8 Moderate to Skirts Mason German park as it travels between the Mon Mon River Trail, North Brown's Run Trail, Highest River and Sheepskin Trails. Accesses Leckrone #2 Company Sheepskin Trail Town, an interesting historical site.

8 Forbes Wildlife Corridor Conservation I 33 Moderate to Travels the width of southern Fayette County. Visits the Mon River Trail, Sheepskin Trail, Chestnut Highest many Biological Disversity Areas. Passes through Forbes Ridge Wildlife Corridor, SoFay Trail, Yough State Forest and several State Gamelands as well. River Greenway/Great Allegheny Passage, Experiences significant elevation change as it connects the Ohiopyle Scenic Corridor, Laurel Hill New Geneva Historic District in the east to Ohiopyle Greenway, Yough Dam Trail, U.S. 40 Scenic Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Borough at its western terminus. Corridor 9 Sheepskin Trail Recreation IV 32 High Parallels US 119. Passes through the heart of Uniontown. Mon River Trail, Forbes Wildlife Corridor, South Brown's Run Trail, North Brown's Run

Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, Trail, Great Allegheny Passage/Yough River Trail, U.S. 40 Scenic Corridor

Corridor Improvement Types: I: Open Space - unblazed / unmarked; public access permitted IV: Improved / Maintained Crushed Aggregate / Asphalt Trail - blazed / marked; multipurpose trail approximately 6'-10' wide II: Maintained Dirt Trail - blazed / marked; pedestrian trail approximately 2' wide V: Water Trail - public access points III: Improved / Maintained Dirt Trail - blazed / marked; multipurpose trail approximately 6' wide VI: Scenic Corridor - Vehicular routes Fayette 38 County

Total Project Type of Length # Name Corridor PurposeCorridor (miles) Threat Level Descri ption Connections to Other Greenwa ys/Trails 10 Chestnut Ridge Wildlife Corridor Conservation I 34 Lowest to Low Spans Fayette County from the North to the South on one of Jacob's Creek Greenway, Laurel Highlands the County's most prominent ridgelines. Classified as Greenway, Normalville Connector, conservation because of the unique habitat serving a wide Allegheny County Passage/Yough River Trail, variety of plants and animals. Chestnut Ridge Connector, Ohiopyle Scenic Corridor, Forbes Wildlife Corridor, U.S. 40 Scenic Corridor 11 Southern Coal and Coke Heritage Trail Recreation IV 20 Low to Highest Celebrates Fayette County's industrial history as it follows Jacob's Creek Greenway, Yough River abandoned rail lines through lands that were once home to Greenway/Great Allegheny Passage, North thousands of beehive coal ovens. Passes through many Brown's Run Trail historic company towns as well as the heart of Connellsville. Accesses Jacob's Creek Park and the Fayette County Fairgrounds. 12 Yough River Greenway/ Great Allegheny Passage Recreation V 43 Low to Highest Functions as a section of the Great Allegheny Passage, which Jacob's Creek Greenway, Yough/Mon Link, runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. Provides Redstone/Yough Connector, Southern Coal access to Connellsville City, Ohiopyle State Park and the and Coke Trail, Sheepskin Trail, Chestnut Preserve. Follows a former railroad corridor, Ridge Wildlife Corridor, Indian Creek Valley paralleling the Youghiogheny River for its entire length in Trail, Chestnut Ridge Connector, Ohiopyle Fayette County. Scenic Corridor, Laurel Hill Greenway, Forbes Wildlife Corridor, Yough Dam Trail

13 Jacob's Creek Greenway Recreation IV 22 Lowest to Runs along Jacob's Creek which forms the border with Yough River Greenway/Allegheny Passage, Open Space,Greenwaysand Highest Westmoreland County to the north. Offers access to Jacob's Southern Coal and Coke Trail, Chestnut Trails Recommendations Creek Park as well as a number of State Gamelands. Ridge Wildlife Corridor Provides connections to Westmoreland County greenway projects as well as Bridgeport Dam County Park.

14 Laurel Highlands Greenway Conservation I 11 Low to Highest Traverses a relatively unpopulated section of northeast Chestnut Ridge Wildlife Corridor, Indian Fayette County. Creek Valley Trail, Laurel Hill Greenway, S.R. 381 Scenic Corridor 15 Normalville Connector Conservation/ II 7 Lowest Provides an important link between two more substantial Chestnut Ridge Wildlife Corridor, Indian Recreation greenway projects. Creek Valley Trail 16 Indian Creek Valley Trail Recreation III 17 Low Parallels serene Indian Creek. Accesses State Gamelands, Laurel Highlands Greenway, Normalville the Mill Run Reservoir, and a number important Biological Connector, Laurel Ridge Passage, Yough Diversity Areas. Visits the Melcroft Historic District. River Greenway/Great Allegheny Passage

17 Laurel Ridge Passage Conservation/ II 4 Low Provides an important link between two more substantial Indian Creek Valley Trail, Laurel Hill Recreation greenway projects. Travels through a number of Biological Greenway Diversity Areas.

18 Chestnut Ridge Connector Conservation II 12 Lowest to Low Accesses some of the County's most important sites, Chestnut Ridge Wildlife Corridor, Yough including Ohiopyle State Park, Frank Lloyd Wright's River Greenway/Great Allegheny Passage, , and the Bear Run Preserve. Laurel Hill Greenway Corridor Improvement Types: I: Open Space - unblazed / unmarked; public access permitted IV: Improved / Maintained Crushed Aggregate / Asphalt Trail - blazed / marked; multipurpose trail approximately 6'-10' wide II: Maintained Dirt Trail - blazed / marked; pedestrian trail approximately 2' wide V: Water Trail - public access points III: Improved / Maintained Dirt Trail - blazed / marked; multipurpose trail approximately 6' wide VI: Scenic Corridor - Vehicular routes

39 Total Project Type of Length # Name Corridor PurposeCorridor (miles) Threat Level Connections Description 19 SoFay Trail Recreation II 15 Lowest to Low Chestnut Ridge Wildlife Corridor, Chestnut Connects Fayette County Greenway System with potential Ridge Connector, Ohiopyle Scenic Corridor, projects in Maryland. Includes access to Dear Lake, Fort Forbes Wildlife Corridor, U.S. 40 Scenic Necessity National Battlefield, and Great Meadows Corridor Amphitheater. 20 Ohiopyle Scenic Corridor Recreation III 15 Lowest to Sheepskin Trail, Chestnut Ridge Wildlife Travels the rugged and scenic Southern Laurel Highlands. Highest Corridor, SoFay Trail, Yough River Connects Fairchance Borough with Ohiopyle Borough, Greenway/Great Allegheny Passage passing through Fort Necessity and the Great Meadows Amphitheater.

21 Laurel Hill Greenway Recreation II 15 Lowest to Laurel Highlands Greenway, Laurel Ridge Connects some of Fayette County's most popular recreation Highest Passage, Chestnut Ridge Connector, Yough lands, including , , River Greenway/Allegheny River Passage Ohiopyle State Park, numerous State Gamelands and Roaring Run Natural Area. Continues to greenway systems in both Westmoreland and Somerset Counties.

22 Yough Dam Trail Recreation I, V 11 Low Laurel Hill Greenway, Ohiopyle Scenic Connects Ohiopyle State Park and other greenway projects Corridor, Forbes Wildlife Corridor, U.S. 40 with the Yough Dam and the many recreational Scenic Corridor opportunities of the Youghiogheny River Lake. 23 State Route 40 Scenic Corridor Recreation VI 39 N/A Mon River Trail, North Brown's Run Trail, Follows a route almost identical to the Historic National Sheepskin Trail, Chestnut Ridge Wildlife Road. Designated a Pennsylvania Scenic Byway. Serves as Corridor, SoFay Trail, Ohiopyle Scenic one of Fayette County's major travel arteries and provides Corridor, S.R. 381 Scenic Corridor, Forbes access to many other greenway projects. Wildlife Corridor, Yough Dam Trail

24 State Route 381 Scenic Corridor Recreation VI 34 N/A Laurel Highlands Greenway, Normalville Part of the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. Connects a Connector, Laurel Ridge Passage, Yough number of important regional attractions Frank Lloyd River Greenway/Great Allegheny Passage, Wright's Fallingwater, Ohiopyle State Park, and U.S. S.R. 711 Scenic Corridor, Ohiopyle Scenic Highway 40. Corridor, U.S. 40 Scenic Corridor, Forbes Wildlife Corridor, SoFay Trail, U.S. 40 Scenic Corridor

25 State Route 711 Scenic Corridor Recreation VI 9 N/A Sheepskin Trail, Yough River Travels over scenic Chestnut Ridge between Connellsville Greenway/Great Allegheny Passage, and Normalville. Southern Coal and Coke Trail, Chestnut Ridge Wildlife Corridor, S.R. 381 Scenic Corridor Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space,

Fayette 40 County Project Corridor Improvements Summary

Water Trail Project / Corridor Low and High Corridor Acquisition Low and High Land Trail Improvement Cost Improvement Low and High Total Cost Estimates #Name Cost Estimates1 Estimates Cost Estimate (Acquisition and Improvement) 1 Mon River Trail $ - to $ - $ 3,675,000 to $ 5,880,000 $ 98,000 $ 3,773,000 to $ 5,978,000 2 Yough/Mon Link $ 1,020,000 to $ 3,059,000 $ - to $ - $ - $ 1,020,000 to $ 3,059,000 3 Redstone/ Yough Connector $ 1,444,000 to $ 4,333,000 $ 13,000 to $ 13,000 $ - $ 1,457,000 to $ 4,346,000 4 North Brown's Run Trail $ 5,116,000 to $ 15,349,000 $ 2,258,000 to $ 3,613,000 $ - $ 7,374,000 to $ 18,962,000 5 Dunlap Creek Greenway $ 1,118,000 to $ 3,354,000 $ - to $ - $ - $ 1,118,000 to $ 3,354,000 6 Masontown/Brownsville Trail $ 2,224,000 to $ 6,673,000 $ 196,000 to $ 327,000 $ - $ 2,420,000 to $ 7,000,000 7 South Brown's Run Trail $ 1,364,000 to $ 4,093,000 $ 602,000 to $ 964,000 $ - $ 1,966,000 to $ 5,057,000 8 Forbes Wildlife Corridor $ 5,268,000 to $ 15,803,000 $ - to $ - $ - $ 5,268,000 to $ 15,803,000 9 Sheepskin Trail $ 5,354,000 $ 16,063,000 $ 2,363,000 to $ 3,781,000 $ - $ 7,717,000 to $ 19,844,000 10 Chestnut Ridge Wildlife Corridor $ 2,889,000 to $ 8,666,000 $ - to $ - $ - $ 2,889,000 to $ 8,666,000 Southern Coal and Coke Heritage 11 Trail $ 3,342,000 to $ 10,027,000 $ 1,475,000 to $ 2,360,000 $ - $ 4,817,000 to $ 12,387,000 Yough River Greenway/ Great 12 Allegheny Passage $ - to $ - $ - to $ - $ - $ - to $ - 13 Jacob's Creek Greenway $ 3,059,000 to $ 9,176,000 $ 1,650,000 to $ 2,640,000 $ - $ 4,709,000 to $ 11,816,000 14 Laurel Highlands Greenway $ 1,861,000 to $ 5,582,000 $ - to $ - $ - $ 1,861,000 to $ 5,582,000 15 Normalville Connector $ 1,189,000 to $ 3,568,000 $ 11,000 to $ 11,000 $ - $ 1,200,000 to $ 3,579,000

16 Indian Creek Valley Trail $ 2,895,000 to $ 8,686,000 $ 256,000 to $ 426,000 $ - $ 3,151,000 to $ 9,112,000 Open Space,Greenwaysand

17 Laurel Ridge Passage $ 763,000 to $ 2,289,000 $ 7,000 to $ 7,000 $ - $ 770,000 to $ 2,296,000 Trails Recommendations 18 Chestnut Ridge Connector $ 1,529,000 to $ 4,588,000 $ 18,000 to $ 18,000 $ - $ 1,547,000 to $ 4,606,000 19 SoFay Trail $ 1,198,000 to $ 3,594,000 $ 23,000 to $ 23,000 $ - $ 1,221,000 to $ 3,617,000 20 Ohiopyle Scenic Corridor $ 1,779,000 to $ 5,337,000 $ 232,000 to $ 387,000 $ - $ 2,011,000 to $ 5,724,000 21 Laurel Hill Greenway $ 2,474,000 to $ 7,422,000 $ 22,000 to $ 22,000 $ - $ 2,496,000 to $ 7,444,000 22 Yough Dam Trail $ - to $ - $ - to $ - $ 22,000 $ 22,000 to $ 22,000 23 State Route 40 Scenic Corridor 24 State Route 381 Scenic Corridor 25 State Route 711 Scenic Corridor $ 45,886,000 to $ 137,662,000 $ 12,801,000 to $ 20,472,000 $ 120,000 $ 58,807,000 to $ 158,254,000

1 Acquisition Costs of Unsecured Area/Easement: Low = $450 acre; High = $1,350 acre 2 Corridor Improvement Types: I: Open Space - unblazed / unmarked; public access permitted (price: not applicable) V: Water Trail - public access points (price: $10,000 per access point approximately every 5 miles) II: Maintained Dirt Trail - blazed / marked; pedestrian trail approximately 2' wide (price: $1,500/ III: Improved / Maintained Dirt Trail - blazed / marked; multipurpose trail approximately ## 6' wide (price: $15,000-$25,000/mile) IV: Improved / Maintained Crushed Aggregate / Asphalt Trail - blazed / marked; multipurpose VI: Scenic Corridor - Vehicular routes (price: not applicable) ## trail 41 Section 5 Action Plan

Introduction Organization Short-Term Organizational Structure

The recommendations identified within this Plan represents a Legend system of important connections between the County’s natural, Outlined in the following charts are recreational, cultural, historical and scenic resources. Primary the specific staffing requirements, Communication Secondly, this network presents opportunities for such responsibilities and administrative connections to be established and/or strengthened with roles that are recommended based Secondary surrounding counties. To ensure these recreation and upon the Plan’s proposed projects Communication conservation linkages can be promoted adequately and used and comments received from the Fayette appropriately, a formal Implementation Strategy should be public. County established. This Strategy provides the framework for Commissioners developing a County-wide system to manage, support and pursue funding for identified Parks and Greenways projects.

The Action Plan summarizes the key components of this Implementation Strategy:

• Outlining major actions and responsibilities

• Identifying priority corridors Office of Planning, Office of the • Creating potential demonstration projects Zoning and Other County Manager's Community County Offices Office Development

Parks and Executive County Natural Resources Director Manager Division

Admin.

Support

Staff

Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Facilities/ Maintenance Staff

Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, Division

Chief LARC RAFT

Fayette 42 County

Parks and Recreation

Listed below are some short term and long-range goals and objectives the County should consider to increase efficiency of park and recreation services: Long-Term Organizational Structure Short Term Actions: • The County should consider developing ongoing negotiations with SEIU to develop programs and practices to maintain its contract and keep the County financially viable

• The County should develop a written weekly, monthly,

Fayette and annual operation plan for the park and recreation

facilities County Commissioners • The County should develop a program to chemically treat weeds in the parks to reduce maintenance • The County should consider the purchase of a larger mower for park maintenance to reduce manpower or contract the mowing operations throughout the system • Create a “Friends of the Parks” volunteer program; Initiate an “Eager Beaver Day” Office of Planning, Office of the • Upgrade the park master plans and the operations and Zoning and Office of Parks and County maintenance plans for the three regional parks Community Natural Resources Manager • Develop fees and charges for the parks to offset the Development costs of operations

• Develop a plan to market both the tourist and local park

and recreation facilities and programs in the County

• Conduct an annual inspection of the park facilities at the 3 regional parks • Develop a “Risk Reduction Plan for Playgrounds” Executive Director Executive program and update all the play areas in the 3 regional Director (Formerly Division parks Chief) • Establish mow lines in the parks to reduce maintenance • Continue to foster the existing park programs with the Action Plan Pennsylvania Fish Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission • Develop and install a directional system for the 3 regional parks

• Encourage the County School Districts and the local

Administrative Facilities/ Administrative municipalities to develop cooperative agreements for

Support Staff Maintenance Support joint use of existing facilities Staff Staff • Develop a five year capital equipment plan the Department of Buildings and Grounds

43 Long Term Actions: 3. Identifying critical gaps 1. What do local comprehensive plans, zoning, • Hire a full time professional to direct the park, 4. Developing a clearinghouse for technical assistance natural resource protection ordinances promote recreation, and open space facilities and programs in through LARC, RAFT and the County in terms of open space planning within the the County 5. Developing a marketing publications and supportive vicinity of lands which are important for the • Develop work procedures and purchase labor saving materials relevant to the County’s Parks, greenway project corridors? equipment to improve the efficiency of the Department Recreation, Open Space, Greenways, and Trails 2. Does it appear that such provisions could be of Buildings and Grounds to contain the existing labor vision updated to better address the effects of force 6. Convening group presentations to County, state development on and protection of significant agencies and the regional legislative delegation to resources? • Develop a Procedures and Policy Handbook for the apprise them of the projects, progress and needs of 3. Does the community utilize an Official Map, as parks the region. described in the Pennsylvania Municipalities • Create a volunteer County Parks and Recreation Planning Code, to identify the location of future

Citizens Advisory Board to support the park and public areas and preserve right-of-way areas for recreation operations Grant Applications for Feasibility Studies of Identified recreation and open space? • Use grant money to fund major maintenance and capital Demonstration Projects 4. Are there any advisory bodies at the local level, improvement projects in the parks The Local Advisory Recreation Commission (LARC) and RAFT such as an Environmental Advisory Councils, • Develop a Capital Equipment Reserve Fund as part of should prepare a grant application to submit to DCNR in which reviews zoning and rezoning proposals, the County Budget pursuing a feasibility study for identified Demonstration subdivision and site plans, or other development • Develop an intergovernmental program with the local Projects. concepts to identify impacts on the community’s municipalities where services, training, and equipment landscape? As demonstration projects are completed, it is recommended is shared Develop a Regional “Ask” • Develop a long term surface treatment program for the that LARC and RAFT continue to pursue grant funding for park access roads and parking areas additional feasibility studies to understand the intricate A Regional “Ask“ represents a multi-county effort which can opportunities and challenges that new Greenway and Trail fulfill a significant goal of agencies in the Commonwealth. In • Upgrade the restrooms at Dunlap Creek Park and Corridors possesses prior to significant acquisition and/or the case of realizing Fayette County’s recreation and resource Jacobs Creek Park improvement investments are made. initiatives, the County is encouraged to develop collaborative • Develop facilities and programs for the senior citizens in efforts with surrounding counties such as Westmoreland and Summary of Short-term Actions the County Parks Somerset to pursue State funding and implementation of Compile inventory of additional quasi-public protect lands corridor projects including the Jacobs Creek Greenway/Coal Land ownership information is currently established through and Coke Trail as well as connections to the Laurel Hill Open Space, Greenways and Trails Fayette County’s GIS database. As part of feasibility study Greenway. work and on-going implementation efforts, LARC and RAFT Immediate Actions: should work with County planning staff to compile and update Work Plan land ownership data specific relevant to all greenway project Implementation Stakeholders corridor areas. As quasi-public lands are acquired or become The County’s comprehensive land use planning serves as a available for improvement, the database should be updated PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources success from which the network of recreation opportunities, and RAFT, through its member representatives, can identify A major landowner in the region, the Department of open spaces and greenways can grow. To fully understand opportunities to expand greenway implementation and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) owns and how Getting Outside recommendations fit within the spirit of the partnerships. operates State Parks and Forests and works closely with local projects in which all identified Stakeholders have interest, the governments and nonprofits to achieve conservation and Recreation Alliance of Fayette (RAFT) should develop a Work Conduct a Feasibility Study for Identified Demonstration recreation goals and projects. Plan. Overall, the Work Plan should be aimed at identifying

Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Projects RAFT’s roles in: PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Because is it is necessary to manage and protect lands through The Department of Environmental Protection’s protects 1. Continuing to support the strengths of existing initiatives regulation and planning, a feasibility study for the two initial Pennsylvania’s air, land and water from pollution and provides 2. Continuing detailed analyses of existing projects and Demonstration Projects should examine existing plans for for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, their: conserving lands at the local level. The effectiveness of local environment. The DEP works as a partner with individuals, Status and County-wide regulatory measures for conserving natural organizations, governments and businesses to prevent Technical assistance needs resources should also be evaluated. The following criteria pollution and restore our natural resources. Funding needs should be considered as part of this assessment: Timing

Fayette 44 County

county. This tool is applicable for a single parcel or Implementation Techniques contiguous parcels of land that are part of a common PA Department of Transportation development plan. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Several techniques for implementing the Plan are described Example. A portion of land included within a can provide funding and technical assistance for trail and other below. These tools range from creating land management subdivision/development could potentially provide an transportation-related greenway initiatives. policies and land use controls to purchasing rights to land. integral link for the municipal trail system. The municipal PA Game Commission Land Management planning commission could grant the developer Another public landowner within the County is the Pennsylvania increased allowable density on appropriate portions of Land management tools provide specific policies for Game Commission owns and operates State Gamelands. his or her site in exchange for dedicating the remaining managing valuable resources. portions of the land for preservation purposes. Regional Trail Corporation Land management plans establish a specific set of The Regional Trail Corporation is a non-profit partnership who policies for the use of publicly owned land. Management Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) acquires, develops, and manages appropriate trail corridors in plans typically identify valuable natural, historic and TDR allows communities to provide additional density in southwestern Pennsylvania while creating and promoting heritage resources; determine compatible uses for the areas where growth is desired and discourage growth/ opportunities for recreation, tourism, economic development, land; determine the administrative needs of the land, development in areas desirable as preserved open and historic and environment conservation. such as maintenance, security and funding Space. The community identifies an area to be requirements; and identify recommended short-term Western Pennsylvania Conservancy developed and an area to be preserved. The and long-term strategies/actions for the treatment and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has conserved over municipality’s comprehensive plan is a useful guide for protection of identified resources. Because land 250,000 acres of land in Western Pennsylvania and focuses identifying these areas. Owners within the area to be management plans are prepared for publicly owned much of its work on the important biological and natural preserved are given development credits that can be land, few or no other regulatory or acquisition-related habitats in the region sold to land owners in the area to be developed. In tools are necessary to ensure implementation of the order to sell these credits, landowners must place a Conservancies, Trusts, Local Foundations and Others plan’s policies. permanent conservation easement on their property. Communication with local and regional conservation and The purchasing landowner within the area to be recreation-oriented entities is a key component in ensuring Example. A County park could implement a land developed may then develop at a density that is higher coordination and understanding of community-driven day-to- management plan that identifies areas of specific than previously allowed by the municipality. day greenway activities. importance due to existing natural resources as well as Example. A municipality contains a portion that is Fayette County Board of Commissioners areas suitable for development of trail/greenway experiencing increased development pressures and The Fayette County Board of Commissioners (FCBC) and facilities. The plan could include recommended actions another area with sensitive and important natural County Planning Office will have the primary responsibility for that would result in the preservation of the natural resources. The municipal comprehensive plan identifies seeing that the Plan is implemented. The Commissioners are resources and the development of the trail. the former as a future growth area and the latter as an situated to guide the vision of the long term. Parks, Conservation strategies on lands that are not publicly ideal preservation area. The municipality could adopt a recreational and greenway activities are an important facet of owned must be implemented using regulatory or TDR policy allowing landowners in the preservation enhancing County’s assets of providing vibrant, cohesive acquisition related tools. area to sell development credits to the growth area. transportation, economic development, recreation and tourism Regulation This action optimizes the development of the growth opportunities for County residents and visitors. area and the preservation of the important natural area. Action Plan Land may be protected through government regulation, Greenway Owners/Managers which controls land use and development through Negotiated Dedications There are a variety of organizations which will actually be legislative powers. Examples of various land use and charged with owning and managing greenways in the County. In instances where parcels are deemed beneficial to the development ordinances and components of these To ensure continuity of implementation, a chief coordinating protection and preservations of stream corridors, a ordinances, which regulate community growth and entity between this group of owners/managers and RAFT and municipality/county may request that a landowner enter protect natural resources, are as listed below: Local Advisory Recreation Commission (LARC) is necessary. into negotiations for those specific parcels. Additionally, Dedication/Density Transfers during the subdivision review process, the municipality/ county may ask for the dedication of land in order to The dedication/density transfer tool allows a developer/ provide public open Spaces. Such dedication should be landowner to transfer allowable development density proportionate to the impact the subdivision will have on from one portion of his or her parcel/development to the services provided by the municipality. another portion. In exchange for the increase in

allowable density, the landowner must dedicate the Example. A subdivision/development plan requires the

undeveloped open Space portion to the municipality/ extension of existing municipal infrastructure. The

45 municipality can request that the developer dedicate a increased setbacks, reduced maximum allowable land title to a parcel of land at no cost. portion of the property to the municipality in exchange coverage, etc. Fee Simple Purchase for the extension of municipal infrastructure and Example. Zoning overlays could be applied along services. The size of the dedication should be relative to This is the outright purchase of land by the county/ potential key trail corridors. By increasing setbacks and the impact on existing municipal services. municipality where it receives fee-simple title to a parcel reducing land coverage, more open Space can be of land. Fee-in-Lieu provided along these key corridors than would be provided by the underlying zoning districts. Easements Fee-in-lieu can be coordinated with negotiated dedications to bolster the effectiveness of a Conservation Subdivision Easements can be used by the county/municipality to municipality’s land conservation opportunities. Using acquire explicit rights to certain areas of a property. Municipal and county subdivision ordinances may this tool, landowners have the option to pay the Easements result in local government receiving a contain requirements related to public park sites, trails, municipality/county, in an amount relative to the density specific interest in a parcel while the property owner and greenways. Agency works with landowners to at which they are developing, instead of dedicating the retains responsibility for all taxes associated with the secure necessary right of way for trail etc. appropriate portion of their land for preservation. The property, less the value of the easement granted. municipality/county may then utilize these funds to Example. A conservation subdivision could allow an Easements are generally categorized by their interest in acquire land elsewhere in order to implement land overall density bonus in exchange for clustering a property. conservation projects. development and creating open Space and trail facilities. Conservation Example. Applying fee-in-lieu techniques along with a form of negotiated dedication increases the options Subdivision Exaction Typically, conservation easements are designed presented to developers within the municipality. The to protect natural resources and permanently This tool requires as a condition of development limit the use and/or development intensity of developer then has a choice of dedicating the approval, that the developer provide public facilities or appropriate portion of land to the municipality or paying land. These easements are generally applied to the financing for the provision of public facilities. The the entire property or relatively large portions of a lump sum fee to the municipality in lieu of the size of the facility or amount of financing should be dedication of land. the property. Benefits to property owners who relative to the impact that the development will have on participate in a conservation easement include Buffer/Transition Zones existing public facilities and/or the demand for additional potential qualification for federal income tax public facilities that the development will create. The Buffer/transition zones are formally identified within the deductions and/or state tax credits. facilities, which can include open Space, are then municipality’s zoning ordinance. The situation of these dedicated to the municipality/county. zones is determined by potential interaction of Preservation incompatible land uses. Open Space is then preserved Example. A developer could be required to build a park Preservation easements can be used to protect along these potential interaction points in order to or reserve an area of his land for open Space because significant built and/or natural features of a provide a buffer or transition between the incompatible the number of new residents generated by the property. When applied for the purposes of uses. development will cause an existing park to exceed its protecting built assets, the easements general service capacity and/or create need for additional park intent is the preservation of a structure’s Example. Buffer/transition zones could be used in facilities. historical value and integrity. Additionally, when instances where land zoned for intense uses such as used in concert with best management Acquisition highway commercial or manufacturing abut less intense practices, these easements can protect properties or open Spaces. The buffer/transition zone Property may be acquired outright as a way of important elements of the property’s landscape. could be situated along the border of the two zones so protecting/creating land for open Space purposes. In These easements can be applied to the entire as not to unduly make large portions of each unusable, general, all of the following techniques can be applied in property or specific portions of the property. Tax but could be large enough to effectively screen one use order to acquire property or rights of way for the incentives for preservation easements are from the other. The area within the buffer/transition Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive purposes of creating greenways. similar to those associated with conservation zone could be used to situate a trail. easements. Donation/Tax Incentives Zoning/Overlay Zones Landowners can dedicate their property to the Public Access Also identified within a municipality’s zoning ordinance, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, municipality and typically realize tax benefits such as The general intent of public access easements zoning overlays allow a municipality to introduce federal and state deductions on personal income as specific controls related to land conservation, or is to provide passage and access through a well as the ability to avoid inheritance taxes, capital property in order to link to assets/amenities on enhance the underlying zone’s existing land use gains taxes and recurring property taxes. This tool regulations. Examples of these controls include adjacent properties. These easements are results in the municipality/county receiving fee-simple typically applied to portions of a property rather

Fayette 46 County

than the entire property. Public access clauses ownership or the unavailability of the owner. plan. may be included within conservation and Condemnation is not always warranted as other

preservation easements or the public access techniques may achieve the desired result Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program Grants easement may be utilized individually. The following funding sources provide financial provide funds to develop and maintain recreational assistance for purposes ranging from planning to trails and trail related facilities for motorized and non- Easement Purchase land acquisition and generally take the form of motorized recreation. Eligible applicants include federal grants and/or loans. Programs described below and state agencies, local governments and private Negotiations with property owners may fail to are grouped by the agency that provides the organizations. Eligible projects include: maintenance, yield desired donations of land for the purposes funds. In addition to these funding avenues, restoration, development, construction of new of various easements. In these instances, a additional resources may be found through recreational trails and acquisition of easements or county/municipality may purchase an easement Pennsylvania’s Greenway Clearinghouse –- property for recreational trails or recreational trail on the desired portions of the property. pagreenways.org Because easements typically do not affect the corridors.

entire property or the entire bundle of rights, the Pennsylvania DCED purchase price will be less than the title’s value. Implementation Resources The Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Deed Restriction/Purchase of Development Program (LUPTAP) provides grant funds for the Rights Pennsylvania DCNR preparation of community comprehensive plans and A county/municipality can encourage protection The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides grant the ordinances to implement them. Multi-municipal of sensitive resources such as prime agricultural moneys through the Community Conservation ventures are given priority within this fund. LUPTAP land by instituting a purchase of development Partnership Program (C2P2) to county and municipal funds could be used to implement greenway rights program. Under such a program, the governments to support greenway and park planning, components of municipal comprehensive plans. property owner would forfeit any further rights to acquisition, design and development. The Community Revitalization Program provides grant develop his or her land in exchange for payment Heritage Park Grants are available to municipalities or funds to support local initiatives that promote from the county/municipality. This type of community stability and quality of life. program includes the fair market value purchase nonprofit organizations for promoting public-private of property development rights from an owner partnerships that preserve and enhance natural, Floodplain Land Use Assistance Program Provides and is typically reciprocated by the landowner cultural, historic and recreation resources to stimulate grants and technical assistance to encourage the including development restrictions beyond the economic development through heritage tourism. proper use of land and the management of floodplain current use within the deed to the land. The Land Trust Grants are available to land trusts and lands within Pennsylvania. property owner continues to utilize the property conservancies to acquire land for areas that face and keeps all ownership rights associated with imminent loss. Land must be open to public use and PA Fish and Boat Commission the land in its current condition. priority is given to habitats for threatened species exist. A Boating Facilities Grant Program is available to municipalities to develop access points on municipally- Purchase/Lease Back Rails-to-Trails Grants are available to municipalities owned land. The Fish and Boat Commission also A county/municipality can purchase land and and nonprofit organizations to fund the planning, provides in-kind engineering services for the creation of acquisition or development to preserve and protect these access points. lease it back to the original owner with additional Action Plan abandoned railroad corridors. use and development restrictions. The Coldwater Heritage Partnership provides Option/First Right of Refusal Community Grants are awarded to municipalities for leadership, coordination, technical assistance and Owners who intend to sell their property can recreation, park and conservation projects including the funding support for the evaluation, conservation and agree to give the county/municipality the right to rehabilitation and development of parks and recreation protection of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams. decide whether they want to purchase the land facilities; acquisition of land for park and conservation before the owner sells to a private entity. When purposes; and technical assistance for feasibility The State Wildlife Grant Program provides federal coupled with other tools, this technique can allow studies, trails studies, and site development planning. funding for high-priority conservation projects impacting the Municipality time to acquire funds necessary endangered, threatened and at-risk species across to purchase a property for greenway use. River Conservation Grants are available to Pennsylvania. municipalities, counties, municipal and inter-municipal Condemnation authorities and river support groups to conserve and The Fish and Boat Commission also supports a Water Trail Brochure Program. The program encourages and Condemnation could be used in instances where enhance river resources. Planning and implementation grants are available to develop or carry out projects or promotes water trails by creating brochures that property or property rights are unusually difficult delineate water trail locations and access points for any to acquire. This is usually the result of unclear activities defined in an approved river conservation

47 interested water trail group. These groups must provide Bond referendums have been successfully placed on a map of the water trail and content for the brochure. local ballots throughout the United States to support The Fish and Boat Commission provides in-kind design greenway development. Extensive informational and layout services as well as reproduction services, campaigns greatly enhance the success rate of which are available for a nominal fee. referendum votes because of increased public and

voter support. Federal Funding Land donations from private parties, whether fee simple or in the form of easements, supply municipalities with The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides usable land for little to no expense and offer the matching grants to States and local governments for the landowner tax incentives. acquisition and development of public outdoor

recreation areas and facilities. The Kodak American Greenways Awards Program provides grants to stimulate the planning and design of The Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation greenways in communities throughout the United Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) funds States. numerous transportation programs to improve the

nation's transportation infrastructure, enhance economic Charitable organizations such as land trusts or growth, and protect the environment. A portion of foundations can provide funds to municipalities or non- Pennsylvania’s SAFETEA-LU funds, administered profit organizations to acquire land and/or develop trails. through PENNDOT, go to greenway projects with ties to transportation, historic preservation, bicycle/pedestrian improvements and/or environmental quality. The Recreational Trails Program is an assistance program of the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that provides assistance by making funds available to the States to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The Farmland Protection Program provides funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farmland in agricultural uses. Working through existing programs, USDA joins with State, tribal, or local governments to acquire conservation easements or other interests from landowners.

The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program from the National Parks Service operates this program aimed at conserving land and water resources for communities. Eligible projects include conservation plans for protecting these resources, trail development, Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive and greenway development. The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program in which the USDA Natural Resources Conservation

Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space, Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial support to help landowners with their wetland restoration efforts and providing the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property.

Fayette 48 County

Action Plan

49 Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Recreation, Parks, Comprehensive Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Greenways and Open Space,

Fayette 50 County

Action Plan

51 52 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan

schools. area canserveeducation area asan environmental for local consisting of fivepondson theeastern portionof thesite.This Transportation constructed a wetland wildlifemitigation area the site.In 2006 and2007, thePennsylvaniaDepartment of at thesite. Two fullsized soccerfields havebeendevelopedat Pleasant SoccerClubto develop andmaintainsoccerfacilities theMt. aleaseagreement with Westmoreland Countyhas public fishing andhunting. manages thelakeandstream fishery.Theparkisopento PA-655. ThePennsylvania FishCommission stocks and Basic FacilitiesinaPublic Recreation DevelopmentforSite for thefacility of entitled“Operation &MaintenanceAgreement have jointlysignedand operation and maintenanceagreement theU.S.SoilConservationService Westmoreland Countyand federaldaminspects the regulations. damtomeet facilities. The WestmorelandCountyEngineer annually Westmoreland CountyParksmanagesandmaintains thepark landscaping County. wasfundedbyWestmoreland areas, publicboataccess, gates, security fencing and Theaccessroads, six parking Soil ConservationService. design and construction supervision wasfundedbytheU.S. Service grant.Theflood controlproject including engineering, of Agriculture,and aU.S.Department SoilConservation 70grantThe project was funded withaPennsylvaniaProject construction ofthedam. administered thepurchase ofpropertiesDepartment andthe Westmoreland CountiestheCounty Planning county cooperativeagreementbetweenFayette and onthesite. Asaresultofaninter-Bridgeport Dam(PA-655) result ofthe construction ofthe60-acrepermanentpool TheparkwasbuiltasTownship in a WestmorelandCounty. Pleasant Bullskin Township andMt. inFayette County Jacobs Creek nearthe unincorporated townofBridgeportin Bridgeport DamParkisa301-acre park facilitylocatedalong Federal andState ParksandForests Natural Resources Resources Natural

Bridgeport DamPark Background Data Section 6

trail. Overnight reservationsaremandatory fortheshelters and Trail. Theshelters arelocatedevery 6to10milesalongthe Trail isa segment ofthePotomac HeritageNationalScenic hiking andbackpacking trips. TheLaurel Highlands Hiking Trail featuring eighttrail shelters for overnight campingon and privateland.Thepark offersthe LaurelHighlands Hiking along state parks, state forests, state gamelands,andpublic trail moves GorgenearJohnstown, PA.The the Conemaugh PAto Laurel MountainfromYoughiogheny RiveratOhiopyle, alongthe Somerset, andWestmoreland counties.Itmoves This 13,625-acre parkstretches fromCambria,Fayette, along thewesternshore ofthelakein2007. constructed a crushed limestonewalkwayandparkingarea portion ofthe parkacreage isleased asfarmland.TheCounty lake fishery. Theparkisopenforfishingandhunting. A PA-657”. ThePennsylvaniaFishCommission managesthe of BasicFacilities inaPublic Recreation DevelopmentforSite for thefacility entitled“Operationand MaintenanceAgreement have jointlysignedanoperation and maintenanceagreement theU.S.SoilConservationService Westmoreland Countyand meet federaldamregulations. Westmoreland CountyEngineerannually inspects the damto Recreation manages andmaintains the parkfacilities.The Westmoreland CountyParksand Westmoreland County. fencing, public boatrampandlandscapingwerefunded by Conservation Service.Theaccess road, parking area,security supervision Soil of thedam wasfundedbytheU.S, project including engineering, design andconstruction grant.TheAgriculture, floodcontrolSoil Conservation Service Project70 grantandaPennsylvania U.S.Departmentof the constructionofdam. Theprojectwasfunded witha administered thepurchase ofthepropertiesDepartment and Westmoreland CountiestheCountyPlanning a resultofan between Fayetteand inter-county agreement in1974. As permanent poolfloodcontrolAcmeDam(PA-657) The parkwasbuiltas aresult ofthe construction ofthe25-acre Mt. PleasantTownshipinWestmorelandCounty. County and Creek atopChestnutRidgeinBullskinTownshipFayette Chestnut RidgeParkis a 189-acre park located alongJacobs

Chestnut RidgePark Chestnut Laurel RidgeStatePark natural and cultural resources. Programs inthepark focuson understanding anddevelopasense of stewardshiptoward and evening programs,inwhichparticipants gain appreciation, programs the parkprovideshands-on activities, guided walks Through theuseofenvironmental educationand interpretive for sledding and tobogganing. Sugarloaf Snowmobileand MountainBikeAreaismaintained park aregreat forcross-country skiing. Ahillnear the miles ofsnowmobile milesof trails inthe activity.Over33.9 and sledding/tobogganing. TheSugarloafTrail supports 3.8 Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, overlook platformsonto the beautiful landscape. provides parking,modern restrooms,giftshop/snack bar,and Falls DayUseArea,thecentralpoint forvisitors. Thisarea cottages, and platformtents.SurroundingOhiopyleFallsisthe camping electricity, 226campsites atKentuckCampground, seasons. Camping opportunitiesinclude modernsiteswith hunting, trapping andthe trainingofdogs duringestablished acresareopenand whitewaterboating. to Over 18,000 providesfishingactivitiesriding trails. TheYoughiogheny River another 79milesofhikingtrailsand 9.4milesof horseback also offering 13.2miles of trailbiking. Theparksupports The OhiopyleStateParkhas27miles oftrailsfor biking,while U.S. provides some ofthebestwhitewaterboatingin eastern Gorge passesthroughthe centerof the park.The river 14milesoftheYoughiogheny River Mountains. Approximately andservesasthegateway intotheLaurel Fayette County Park’s19,052Ohiopyle State acres is located primarily in of dogsfromthefallarchery seasonuntilMarch31. Ridge StateParkisopen tohunting,trapping, and thetraining is onstatepark andstate forestlands. AlmostalloftheLaurel restricted to trails designated forsnowmobile activity.Thetrail operating on theLaurel Highlands HikingTrailand are season in areprohibitedlate from December.Snowmobiles used forsnowmobiling aftertheend of theantlerlessdeer skiing, and a portionofthe Park’soveralltrail system isalso 35milesoftra Approximately the backpackingparty. an overnightcampingfeeischarged pernight/per individualin

Ohiopyle StatePark il areused forcross-country

the Youghiogheny River, its gorge, and the natural, cultural and Dunlap Creek Park launch facility, four small pavilions that seat approximately 100 recreational resources of the Ohiopyle area. Dunlap Creek Park is an approximate 74-acre park facility persons, access roads and four parking areas, public located in Menallen Township. The park was built as a result of restrooms (pit type toilets), three play areas, a handicap access Natural features are the main attraction at the park with the the construction of a 50-acre permanent pool flood control dam walkway and a ball field. power and beauty of the 20-foot waterfall of Ohiopyle Falls. (PA-471) on the site in 1974. The project was funded by The Ferncliff Peninsula National Natural Landmark was created Fayette County, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Trails by a meander in the Youghiogeny River. The 100-acre Conservation Service and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat peninsula contains many unique and rare plants due to its Commission. The flood control project including engineering, interesting habitat. design, and construction administration of the dam was funded Forbes State Forest and supervised by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. The The Forbes State Forest is composed of over 50,000 acres and County Parks site amenities including the access roads and parking areas, contains over 20 different tracts of State Forest Land in the picnic pavilions, pit type toilet facilities, boat launch and Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties. The forest landscaping were designed and constructed by the U.S. Soil was named in honor of General John Forbes who in 1757 German-Masontown Regional Park Conservation Service and funded through its Resource ordered the construction of a road from Bedford to Fort Pitt for The Fayette County Commissioners established the Fayette Conservation and Development Project Fund program. The the movement of an expeditionary Army. County Parks, Arts and Recreation Board in the late 1960’s. County and the U.S. Soil Conservation Service has jointly That board was instrumental in the acquisition and signed an operation and maintenance agreement for the facility Six State Parks and three State Forest Picnic Areas have development of the 125.5-acre German-Masontown Regional entitled “Operation & Maintenance Agreement of Basic developed within the area to deal with the abundance of people Park (Klondike Regional Park). The park is located on the Facilities in a Public Recreational Development for Site PA- that enjoy the area. The forest lies along the Laurel Ridge with border of Masontown Borough and German Township. The 471”. adjacency to the surrounding areas of Pittsburgh, PA. property was purchased in the June 1, 1971 with Pennsylvania Project 70 funding. The initial master plan for site development The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission by agreement Forbes State Forest is broken up into five divisions: Blue Hole was designed by Carroll Hill & Associates in 1969. A revised stocks and manages the lake fishery. The Fayette County Division, Braddock Division, Linn Run Division, Kooser master plan was developed by Aarthon Design Limited, of Public Works Department maintains the park facilities. The Division, and Negro Mountain Division. The Braddock Division State College, Pennsylvania in 1971. Park facility development dam is annually inspected under contract by a local lies within Fayette County and contains specific features such began in 1972 with Pennsylvania Project 500 funding and park engineering firm, Fayette Engineering, to meet federal dam as Pine Knob, an observation point overlooking Uniontown; road development with Pennsylvania Liquid Fuel Tax funding. regulations. Garbage pick-up at the facility is privately Cabin Hollow Rocks, an interesting rock formation located in Site development has continued over the years. The County contracted. Cabin Hollow; Wharton Furnace, one o the last active iron received a Pennsylvania Keystone Conservation Fund grant on furnaces in Fayette County; Old Water-Powered Grist Mill; and May 29, 1997 in the amount of $13,800 for development at the Dunlap Creek Park has a “Friends of the Park” group. It is a Ponderfield Fire Tower. Park. fishing club with between 400 and 500 members. An individual club membership fee is $7.00 per year. This money is put Lick Hollow Picnic Area and Trail System The County and the German-Masontown Park & Recreation towards programs, stocking the lake or specific park projects. The picnic area is located off of Route 40 along Lick Run and The club meets 6 to 8 times a year. The club established a Board jointly manage and maintain the Park. The German- features picnic tables, charcoal grills, water, and restrooms for Background Data Masontown Park and Recreation Board is made up of five (5) non-profit Dunlap Lake Task Force Committee to improve the public use. The picnic area is open from Memorial Day to members. The Board manages the activities at the park and park’s amenities. It has been successful in obtaining a Labor Day from 11 AM to dusk. However, it is closed on operates the park pavilion reservation (rental) system. The $5,000.00 DCED Grant and installed an asphalt paved Tuesdays and Wednesdays during this time. Access is pavilions can be reserved for a fee at the Masontown Borough handicap walkway of the eastern side of the lake. The group available from the Picnic Area to the Lick Hollow Nature Trail Building. hosts an annual “Fishing for Free” program at the park. The and Pine Knob. The picnic area is utilized for picnics, group continues to seek funding to improve the park facilities. weddings, reunions, and birthday parties. The German-Masontown Park contains one small pavilion that Its future plans include: seats approximately 100 persons; three mini pavilions that seat approximately 20 persons, two play areas, horse shoe courts, 1. The upgrade the existing park restrooms from pit type Sheepskin Trail bocce courts, a soccer field, two baseball fields, an toilets to flush toilets; There are presently funded plans to extend the Youghiogheny amphitheatre, tennis courts, open space, grills, parking areas 2. The construction of some new picnic tables; River Trail to include the Sheepskin Trail. The 32-mile and a public restroom. Public water and electricity are 3. The refurbishment of the park restrooms; and Sheepskin Trail will link the Youghiogheny Trail at Wheeler available at the site. Two (2) play areas at the park were 4. The installation of more playground equipment Bottom (Dunbar); continue along the old B&O Railroad Branch, upgraded in 2005 and 2006. throughout the park. then through Uniontown to Point Marion and on to ’s Monongahela River Trail. Fayette County has Dunlap Creek Park contains a 50-acre lake, a public boat received nearly $800,000.00 in grants to construct this trail. In

53 54 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan

Other Facilitiesand Initiatives StateParks. Pennsylvania Somerset Countyisoperatedandmaintainedby the inFayette CountytoConfluence in from Connellsville, Trail extending The 28-milesectionofthe Youghiogheny River Trail Corporation. operated andmaintainedbytheRegional inFayetteto Bostonin from Connellsville County Allegheny is The 43-milenorthernsectionoftheYoughiogheny RiverTrail Connellsville, andOhiopyleinFayetteCounty. Pittsburgh. There are trailheadslocatedatWhitsett, the YoughioghenyRiverTrailfromBostontodowntown The RTCispresentlyworkingona section ofthe trailtoextend Allegheny Highlands. Chesapeake Baywiththe National ScenicTrailPotomac Heritage intended tolink the and theC&OCanalTowpatharesectionsof 425-mile creating a316-mile trail. TheGreatAlleghenyPassageTrail which extendstoWashington,D.C. Maryland Cumberland, Canal Towpath in Allegheny PassageTrailtiesintothe C&O presently Boston,Pennsylvania.TheGreat Maryland to Great AlleghenyPassageTrailthatextendsCumberland, from ispartof theThe 71-mileYoughioghenyRiverTrail 150-mile grants. local costsharefortheDCNRandTEA-21 the Project 70 GreatAmphitheatreinWharton Township as the use thenet DCNRto proceeds fromthesaleof Pennsylvania on October27,2005,requestedCounty Commissioners, monies requirea20%matchfromthelocalmunicipality.The $375,000.00 TEA21grantin2002for thetrail.TEA-21 grant Sheepskin Trail. TheCounty receivedanadditional Brown’s RunTrail(8.3 miles) toconnect theMonRiverto inthe amountof$60,000.00forthe DCNRgrant Pennsylvania toUniontownmiles oftrail anda fromConnellsville (TEA 21)grantintheamount of$366,000.00to construct 12 2000, TheCountyreceivedafederal Transportation EquityAct of thehistoric Braddock’sTrail. 18, 1973.The dambreastoftheGreenlick Damislocated east PA.The projectwas completedNew Alexandria, onDecember constructed of by theLatimerBrothers Construction Company Greenlick Stream whichfeedsJacobs Creek.The damwas pool multi-purposeflood control GreenlickDam(PA-656)on built astheresult ofthe construction ofthe101-acre permanent along GreenlickStream in BullskinTownship. The parkwas Jacobs Creek 151-acre Parkisan approximate facility located

Jacobs Creek Park Jacobs CreekPark Youghiogheny RiverTrail

pavilions that seat approximately persons,pit typepublic 100 The parkfacilities include: a101-acre lake,four small picnic of thefacility. landscaping. Bullskin Township contracts some of themowing an accessroad andparkingarea, chainlink fencing and football/soccer field,apublic restroom andconcession facility, facilities constructed include twobaseballfields, a combination 1997 todevelopthesefacilities.Fund GrantonMay29, The Conservation andNatural Resources KeystoneConservation of received a$50,000.00Pennsylvania Department The leaseexpires 2040.BullskinTownship onNovember 30, Township to developrecreation/sports facilitiesat thepark site. leasewith established Bullskin afortyyear Fayette County Engineering, tomeetfederaldamregulations. inspected under contractbyalocal engineering firm, Fayette park facility with“Goodwill”.Thedamremoval the isannually County contractsthemowing,littercleanup,and garbage for themaintenanceof damandparkfacilities. Fayette WorksDepartmentisresponsible The FayetteCountyPublic the initialdevelopment. signed April 29, 1971. The agreementincludes alterations to Facilities in a Public RecreationSite PA-656, Development, facility entitled “Operation&MaintenanceAgreementforBasic jointly signed anoperationand maintenanceagreement forthe andtheU.S.SoilConservationServicehave Fayette County Conservation andDevelopmentFundprogram. andfunded throughitsSoil ConservationService Resource water systemandlandscaping.All were designedbytheU.S. facilities, boat launch,boat rampsanddocks,handicap access, roads andparking areas,fourpicnic areas, pittypetoilet U.S. SoilConservationService.Siteamenities include access construction administration The floodcontrol project including engineering, design and manages thefishery. at thefacility.ThePennsylvaniaFishCommissionstocksand construct Greenlick Damtoprovidepublicfishing and boating toassist in thepurchaseFayette County oftheland to FishCommission signed anagreementwith Pennsylvania areas thatsurroundthelake.OnOctober29,1970 the holds landtitle50 acresofrecreation totheapproximately the lakeand leasesitback County totheCounty. Fayette Commission holdslandtitle tothe101-acre permanentpoolof ThePennsylvaniaAgriculture, Fish Soil ConservationService. of FishCommissionand theUSDepartment Pennsylvania the Property acquisitionwas fundedbyFayetteCounty, was fundedandsupervised bythe path tothe Mill RunTrail. place. Miller Trailmovesfromthenorthlotalong a1milefoot connects the MillRunparkinglotto a lotnearthe oldSummey following Mill Runfor2.5milestoWest Road.GristMillTrail Trail. MillRun TrailmovesfromtheMillRunparkinglot follows QuebecRunfor1.1milesfrom HessTrailtoMillRun from HessTrailtoitsjunction withTebolt Trail. Rankin Trail side ofthe Wild Areafor 4.2miles. Brocker Trailtravels2miles connects Tebolt andNorthparkinglots moving alongthewest Mill Runwhereitjoinsup withtheWestRoad.HessTrail miles fromtheTeboltparkingTebolt Trail lotovermoves 3.9 to Tebolt Roadconnectsthe southparkinglottoWest Road. West Roadstretches2 miles fromHessTrailto MillRunTrail. the WildArea andconnects thenorth andsouthparking lots. of manypurposes.QuebecRoadis a 3.7mileroadbisecting The WildAreacontains many trailsdesignedfor theutilization sides ofthe hills. driersouthmixed oaksoccupyingthe andwest warmerand yellow-poplar liningthe moist northandeast-facingslopes mesophitic with The forestisknownasa mixed maples and Uniontownaround1938-40. Summit LumberCo.of bythe growth, resultingfromtheextensivetimberharvesting are encompassedbytheWildArea. Theforestismostlythird allofQuebecRun andTebolt Run watersheds County. Nearly runs alongthe easternslopeofChestnutRidgeinFayette hiking, hunting, fishing, and solitude innature. The WildArea This heavilyforested7.441-acre WildAreacanbeusedfor Counties formed thenon-profit RegionalTrailCorporation The Commissioners of Fayette, Westmoreland andAllegheny in FayetteCounty. Somerset Countythrough OhiopyleStateParktoConnellsville fromConfluencein P&LE railroadrightofway extending Allegheny Countytothe existingbike trailonthe abandoned following the P&LERailroad Right-of-WayfromPittsburghin prepared aconceptplan forthe YoughioghenyRiverTrail National ParkService ledbythe Fayette County County and officials from government AlleghenyCounty, Westmoreland In 1990,atask forceof local citizens, trailgroupsand hunting. landscaping. Theparkisopentothe publicincluding public roads, four parking areas, securityfencing,open spaceand boat docks, fishing piers, asphaltaccesswalkways, access restrooms, wellwater,fourplayareas,apublic boat launch,

Quebec Regional TrailCorporation Regional Run Wild Area

(RTC) in 1991 with the mission to acquire, construct and manage the trail. The Trail right of way was purchased by the RTC in Background Mapping January, 1992. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage As part of assessing the presence, locations and relationships of Preservation Commission and ISTEA provided the federal funding the County’s physical characteristics, a series of background for the engineering and construction of the trail. The Robert Eberly mapping was completed. Foundation provided the local cost share to these grants to acquire and develop the Fayette County section of the trail. Existing demographic information, infrastructure patterns, natural resources and recreation opportunities have been mapped and The RTC has since expanded its original role from the construction examined to determine the their relevance and contribution to the of the Youghiogheny Trail Northern Section to include the County’s future parks, recreation, open space, greenways and trail acquisition, construction, and development of trails throughout the system. three county region. Local trail chapters have been established to accomplish these tasks. The Fayette County Commissioners These reference maps include: appoint three members to the Board of Directors of the RTC. Fayette County’s local chapter is the Whitsett/Fayette Yough Trail Population Density map Chapter. School Facilities Map Potable Water Service Area Map The Regional Trail Corporation offices are located in West Newton, Sewer Service Map PA. The mission statement of the RTC is as follows: Utility Corridors Map Transportation Infrastructure Map “The Regional Trail Corporation is a non-profit partnership Landform Map who’s mission is to acquire, develop, and manage Ridgetops Map appropriate trail corridors in southwestern Pennsylvania and Land Coverage Map to create and promote opportunities for recreation, tourism, Steep Slopes map economic development, and historic and environment General Stream Quality Analysis Map Wetlands and Floodplains Map conservation.” Reservoir Watersheds Map

Agricultural Resources Map

Biological Diversity Areas Map Local/Municipal Park Facilities Important Bird Areas Map In developing the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Parklands Map Greenways and Trail Plan, the County worked with municipalities ATV Analysis Map to develop an understanding of existing local-scale park facilities. Special Recreation Map Through written surveys and feedback, thirty-eight municipalities Trails Map identified what types of recreation resources are provided to Historic Resources Map Background Data residents currently. All of the communities’ responses and detailed findings from these inquiries are found in the Plan’s appendix.

55 56 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan in the more developed eastern halfof theCounty. densities along StateRoute119,and higherdensitiesingeneral clear relationship tothe transportation networkwiththe highest around thecity/town centers.Thepopulation densities show a concentrated populations inclusters of darktomediumcolors gradations of the mapfromorangetopale yellow show highest density (3000personsorabove) showninorange. The density (100personsor below) showninpale yellowandthe data andillustrates persons persquare milewiththelowest The PopulationDensity Map isbased onU.S.Year2000Census

Population Density Map Population Density County. recreation facilities which support akeyeconomic resource of the be included in theanalysisofneeds, andinthe prioritization of density than thewesternhalf,attracts millions of users who must the eastern half oftheCounty,although lowerinpopulation recreation facilities than areas oflower concentrations. However, Areas ofhigher concentrations ofpeople typicallyrequire more County isimportantindetermining theCounty’srecreationneeds. The analysisofpopulation densities inthevariousparts ofthe

Background Data

School Facilities Map The School Facilities Map identifies all school facility locations in to these public school facilities, Geibel Catholic School District Fayette County. School facilities offer various recreational has students from all over the County. opportunities including playgrounds, outdoor hard courts, football fields, soccer fields, and baseball and/or softball fields. The map shows that the majority of the facilities are located near a major roadway or clustered in Uniontown and Connellsville. Fayette County has eight school districts, including Uniontown, Connellsville, , Belle Vernon, Brownsville, Frazier, Laurel Highlands, and Southmoreland school districts. In addition

57 58 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Southwestern Pennsylvania Atlas. Southwestern Pennsylvania water areas are defined by theNatural Infrastructure of waterisobtainable. Thepotable of theCountywherepotable human consumption.The PotableWaterMapdefinestheareas consumption, humancontactorinthe preparation offoodsfor Potable wateristhat issatisfactory fordirecthuman

Potable WaterService AreaMap

Background Data

Sewer Service Map The Sewer Service Map illustrates existing public sewer service areas increasing the possibility that development will remain and short-term improvement in purple and long term public sewer focused in existing developed areas. The eastern portion of the service improvements in light purple. The availability of sewer County has very little existing or planned sewer service indicating service to an area often determines the amount and intensity of that these scenic recreation lands will continue to develop more development that can occur in that location because development slowly than the County’s western areas. capacity is directly dependent on the availability of utilities. Existing sewer service areas in Fayette County occur in existing developed areas along major transportation routes in the western portion of the County. Long-term public sewer improvement projects are general located adjacent to current facility service

59 60 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan transmission linesand various pipelines critical to infrastructure. Map delineatestheutility corridorsin the County includingelectric TheUtilityCorridors either publiclyorprivately ownedproperty. Utility corridors arerights-of-way easementsforutilitylineson

Utility Corridors Map

Background Data

Transportation Infrastructure Map The Transportation Infrastructure Map highlights roads, railroads Transportation, and State Route 381 has been designated the and major rivers. A comparison of the local road network reveals Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. two distinct geographic regions. The area west of Chestnut Ridge has seen the majority of the County’s transportation Railroads also play an important role in the County’s improvements, primarily because of its suitability for development transportation picture. Major active lines run along both the in comparison with the rugged eastern half of the County. Youghiogheny and Monongahela Rivers, as well as through the Fayette County’s major thoroughfares include the Mon-Fayette center of the County connecting important population centers. A Expressway, U.S. Route 40 (East-West) and U.S. Route 119 number of abandoned rail lines also exist in Fayette County and (North-South). Route 40 has also been named the National Road will likely play an important role in future greenway development. Heritage Park Scenic Byway by the Pennsylvania Department of

61 62 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Survey, LandInfoInternational,Survey, LLC. topographic data generatedbythe UnitedStates Geologic also illustrated at100foot intervals. Thismaputilizes digital each representedbyadifferent color. Topographiccontours are feetofelevationand areelevation layersthatoccur every400 topographic form. Themapillustrates a sequential hierarchy of basic The LandformAnalysisMap depictsFayetteCounty’s

Landform Map

Background Data

Ridgetops Map For the purposes of this plan, a ridgetop is any land in Fayette County higher than 1900 feet above sea level. Appalachian ridgetops are significant because of the unique habitats they provide for many unique species of plants and animals. They are also easily traveled, as long as the traveler remains at the highest possible point at all times. Fayette County is dominated by two major ridges running southwest-northeast. Laurel Ridge forms the eastern border and Chestnut Ridge runs parallel to the west.

63 64 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan eastern portion oftheCounty. again pronounced, with significantly moreforest existinginthe distinction between eastern andwesternFayetteCountyisonce remotesensingtechniques.digital satellite The imageryand The LandCovermapillustrates land usedatathat isderived from

Land Coverage Map Land Coverage

Background Data

Steep Slopes Map The Steep Slopes Maps shows the location of the County’s steepest slopes. Slopes are calculated based on a 10-foot contour interval and have been categorized into 5 gradients of steepness. Slopes > 25% are naturally sensitive areas that provide open space and foster local biodiversity. The County’s slope characteristics have been approximated using digital topographic data provided by the United States Geologic Survey, Land Info International, LLC and third party computational software.

65 66 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Code. quality streams 93ofthe asdefined byChapter Pennsylvania illustrates the locationand extent ofexceptional value andhigh drainage or other water-bornepollutants. Thestream qualitymap be impacted byindustrial discharges, sedimentation, acidmine content. Stream qualitycan metal acidity, temperatureand heavy related toa number offactorssuch as waterclarity, movement, relationship with fishand invertebratespecies.Streamqualityis Stream qualityisanindicator ofaquatic habitat and hasadirect

General StreamQuality Analysis Map

Background Data

Wetlands and Floodplains Map Wetlands are critical areas inundated or saturated by surface or throughout the County with concentrations in flat areas near ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a bodies of water. prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. There are three types of wetlands: lake edge (Lacustrine); marshes or bogs (Palustrine); and river edge (Riverine). Floodplains are land areas susceptible to inundation by water as a result of the floods and also serve an integral role in water quality through groundwater recharge and stormwater runoff. This map documents the location and extent of wetlands and floodplains within the County. These lands are found

67 68 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan that areresponsible for replenishing thewatersupply. actually stores thewater,aswell surroundingtributaries residents. A ReservoirWatershedincludesthe water bodythat none aremoreimportant thanthosethatprovidewatertoCounty Of allthewatershedsthat arguably compriseFayette County,

Reservoir Watersheds Map Reservoir

Background Data

Agricultural Resources Map The Agricultural Resources Map shows the areas that contain security in land use and the right to farm. All Agricultural Security prime agricultural soils and Agricultural Security Areas. Prime Areas must be at least 250 acres in size, and participating agricultural soils are designated by the U.S. Department of farmers are entitled to special consideration from local and state Agriculture as having an ideal combination of physical and government agencies, thus encouraging the continuing use of the chemical characteristics for producing high yields of crops when land for productive agricultural purposes. treated and managed according to commonly accepted farming methods. Agricultural Security Areas are created by local While these resources were not considered as part of criteria or municipalities in cooperation with individual landowners to inclusion in the County’s proposed greenways network, there promote more permanent and viable farming operations over the significance to understanding the character of the open space long term by strengthening the farming community’s sense of areas is important.

69 70 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Southwestern Pennsylvania Atlas. Southwestern Pennsylvania within theCounty basedontheNatural Infrastructureof the location oftheseBDAs Mapillustrates sensitive naturalareas The natural communities supporting exceptional nativediversity. and/orhighqualityState orFederalGovernment examplesof full rangeof biological communities ofspecial concern bythe species, species diversity anddiversity ina withinacommunity, geneticA Biological diversitywithin Diversity Area(BDA)includes

Biological Diversi ty AreasMap

Background Data

Important Bird Areas Map An Important Bird Area is a place that provides essential habitat monitoring is in process. The Important Bird Areas map reveals for one or more species of bird, whether in breeding season, the IBAs located in the County. winter, or during migration. These sites are considered to be exceptionally important for bird conservation. Protection of the most critical of these sites is one important approach to the protection of many bird species. Important Bird Areas (IBAs) as determined by the Audubon Society serve as the basis of the analysis. Criteria used to determine IBA status includes the number of bird species present, the presence of rare or endangered species and sites where long-term avian research or

71 72 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan landscapes and unimprovedopen space. protect asignificant portion oftheCounty’s unique natural Inaddition torecreation purposes,parklands programming. significantly insize, location, scope, appearance and range ofactiveandpassive recreationalneeds. Parklands vary FayetteCounty’s publicparklands governments, serve awide Managed andmaintained bystate,countyormunicipal

Parklands Map

Background Data

ATV Analysis Map Through discussions with recreation providers, enthusiast and a Positive considerations also included close proximity to a major County work with local municipalities, other interested public- general review of land in the County, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) road and the availability of adequate space. Areas close to parks sector entities and the private sector to identify the most suitable activity is popular among both residents and non-residents. and Biological Diversity Areas were deemed unsuitable because location for such a recreation opportunity. of the relatively high impact of ATVs. The ATV Analysis shows all areas suitable for ATV use and categorizes each area as prime, good and other. Each area’s As part of the planning process and comments received during suitability level was developed by the Pennsylvania Department development of the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open of Conservation and Natural Resources and other Southwestern Space, Greenways and Trails Plan, some stakeholders from the PA stakeholders as part of the region’s Natural Infrastructure private sector have identified potential interests in pursuing the project. Emphasis is placed on re-using abandoned strip mines. development of an ATV-related facility. It is recommended, the

73 74 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan reserves. local and/or regional attractions, recreation clubs ornature Theyusually incl environment. centered around aspecificactivity orfeaturing a distinctive Special recreation areasoffunique recreation opportunities, often

Special RecreationMap ude campgrounds, golf courses,

Background Data

Trails Map The Trails Map illustrates a variety of existing and proposed • State-Designated Water Trails are shown in royal cross country skiing, and in some cases snow mobiles and trails as follows: blue. all terrain vehicles (ATV). They are also vital in the creation • Existing and Proposed Local Trails are shown of links between other recreational features as well as respectively in orange solid and dashed lines Major roads and water bodies are also shown on the Map. natural features. The creation of county wide trail network, • Existing and Proposed Regional Trails are shown Both of these features are relevant to the existing and future and its maintenance and future development, are important respectively in green solid and dashed lines trail system as potential sources of trail access points and goals of the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open • Existing and Proposed State/National Trails are shown desirable destinations. Trails are key recreation elements Space Plan. respectively in brown solid and dashed lines. furnishing opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding,

75 76 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan . AlbertGallatin House()3miles north ofPoint 1. follows: National Historic Landmarksaremapped inred and areas attesttoitsrich history. five(5) Fayette County TheCounty’s buildings andsi The manyhistoric County. The abovemapillustrates theHistoric ResourcesofFayette

Historic ResourcesMap Marion tes that have beenpreservedin 40)west Searight Tollhouseonthe National Road(U.SRoute 5. Isaac MeasonHousein Dunbar Township 4. I.N. andBernadineHaganHouse (KentuckKnob), another 3. Fallingwater atMillRun–thevacationretreatofdepartment 2. of Uniontown 40 nearUniontown U.S. Route Wright designed retreat,locatedon Chalk HillRoadoffof Frank LloydWright. architect byAmerican store owner,EdgarJ.Kaufman, Sr. recreation features andserveasregional visitor destinations. sitesare associatedMany ofthese with existingopen space and tourism andrecreational opportunities in theFayetteCounty. These andother historic places are important to encouraging

Classification Table Parks and Acreage Assessment

Acreage Service State, County and Local Parks Min. Requirement Area Size per 1,000 Radius Needs Assessment Persons The Needs Assessment is a major component of the Park Classification Definition Facilities acres miles acres Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways Same as neighborhood plus swimming pool, lit playfields and Trails Plan. The assessment identifies and prioritizes the Drive to park; intense and single-use hardcourts, quantity and type of parks most needed within the County-wide Neighborhood recreational activities; 20 2 4.0 multipurpose building, park, recreation and open space system. max. 80% developed community center In order to determine County parks, recreation and open space needs, the amount of park and open space land available for Water resource-oriented, County residents’ use is calculated. This process is referred to County parks; drive to unlit playfields, playgrounds, as the quantitative analysis. The quantitative analysis park; primarily passive picnicking, usage with light hiking/biking/walking trails, calculates park acreage surpluses and deficiencies based on Metropolitan 100 15 5.0 existing facilities and their distribution within the Fayette County intense active nature center, amphitheater, region as well as current and projected population statistics. recreation; limited park group camping, swimming The quantitative analysis is completed in two phases: programming beaches, boating areas

1.Inventory and Distribution Evaluation Water resource-oriented, 2.Acreage Needs Assessment Drive to park; natural conservation areas (flood areas with some control/management), The first phase mathematically identifies the region’s current Regional resource based beaches, nature study, 250 30 20.0 park acreage and the accessibility of such parks to residents activities; max 20% group camping, rustic areas, within six identified geographic regions of the County developed bridal trails, picnicking

The second phase calculates park acreage surpluses and deficiencies in relation to the overall County and each individual Study Region. The surpluses and deficiencies are based on current and projected population growth factors.

Background Data The following table illustrates the types of uses, facilities, minimum size, service radius and acreage recommendations per 1,000 persons that the County has assigned to each classification. These standards are based, in part, from criteria established by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).

77 78 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan erpltn101 . ,4 4 0 8 5 3 609 4,691 3,338 834 4,889 658 3,140 785 5,056 700 8,029 2,973 1,443 743 20.0 5.0 30 250 15 100 Regional Metropolitan Community Neighborhood/ Overall County Needs Overall County of FayetteCounty.Eachparkis classified aseither: developed asetofstandards thatreflecttheunique characteristics general parkclassification standards as abase,the Countyhas Using theNationalRecreation and Park Association’s(NRPA) Step 1:ParkClassification series ofthree steps. Evaluationiscompetedina Region, theInventoryDistribution the parkacreage availabletotheCountyandeachStudy space facilityregion.Inorder intheFayetteCounty todetermine intensity for each Municipal,CountyandStateparksopen The evaluationidentifies thetypeofactivityanddevelopment divided into the park’s total servicearea. acreage ofeach StudyRegionwitha park’sserviceareaisthen portionof aparticularStudy Region’s park’sservicearea.The considered for regionalproportion. ARegionalProportion isa on thetheir relatively smallradius, neighborhood parkswere not and StateParksareassigneda30 mile servicearearadius. Based to visit.CountyParksareassigned a 12mileservice arearadius the largeror morespecializedthepark, thefurther auserwilltravel distance apark useris willing totravel tovisitafacility.Typically, The service radius assigned toeach park representsthestandard Step 2:RegionalProportionCalculation

3. Regional 2. Metropolitan 1. Neighborhood Inventory and Distribution EvaluationInventory andDistribution Classification

Min. Size Min. ce iearsarsarsarsarsarsarsacres acres acres acres acres acres acres acres mile acres 2-52040514 595 4.0 2.0 .25-15 Service uttl2. ,8. ,1. ,7. ,5. ,3. ,4. 5,146 4,840.0 5,433.0 4,553.0 5,675.0 4,311.0 9,986.0 29.0 Subtotal Radius Area Area Requirement Requirement per 1,000 1,000 per Acreage Acreage Several Recreation and Open Space Current County-wide Park, County-wide Park, Current Inventory Standards’. population as definedin the County’sParkClassifications population statisticsand the required parkacreage per1,000 park classification arecomputedutilizing Fayette County’s acreage surpluses and deficits. The totalRecommended Acresby The AcreageNeedsAssessmentidentifies the County’s park use. calculated as availableacreage fornon Fayettecountyresidents’ service areawitheachStudyRegion.Theremaining percentage is Each park’s acreage is multiplied bythepercentage ofa park’s iscalculated.Areas, theavailableacreage foreachStudyRegion gain amoredetailedunderstanding of specificneeds bytheStudy To prepareforthesecond phaseofthe QuantitativeAnalysisandto its servicearea allocated toFayetteCounty. overall, eachpark’stotal acreageis multiplied bythepercentage of To determinetheactual park acresavailable for Fayette County Step 3:AvailableAcreageCalculation distribution procedure isappliedtonon-Fayette Countyfacilities. within 30milesoftheCountyborder.Thesameacreage andallnonmiles ofthe Fayette CountyStateParks County border Analysis should account forallnon-Fayette parkswithin12 County activities and viceversa,itwasdetermined thattheQuantitative County residentstraveltoneighboringcounties for recreation Fayette driving distance oftheCounty’sboundary.Becausemany non-Fayette CountyParkandopen space areasliewithineasy

Acreage Needs Assessment Acreage NeedsAssessment 3

Needed as as Needed Statistics per Pop. Pop. per Acreage Surplus or Deficit () Deficit Existing Existing (81) Needed as as Needed Pop. Proj. Pop. per 2015 Acreage 628 Surplus or Deficit () Deficit Future Future (114) Needed as Pop. Proj. Pop. per 2050 Acreage Acreage DEP). Protection (PAthe PennsylvaniaDepartmentofEnvironmental Commissionand sources including theSouthwesternPennsylvania Population projectionsStudy Region. wereprovidedbyseveral The projectionsarecompliedforthe overall Countyaswelleach future pointsintimewereidentifiedfor analysis – 2010and 2030. projects future needsas well. Toplan forgenerations tocome, two This study’s assessment notonlydeterminescurrentneedsbut Projected Populations 668 Periods 00166,888 156,980 148,644 2030 2010 2000 Surplus or Deficit () Deficit Future Future (154) (Total Persons) (Total Population Population

Regional Projected Populations Needs Analysis (Year 2000)

Region Region Periods123456 123456Total 2000 17,463 18,272 37,852 42,543 25,282 7,231 Park Classification acres acres acres acres acres acres acres 2010 19,375 20,114 35,273 48,057 26,080 8,081 Neighborhood/ 2030 21,328 21,132 36,199 50,433 29,212 8,584 Community 23 (20) (119) (15) 56 (5) (80) Metropolitan 527 183 167 (154) (26) 4 701 Regional 221 503 1,927 (121) 564 1,963 5,057

The recommended acreage per park classification is compared to the County’s actual available acreage. The analysis results Needs Analysis (Year 2010) are described in the tables to the right. Numbers framed by parenthesis indicate deficits in terms of current available Region acreage. 123456Total Park Classification acre acres acres acres acres acres acres Overall Acreage Needs Analysis only accounts for all park Neighborhood/ types and total park acreage throughout the entire County, consequently surpluses and deficits for each Study Region Community 15 (27) (109) (37) 53 (10) (115) may be masked. Therefore surpluses and deficits for each Metropolitan 517 173 180 (181) (30) (3) 656 Study Region distribution are evaluated. This level of detailed Regional 221 466 1,979 (231) 548 1,936 4,919 analysis uncovers specific regional surpluses and deficits. Three different timeframes were studied based upon population. Needs Analysis (Year 2030)

Region 123456Total Park Classification acres acres acres acres acres acres acres Neighborhood/ Community 8 (32) (113) (47) 40 (10) (154) Metropolitan 507 168 175 (193) (46) (3) 608 Regional 143 445 1,960 (279) 486 1,936 4,691

Background Data

79 80 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Municipal Survey upon otherplanning efforts (current &historic) completed inthe also outlined. The planning districtshave beenassignedbased within Fayette County.Aseriesofsix planning districts are The following mapdepictsthelocations ofeach municipality and mappedtheresults on am initial tabulation onaCounty-wide basis.EPDthentabulated 90% responded asofMarch2007. performed the The County of2006. municipalitiesOf the42municipalities, inNovember County distributedthesurveys tothe Consequently, Fayette the results. contacted and theappropriateperson’ssurveywas included in municipalities submitting multiple and differingsurveyswere municipality. Torectifythesituation,submitted bythesame cases, differing responsestovariousquestions been may have Subsequently, multipleresponseswere received, andinsome duplicated the distributed tomultiple surveyand persons. to eachmunicipality).Inafewinstances, acommunity and representatives. Forty-twosurveysweredistributed(one recreation at the municipal levelaccording tomunicipalofficials particular survey istodocumentthestateofparks and Open Space,GreenwaysandTrails Plan. Thepurposeofthis Parks, as apartoftheRecreation, County’sComprehensive portion ofthe publicparticipation component beingconducted representsa This series Observation of MunicipalSurvey Community Participation Community Participation unicipal andregionalbasis.

municipalities: following received fromthe on MunicipalSurveyresponses The observationssummarizedwithin thisdocument arebased following page. county. Alistingofsurvey respondentsisoutlined onthe • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Menallen Township Masontown Borough Markleysburg Township Luzerne Township Township Lower Tyrone Jefferson Township Township Henry Clay German Township Georges Township Franklin Township Fairchance Borough Everson Borough Dunbar Township Dunbar Borough Dawson Borough Connellsville Township City ofConnellsville Bullskin Township Brownsville Township Belle VernonBorough Wharton Township Vanderbilt Borough Township Upper Tyrone City ofUniontown Stewart Township South UnionTownship South ConnellsvilleBorough Springfield Township Saltlick Township Redstone Township Point MarionBorough Perryopolis Borough Perry Township Ohiopyle Borough North UnionTownship Nicholson Township Newell Township

municipality showninwhite.Anexampleisillustrated below. with ared/darkgrayshading.Ifnoresponse was given,the illustrated in blue/lightgray. “No”responsesare designated map created,surveyresponseswith a “yes”answerare mapped accordingtothe municipality’sfeedback. Foreach survey’squestionshaveResponses to been manyofthe

survey: The following municipalities didnot submit amunicipality • • • • •

Smithfield Borough Springhill Township Brownsville Borough Fayette CityBorough Washington Township

Demographic Overview Question 1C – Does your municipality employ a part-time possess, nor should be expected to possess, all of the person or persons who are specifically hired to plan, organize expertise needed in planning and maintaining parks/recreation Question 1A - Does Your Municipality have a local volunteer and operate recreation and park programs and maintain park facilities/programs. Park and Recreation Board or Commission? facilities in your community? Question 2 – Does your Municipality specifically budget and expend local tax dollars for parks and recreation in your community?

A volunteer Park and Recreation Board or Commission Part time staffing can be instrumental in planning, organizing generally provides recreation oriented vision, organization, and operating recreation programs for municipalities with decision making and budgetary assistance for recreation smaller populations. 11% of municipalities employ a part time programs and facilities. 43% of Municipalities have a local person to plan, organize, and operate recreation and park Budgeting for parks and recreation enables a municipality to volunteer Park and Recreation Board or Commission. Each of programs and maintain park facilities. Part-time staffing could allocate necessary funds for park maintenance and expansion the County’s six Planning District has at least one municipality provide the opportunity to optimize budget resources but at as well as for recreation programs. 65% of the municipalities with such a board or commission from which techniques, times may scheduling of programming, maintenance and/or budget and expend local tax dollars for parks and recreation facility use may become challenging within a community where with each district exhibiting multiple municipalities that allocate procedures and policies could be further examined to build other successes in other surrounding communities. recreation is in high demand and full-time staff is not available. funds for parks and recreation. Municipal budgets were cited from Department of Community and Economic Development Question 1B – Does your Municipality employ a full-time Question 1D - Does your municipality rely on volunteer (DCED) 2005 data and then tabulated on a per person basis. person or persons who are specifically hired to plan, organize organizations to provide park and recreation opportunities for The range of recreation budget expenditures per person and operate recreation and park programs and maintain park the residents of your community? ranged from $0 (several municipalities) to $22.06 per person facilities in your community? (Uniontown City). It has not yet been examined as part of this survey if other funding avenues (private organizations, grants, etc.) help support these formally allocated budget figures.

Question 3 – Are your Municipal parks and recreation Background Data programs open to any individual from the public regardless of their residency?

Open access encourages the use of parks and recreation facilities. 88% of the municipalities’ parks and recreation programs are open to any individual regardless of their residency. This open access policy is a benefit to County

residents because residents and organizations of some Volunteer organizations provide a vital function in parks and communities rely upon their neighbors for facility use and Employment of staff for recreation is limited with 5% of county recreation within the County’s communities. 39% of the availability. [See School Survey responses for distance municipalities staffing a full time employee to plan, organize municipalities rely on volunteer organizations to provide park traveled.] and operate recreation and park programs as well as maintain and recreation opportunities. Volunteers provide enthusiasm in park facilities. Municipalities lacking such staff are generally helping communities complete their recreation goals however, Public recreation programs and special events provide leisure “stretched” to address daily local parks and recreation planning the most effective benefits of volunteerism are often seen when and entertainment for municipal and county residents. The and/or maintenance needs. a community provides a clear, coordinated statement of majority of municipalities offer public recreation programs and anticipated outcomes. Volunteers also may not always

81 82 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Question 4 Question 5A providing recreation.] private facilities. [Seealso SchoolSurvey fororganizations number oflocationsincluding public, semi-public, schooland picnicdays as.These eventsarehostedat and community a special events including yout majority ofmunicipalities offerpublicrecreation programs and and entertainmentformunicipal countyresidents.The Public recreation programs andspecialeventsprovide leisure and special events that occur within your Municipality. discussed in establishing thesetypesofjointefforts. liability, safetyandsecurity policiesare oftenmainelements similar facilities ifneeded elsewhereinthevicinity. However, country, tenniscourts,etc. couldalleviate construction of such as soccer andfootball fields, track andfield, cross school hours orschool events. Additionalaccesstofacilities recreational opportunities forthegeneral publicduring non- municipalities responded thattheschool districtprovides for by schoolsto studentsbenefits County residents.30%ofthe Based onpossibleaccessibility andcosts,recreation provided school events? opportunities forthegeneral publicduring non-schoolhoursor – – Pleaseidentify themajor recreation programs Does theschooldistrict providerecreation h sportleagues,holidayevents

Question 5B needed recreation opportunities listed inquestion #7? ownership that isappropriate forthe developmentofthe Question 8– following based onpriority: The mostrequestedrecreational opportunities were the feel yourMunicipalityislacking? Question 7* place forsuch after-hour activity. agreements in such facilities, fewerreportedtherewereformal report there isaccessibility to while 30%ofthecommunities the local school districtto providerecreationopportunities. So of themunicipalities haveaninter-cooperative agreement with byCountyresidentsfor recreation may beused activity. 11% School sites generallycontainvariousrecreation facilities that recreation opportunities for yourresidents? cooperative agreements withthelocal school district toprovide 5. Skateparks. 4. Basketball courts; and 3. Ballfields; 2. Walkingtrails; 1. Playgrounds; – – Does yourMunicipality What type ofrecreationopportunitiesdoyou Does your municipality Doesyour haveany inter- have thepropertyunder

Question enhancements orexpansions. Union TownshipandSpringfield Township are not planning Saltlick Township, Jefferson Clay Township, North municipalities thatareexperiencingsignificant growth, Henry amongneighboringcommunities.that mayexist Of the usesand/orgaps further exploredtoidentify complementary these facilitiesaregeared (younger/olderresidents) should be facilities. The natureof whattypesofexpansionandtowhom years toenhanceorexpandtheirrecreationprograms orpark municipalities haveimmediateplansorprojects in thenextfive increasing the qualityoflifeforits residents. 59% of generally anindicatorof commitmentto a community’s Expanding anarea’sparks andrecreation opportunities is your Municipality’s recreationprograms orparkfacilities? plans orprojectsinthenext five years toenhanceorexpand Question 9 additional parks andopen space. could beestablished to increase potential indeveloping joint effortsproperty underownershipfordevelopmentofwhich County. AllPlanningDistricts contain amunicipality having municipalities lackingproperty arecentrallylocated inthe ofneeded recreation opportunities.development Those 69% ofmunicipalities own property appropriatefor the non-residents) andpark attendance. resources allocated forsecurity,user groups(residents and/or including, but not limited to,personnel and/orbudgetary ATVs. Reasonsforvandalism canvary theft, anddamage from isrelated topropertydamage, the mostprevalentvandalism open spaces andfacilities. 68%of municipalities statedthat well asanincrease ofthe burdenonmunicipalitybudgetsfor recreation facilities and/or adecrease ofscenic amenities as Vandalism generallyinvolves thedestructionof park and your local park? Ifyes, what type?

10 - – Do youfeelthereis a problem vandalism of at Does your Municipalityhaveanyimmediate

Question 11 – Do you feel your community should consider Question 13 – Do you feel your Municipality has more local Question 15 – Fayette County has man unique historical providing additional parks and recreation areas or open space parks that necessary? areas, scenic vistas, bi-ways and geological areas within the for your residents? County’s boundaries. Do you feel these areas should be acquired and preserved for future generations?

Local parks serve as a vital recreation area for local residents, 62% of municipalities feel their communities should consider usually providing facilities only a short walk or bike ride or drive providing additional parks and open space. Municipalities that from their homes. Only 3% of municipalities feel their don’t consider additional parks are those located near the municipality has more local parks than necessary. The Historical, scenic vistas, bi-ways and geological areas increase larger county and state parks near the eastern County border remainder are either satisfied with the amount of parks they recreation amenities and opportunities. 86% of the as well as the more densely populated municipalities, such as possess or desire more space. Financial restrictions and lack municipalities feel historical, scenic vistas, bi-ways, and boroughs and cities. Of the municipalities experiencing significant of administrative organization appear to be the two reoccurring geological areas should be acquired and preserved. growth Henry Clay Township and Saltlick Township indicated themes of concern for the communities. that their communities should not provide additional parks and *Additional analysis on Question 6 will be completed in context recreation areas or open space. Question 14 – What challenges are you confronted with, as a of overall School Survey results when available. municipal official, with maintaining, expanding or renovating the Question 12 - Do you feel the County should consider local parks in your Municipality? providing additional parks and recreation areas or open space for the residents of the County? Funding is the most common challenge for maintaining, expanding or renovating the local parks. Volunteers, local support, and lack of land are also common concerns. Municipalities experiencing challenges in maintaining, expanding and renovating local parks should consider efforts in conjunction with other municipalities to alleviate the burden of maintenance, expansion and renovation. Background Data

85% of municipalities feel that the County should consider providing additional parks and recreation areas or open space. Municipalities that feel the County should not provide additional parks are primarily located near the larger County and State Parks near the eastern border or in the western boroughs of Masontown and Point Marion. Of the municipalities experiencing significant growth Henry Clay Township and Saltlick Township indicated that the County should not provide additional parks and recreation areas or open space.

83 84 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan Resident andSchoolSurvey and recommendations. overallsummary variables willbefactored intothePlan’s destinations thatan18-year-old mayhave.Such concepts suchasdistances traveledtorecreation have thesameframe of re responses. Forexample, some10-year-oldsmaynot concepts withindifferent grades Some variablesbased uponthe survey wasgivento10-year-oldsand18-year-olds. The surveyswerestandardized,meaningthe same responses fromthefollow received1,000surveyresponses,including County has 8,000.Todate,the surveyed gradesisapproximately Consequently, thebaselin ages 10-18,generallyequivalenttogrades5-12. Fayette Countycurrentlyhasmorethan16,000 children County throughApril2007. February 2007.Surveysresponseswereaccepted bythe plus grades8,10,and12ofGeibel CatholicinJanuary/ for theirdistributiontostudent plus GeibelCatholic.Thesurveysweresenttoschools opinions ofstudentsinthe8sc and was conductedtoobtaintherecreationactions The FayetteCountyParksandRecreationStudentSurvey emerged weresimilartothose included intheAppendix. students. Thedetailedfindings surveystoitsresidentsand school County issues the As partofthecomprehensiveplanningprocess, incorporated into Theresponseshave notyetbeen tabulations. 1 Geibel Catholicsubmitted • • • • • Uniontown (5th,8 Laurel Highlands(12 Frazier (5 Brownsville (8 Albert Gallatin(5 th and8 the following analysis th ) th th th and8 ) , 10 th ing schooldistrictsandgrades e studentpopulationofthe ference orunderstanding of ) In general,thetrendsthat th responses aftertheinitial and12 th s ingrades5,8,10and12, ) that studentsexpressed. hool districtsoftheCounty maybereflected inthe of theresidentsurveyare understanding ofdifferent th ) 1 :

2. HaveyouevervisitedGerman-Masontown Park?Ifso,

ageandgender. 1. Pleaseindicateyour 100 150 200 250 50 how 0

Age often 10 Female 469 10 ? Age 11 10 Age 12 116 Male 500 Age 13 Age 14

Once aMonth Once aWeek Once Year Few Times Per Age 15 Age 16 Age 17

Age 18 Age 19 A

5. Howfardoyouoryour family members typicallytravel for

4. Haveyou evervisited DunlapCreekPark?If so,howoften? 3. Haveyou evervisited JacobsCreek Park?If so,howoften? recreational activities?

49 62% 3 31 4 46 339 17% 21% Once aMonth Once aWeek Once Year Few Times Per Once a Month Once aWeek Once Year Per Few Times 5+ miles miles2-5 miles0-2

6. How many hours per week do you spend participating in 2Other activities with a significant number of responses include 9. What activities would you want as future recreation recreational activities? boating, skiing, cheerleading, snowboarding, hiking, horseback programs in Fayette County? riding and mini-golf. 800 600 700 3 500 The majority of these visits could be school field trips 600 400 500 300

200 400

100 300

0 200 0-5 Hours 6-10 Hours 11-20 Hours 21-100 Hours

2 7. What activities do you participate in? 100

0 450 Fishing Hunting

400 Football Tracks Water Rec Basketball 350 Gymnasium Batting Cage Sledding Area Bicycle Trails/ Bicycle Baseball Field/ 300 Skateboard Park 250 800

200 700 150 600 100 500 50 0 400

300 ATV Dance Soccer Fishing Football Walking Running 200 Baseball Swimming Basketball Bike Riding Bike 100 8. What major places do you visit for recreation?3 0

700 Soccer Ice Rink Trails- Center Trails- Play Areas Play Community Community Fitness Trail Soft Surface Soft Tennis Courts Nature Center Picnic Shelter Picnic 600 SurfacesHard

500 10. What time of day do you most often recreate during the Background Data week? 400

300 5% 14%

200 6am-8am

100 39% 3pm-5pm

0 42% 6pm-8pm il a Tr Lake Cheat Seven ds Fort Fort After 8pm Springs n Fayette Dam River Trail a University California Necessity Park Laurel Nemacolin Penn State Woodlands hl g Monongahela Youghiogheny Hi Youghiogheny Ohiopyle State

85 86 Fayette County County Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Greenways and Trails Plan

13. Whatorganizations do youoryour family members rely 12. Areyoufamiliar withrecreationprograms offeredby 11. Whattimeofdaydoyoumostoften recreate onthe 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 50 0 upon forrecreation? organizations inyour community? weekend? 17%

School 58% No 24% 13% 6% Church 42% Yes 15% 25%

Community

None After 8pm After 6pm-8pm 3pm-5pm 1pm-3pm 9am-12pm 6am-8am

Private Clubs

Other

methods16.What wouldyou suggestto betterpromotethe 14. Whatnew wouldyou programs like torecommend? 15. AreexistingCounty facilities adequately promoted?

100 120 140 160 180 10 12 14 16 20 40 60 80 0 2 4 6 8 0 facilities and recreationactivities?

Skateboard Skateboard Advertise Newspaper Come to to Come Newspaper Advertise Park 72% No Dirt Bike Bike Dirt Trails 28% Yes

ATV Trails Football Hockey Hockey Football Trails ATV School Cleaner Parks B

Background Data

87