Susquehanna River Sports Park Feasibility Study Creating a Boathouse, Rowing Venue and Riverfront Park
In the Middle Susquehanna Region - Realizing the Economic Development and Recreational Potential of Lake Augusta
May 2010 Susquehanna River Sports Park Susquehanna River Sports Park
Susquehanna River Sports Park — Feasibility Study
Creating a Boathouse, Rowing Venue and Riverfront Park in the Middle Susquehanna Region – Realizing the Economic Development and Recreational Potential of Lake Augusta This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Keystone Recreation, Park and The Lake Augusta communities: Northumberland Borough and Upper Conservation Fund, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Augusta, Point and West Chillisquaque Townships, Northumberland Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation County; Shamokin Dam Borough and Monroe Township, Snyder County; and Conservation. Union Township, Union County. Community River Sports Park Prepared for: BRC-TAG-13.3-491 Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association Bucknell University Susquehanna University Funding by:
Prepared by: SEDA-Council of Governments Community Resource Center 201 Furnace Road Lewisburg, PA 17837 (570) 524-4491 www.seda-cog.org and
Russell B. Roberts, AIA, Architect 295 Huntsville Idetown Road Dallas, PA 18612 May 2010 (570) 675-8596 Phone Susquehanna River Sports Park Susquehanna River Sports Park
Credits and Acknowledgements
Thanks to the vision, leadership and commitment of the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association and to Bucknell and Susquehanna Universities, Lake Augusta may now be recognized as a rowing venue of regional and national significance. The Susquehanna River Sports Park – Feasibility Study was made possible through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and matching funds from the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association, Bucknell University, Susquehanna University and Community Revitalization funds from State Representatives Merle Phillips and Russ Fairchild.
The Susquehanna River Sports Park - Project Study Committee
Jim Baker Joe McGranaghan Paul Bugenhagen Linda A. McMillin Malcolm Fleming Andrew Miller Carol Graybeal Joan Moreau Jim Grose John Skotedis Julie Irwin Sally Thomas Sheila Hartung Valerie Weber Stacy Hinck Kim Wheeler Ed Hovenstein Pam Wolfe Stephen Kish Tim Wolfe Geoffrey Knauth
SEDA-COG Team
Brian Auman Student Interns: Tom Grbenick Zachary Pyle Alison Stevenson Brian Sabri Joe Dewalle Ryan Witmer Margie Swartzlander Susquehanna River Sports Park Susquehanna River Sports Park
Susquehanna River Sports Park — Feasibility Study
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 1
Feasibility Study 5
Community Profile 7
Resource Inventory and Analysis 13
Public Participation in the Planning Process 25
Susquehanna River Sports Park - Project Goals 29
Susquehanna River Sports Park - Concepts 31
Susquehanna River Sports Park - Feasibility 43
Susquehanna River Sports Park - Implementation Strategy 7 5
Appendices - Project CD 59
Boathouse Site Seletion Matrix
Project Study Committee Agendas
Key Person Interviews
Boathouse Tour - Booklet
Design Workshop
Photos / Illustrations Susquehanna River Sports Park Susquehanna River Sports Park
Executive Summary
The Susquehanna River is an underutilized and underappreciated resource offering great opportunity to revitalize the river towns of the Middle Susquehanna Region. In particular – Lake Augusta (the lake formed by the inflatable fabridam) has not realized its potential as a recreational destination and catalyst for economic development. The proposed Susquehanna River Sports Park seeks to create a destination recreational park that will attract locals and visitors to the benefit of the local economy.
The Susquehanna River Sports Park – Feasibility Study identified and evaluated five potential boathouse sites before selecting a preferred site at the intersection of Routes 11 and 15 in Monroe Township, Snyder County. A detailed inventory and analysis was then completed assessing the feasibility of constructing a boathouse and all necessary support facilities on this site. In addition, the preferred boathouse site was evaluated for its full development potential – exploring complementary site development; enhanced site and river access; improved streetscapes; community redevelopment and revitalization options; and enhanced recreation, education and environmental stewardship opportunities.
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The boathouse will be a rowing venue for university crew teams and the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association club activities and will offer the opportunity for expanded youth and secondary school training and competitions and adaptive rowing programs for people with disabilities. The boathouse will also be a venue for regattas and trainings that will bring many teams to the Region and support local service industries. The proposed community park will enhance recreational opportunities for local residents and be a destination for tourists. The park will provide improved public access to the resources of the Susquehanna River, walking and biking trails and a riverfront canal park. The Susquehanna River Sports Park will increase connectivity between the proposed boathouse and fabridam park and the newly proposed fish passage.
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The feasibility planning process engaged a wide range of stakeholders in crafting a vision for the ‘River Sports Park’ and began the partnerships necessary to take this project from concept to reality. The feasibility of the Susquehanna River Sports Park is strengthened by a diverse partnership including stakeholders with interests in the environment, economic development, education and recreation. The Susquehanna River Sports Park establishes an ambitious vision for the west shore of Lake Augusta and has begun a process of regional coordination and collaboration necessary to realize the full potential of the Susquehanna River and Lake Augusta.
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Feasiblitiy Study
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Community Profile Growth Trends The Middle Susquehanna Region, with the exception of the Anthracite Regional Overview Coal Region, has experienced moderate growth in population and employment since 1970. This has occurred despite the decline in The Middle Susquehanna Region is defined as the area of Central manufacturing and industry by a range of 1.4% to 4.2% in the five Pennsylvania centered where the North and West Branches of the counties between 2001 and 2005. Growth treads have been toward flat Susquehanna meet before flowing south towards the Chesapeake Bay. or declining population in the boroughs (river towns) and increasing This is a predominately rural area, notable for its river towns surrounded populations and low-density development in the surrounding countryside and separated by forested ridges and broad agricultural valleys. (townships). While all the river towns of the Middle Susquehanna Region Historically this Region is topographically rugged, isolated and difficult to retain their distinctive character and human scale, the town-county traverse, and the Susquehanna River guided early travel and settlement transition is becoming blurred as surrounding developments take on throughout the Region. an increasingly suburban character. As more suburban, low-density Today, the importance of the Susquehanna River can still be seen in the development occurs in the Region, there is a general loss of walk-ability spatial arrangements of the Region’s major communities, which are strung and bike-ability within and between communities. Current trends do not along the River like pearls on a necklace. The towns serve as connection bode well for our communities from the standpoint of sustainability and points and industrial hubs between local resources and distant markets. quality of life. Variations in local industries, therefore, played major roles in directing town growth and shaping town character. These variations, along with the character of the local landscape and different cultural backgrounds and mixes, combined to create the collection of distinct, independent and Demographics authentic river towns that we find today. As of 2006, the five-county Region had an estimated total population of 256,215 residents. The Region accounts for roughly one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the population of Pennsylvania, but covers nearly four percent (3.85%) of the state’s total land area, a reflection of the Region’s predominately rural nature. The Middle Susquehanna Region was settled as an area noted for tolerance and for cultural and ethnic diversity. Most of these groups put down firm roots within the area and many current residents can trace their families back within the same community for multiple generations. Ironically, because the vast majority of settlers to the Region were of European descent, the Region today appears largely homogenous (96% Caucasian) despite originally possessing a very distinct and diverse mix of ethnic and religious groups.
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Economic Development Lake Augusta – Targeted Investment Area
From an economic standpoint, the Region is dominated by low to In the Valley Vision 2020 report prepared by SEDA-Council of Governments moderate income families. Average household income varies by county; (SEDA-COG) – the Lake Augusta area was identified as one of the targeted it is highest in Union County at $55,649 and lowest in Northumberland investment areas for the 11-county area. The state, looking for a more County at $42,664. Median household income, however, is highest efficient way to invest limited resources, sought the identification of in Montour County, followed by Union, Snyder, Columbia and ‘targeted investment areas’ as a way to counteract the historic practices Northumberland counties, respectively. All of these figures are lower than of scattershot investments throughout the Region. The approach would the median household income for the whole of the state of Pennsylvania. focus more investment into strategic areas, resulting in greater benefits to Many major employers in the Middle Susquehanna Region have their roots the entire 11-county region served by SEDA-COG. in the Region’s industrial era. Industries such as Wood Mode, Weis Markets When challenged to identify ‘targeted investment areas’ for the 11-county and Conestoga Wood Specialties have direct ties to the Region’s lumber SEDA-COG service area – Lake Augusta was a logical choice. The number and agriculture heritage. Other industries are firmly tied to the new of projects and initiatives focused on the Lake Augusta area identified it economy sectors of education, research and health care. Organizations as a cluster of economic activity. The time seemed right, finally, for Lake such as Geisinger and Bucknell, Susquehanna and Bloomsburg universities Augusta to assume its promise as an economic engine for the Region. The play an increasingly vital role in the economy of the Region. A desired Susquehanna River Sports Park idea contributed another level of thinking economic future for the Region would be to find a balance between to the Lake Augusta area – giving a vision for enhancements to the west attracting education and healthcare jobs while retailing manufacturing shore and proposing connections between communities for the benefit of jobs – both of which have the potential to be high skill / high wage jobs. the whole. While the Middle Susquehanna Region is generally viewed positively as an excellent place to raise a family due to its small town and rural character, the Region faces many challenges to retaining and attracting youth and talent. The Region’s continued growth in education and healthcare sectors requires attracting world-class talent. While large numbers of students come to the Region to attend college, few of these students remain in the area after graduation. The Middle Susquehanna Region suffers from ‘brain drain’ as the Region’s best and brightest youth leave the area for greater opportunities elsewhere. A challenge for the Region is to develop both the economic opportunities and the quality of life elements necessary to attract and retain highly qualified professionals.
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Upper Augusta Twp. 12
11 147 Sunbury 61
14 15 10 13 16 Northumberland 147 9 11 17 8 61 147 Lake Augusta
7 11 2 6 1 Monroe Twp. Lake Augusta Regional Attractions Sunbury 61 Fabridam Lake Augusta Loop Trail 6 West Shore Scenic Drive 12 Sunbury Social Club 5 PA Canal Remnants 4 Shikellamy State Park Overlook Shikellamy State Park Marina and 2 7 13 11/15 3 1 Fish & Boat Commission Future River Research15 Center Fishing Access Point Twp. 8 Pineknotter Park & Boat Launch 14 Fort Augusta Historic Site 2 Proposed Fish Passages Site of Native American Trading 3 Future Susquehanna Greenway 9 King Street Park 15 Gateway Visitor Center Post in Historic Shamokin 4 Future River Sports Park 10 Joseph Priestley Historic Site 16 Old Towne Sunbury Shamokin Dam 5 Northumberland Boat Club 11 Fantasy Island Campground 17 Sunbury Riverfront Park
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Susquehanna River Sports Park – Key Stakeholders Population Within a Ten Mile Radius of Lake Augusta Key stakeholders to advance the Susquehanna River Sports Park include Municipality 2008 Population Estimate 2000 Census Population the key project champions: the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association Union Township 1,492 1,427 and Bucknell and Susquehanna universities. Additional stakeholder Rockefeller Township 2,260 2,221 include the state agencies that are expected to play key roles in the Northumberland Borough 3,512 3,714 design and potential operation and maintenance of the recreational Sunbury City 9,819 10,610 facilities – the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Point Township 3,869 3,722 (DCNR). Other key players include the landowners, Shamokin Dam Upper Augusta Township 2,514 2,556 Borough and Monroe Township, Northumberland Boat Club, Susquehanna Monroe Township 4,072 4,012 River Valley Visitor Bureau and the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber Shamokin Dam Borough 1,438 1,502 of Commerce, SEDA-Council of Governments, the Susquehanna Greenway Liberty Township 1,447 1,476 Partnership, PA Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies, DCNR East Buffalo Township 5,896 5,730 Bureau of State Parks, PA Fish and Boat Commission and PA Historical and Museum Commission. Lewisburg Borough 5,454 5,620 It is expected that the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association (CPRA) will New Berlin Borough 818 838 play a pivotal role in the evolving partnership. The CPRA was incorporated Riverside Borough 1,853 1,861 in 2003 as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization in order to promote the Rush Township 1,236 1,189 sport of rowing in the Susquehanna Valley. In the past five years, the Milton Borough 6,359 6,650 organization has grown dramatically. At the current time, the organization Shamokin Township 2,244 2,159 not only provides coached rowing for its members, but also manages a Little Mahanoy Township 430 435 youth rowing program as well as hosting multiple learn-to-row courses throughout each season. CPRA recently hosted its third annual Masters Snydertown Borough 331 357 of the Susquehanna Regatta, attracting rowers from ten different clubs Lower Augusta Township 1,069 1,079 to the Region to compete in rowing races. In addition to CPRA, Bucknell East Chillisquaque Township 634 664 and Susquehanna universities worked collaboratively to provide the local West Chillisquaque Township 2,718 2,846 match for the Susquehanna River Sports Park feasibility study. Zerbe Township 1,878 2,021 Penn Township 3,950 3,781 Selinsgrove 5,344 5,383 Jackson Township 1,333 1,276 Middlecreek Township 2,118 1,971 Total Population 74,088 75,100
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Population of Municipalities Surrounding Lake Augusta Municipality 2008 Population Estimate 2000 Census Population Union Township 1,492 1,427 Rockefeller Township 2,260 2,221 Northumberland Borough 3,512 3,714 Sunbury City 9,819 10,610 Point Township 3,869 3,722 Upper Augusta Township 2,514 2,556 Monroe Township 4,072 4,012 Shamokin Dam Borough 1,438 1,502 Total Population 28,976 29,764
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Resource Inventory and Analysis Landscape Character Driving through the Region, one encounters many variations on the Pre-History theme of rural landscapes. Union and Snyder counties offer fertile limestone valleys with rolling floors that are dotted with farmsteads and The Middle Susquehanna Region is a beautiful and scenic area, notable working agricultural lands and enclosed by forested sandstone ridges. for its waterways, valleys, hills and ridges. The distinctive ridge and valley Compared to the immediate surrounding landscape and much of the landscape of Central Pennsylvania was formed by uplift within the past greater Pennsylvania landscape, the Susquehanna River Valley provided 65.5 million years, but the Susquehanna River is itself much older. It a relatively passable and clear North-South route through the state. The predates even the origins of the Appalachians over 300 million years ago. juxtaposition of traversable and comparatively impassable lands has In fact, the Susquehanna River system is generally believed to be one of shaped settlement patterns in the Region from the earliest times. Today, the oldest in the world. the forces which directed growth and development have made a lasting Glaciation is a geologic process that has played a role in shaping the impression on the landscape through the unique resultant pattern of Regional landscape. Glaciers have overrun and receded from the Region dispersed river towns surrounded by open lands bordered by ridges and as far south as Selinsgrove three times within the past 770,000 years. strung together by successive parallel bands of paths, canals, rails and Glacial deposits last crept into the northernmost sections of Columbia roadways. County during the Wisconsin Glaciation Period, approximately 17,000 to 22,000 years ago. When the glaciers melted, completely, receding from Pennsylvania by 10,600 B.C., the Susquehanna River ran 30 feet above current levels, forming river islands and fertile terraces along its course. What was left behind was the Susquehanna River Valley as it is seen today – a broad lowland of shale, limestone and glacial outwash and a natural corridor cutting indiscriminately along the ancient water gap through steep and rugged ridges separated by long and narrow lateral valleys.
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Town and Country Landscape The Canal Era
One of the notable characteristics of the Middle Susquehanna Region is The mode of transportation that really sparked the growth in Regional how remote it feels despite its relative proximity to the major metropolitan trade and population was the construction of the Susquehanna Division areas of Philadelphia and New York. The rural nature of the Middle and the North and West Branch Canals. Canals were built throughout Susquehanna Region is also highly distinctive. Other noted rural parts of Pennsylvania for two primary reasons. The first reason was to compete the Commonwealth, such as Lancaster, exhibit agricultural lands encircling with the Erie Canal system in New York State, and the second reason mid-sized, highly urbanized cities and spreading suburbs. In contrast, was to connect Philadelphia with the raw materials from the central and the Middle Susquehanna Region’s population is dispersed in a pattern western parts of Pennsylvania. Two acts were passed in 1826 and 1827 to of communities that range from very small, rural crossroad villages and create the Pennsylvania canal system. valley towns to, at their largest, minor cities that still carry a small town The canal provided the area with the transportation needed to move atmosphere and offer authentic experiences. raw materials like iron, lumber and anthracite coal and connected the Towns grew in the Region primarily at connection points between Susquehanna Valley to larger urban areas including New York, Philadelphia local resources and transportation networks. Thus, most of the larger and Baltimore. The Region was a large provider of the raw materials communities are found along the River at the head of lateral valleys and found in Central Pennsylvania that were processed and used by the tributaries. From these positions, river towns served to connect valley urban markets to build and strengthen the nation during the Industrial industries and resources with distant coastal markets downstream. Other Revolution. communities grew up within areas high in natural resources. Many of The rate of trade in the Region rose dramatically with the introduction the remote valley towns, often established by the Pennsylvania Dutch, of the canal. Commercial farming was being expanded; the canal, were located in places with good, fertile soils with easy access to the allowed local farmers to grow crops for sale in a broader ring of regional streams and woodlands where families could live off the land in close-knit markets instead of growing them simply for sustenance and sale at local communities. markets. At this point the industries of the Region began to become interdependent. Agriculture expanded and diversified as it was fueled by and supported the growing local industries such as coal, textile and iron, all of which were connected and sustained by the canal network which provided efficient and effective means of trade and transportation. The Canal led to the creation of many new kinds of business in the Region. One of the new industries that the canal system created was boat building. The most recognized boat building industries were in Port Trevorton, Selinsgrove, Northumberland and Espy. The canal industry also created a need for hotels, inns, restaurants and taverns that were frequented by the canal workers and packet boat travelers passing through the Region. The canals not only brought people to this area with flourishing industries and trade, but also spurred the formation and growth of the river and canal towns that exist today. Selinsgrove, Shamokin Dam, Northumberland, Sunbury, Danville, Bloomsburg, Berwick, Lewisburg and Milton were all small towns plotted along the banks for the Susquehanna River that depended upon the canal for trade and transport. These towns became centers of trade for the Region. People from outlying communities and the surrounding landscape came to the markets of river 14 Susquehanna River Sports Park towns to buy and sell goods and produce moving through the Region along the waterways. The impact of economic growth from the canal era can still be seen throughout the Region simply by looking at population centers which are clearly concentrated along the Susquehanna River. The significance of the canals to the Region is also evident in the towns where they supported new localized industries and the construction of bustling, now historic downtown centers, affluent neighborhoods for business, factory and mill owners and districts of worker housing, some of which remain today. Many canal remnants are also present within the Region, offering opportunities for recreational trails, canal restoration and historic interpretation.
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From Waterways to Railways to Highways
Although the canals were significantly more efficient than previously used Just as the railroad replaced the canal, the railroad was ultimately methods of transport, canal transport possessed its own drawbacks and replaced by the evolving state and national highway systems as the inefficiencies. These shortcomings led to the decline of the canal industry preferred means of moving people and goods. There are many places at the hands of railroads before the close of the 19th century. A primary throughout the Middle Susquehanna Region where we can see the history weakness of the Pennsylvania Canal is that they could not be used in of transportation written on the landscape. The Susquehanna River, the winter due to harsh, freezing conditions. Railroads, however, could be original ‘highway’ parallels Pennsylvania Canal remnants, railroad tracks operated all year. Travel by canal was also significantly slower that by rail and highways, as successive modes of transportation proceeded up the and the carrying capacity of packet boats was much less than for trains. riverbanks. Thus, even though incredible amounts of labor and money went into the construction and maintenance of the Pennsylvania Canal system, it began to fall into obsolescence just a few short decades after it was completed.
Lake Augusta The Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam (A.K.A. - the Sunbury fabridam) is Lake Augusta is the seasonally impounded lake created by the the world’s longest inflatable dam. The dam is located just below the Sunbury fabridam, and the man-made lake connects the river town confluence of the Western and Main Branches of the Susquehanna communities of Northumberland, Sunbury and Shamokin Dam. The between the towns of Shamokin Dam and Sunbury, Pennsylvania. The fabridam is inflated, creating Lake Augusta, for the summer boating dam is 2,100 feet long. When it is raised in the summer time, it creates the season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. However, rowing and 3,000 acre Lake Augusta, which is used for recreation. The dam and lake other recreational interests have sought to have the Lake Augusta are part of Shikellamy State Park. In 2001, the dam was renamed for Adam season extended to better accommodate river activities, training and T. Bower, Chief Clerk of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from rowing competitions. Lake Augusta remains one of the Region’s most 1967-68 and Director of Services during the Pennsylvania Constitutional undervalued assets. Following is a snapshot of the Lake’s physical Convention of 1967-68, by Act 2001-5 of the Pennsylvania General dimensions: Assembly. There are plans underway to add a fish passage to both sides of the dam to allow the American shad to access the upper part of the Total Shoreline 6.23 miles Susquehanna River watershed. Length 2.79 miles Width of Lake .44 miles Area of Lake Off-Season 672.8 acres Area of Lake In-Season 1352.4 acres 16 Susquehanna River Sports Park
Since becoming operational in the 1970s, Lake Augusta has emerged as Augusta over 40 years ago are not yet fully realized. Large extents of Lake a destination for all types of water sports and sport fishing for residents Augusta shoreline remain underutilized and have the potential to attract and area visitors alike. State investments in a marina park and boat even greater numbers of boaters, anglers, and sightseers while serving access area have opened eyes to even more development possibilities. the close-to-home exercise and recreational needs of thousands of nearby Plans for the Sunbury riverfront and a fish passage will add to the area’s residents. attraction. But the larger economic development goals touted for Lake
A Regional Gateway
Lake Augusta is at the hub of the Regional highway system. State Routes Augusta. As the natural link between the river towns of Shamokin Dam, 11, 15 and 147 pass through, and State Route 61 commences in this Northumberland and Sunbury – Lake Augusta has been identified as area. The proposed Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT), the the site for a regional gateway to the Middle Susquehanna Region and a long sought missing-link that would bypass regional truck traffic around portal to the historic river towns of the entire Region. Shamokin Dam’s ‘golden strip,’ also has important connections to Lake
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The Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study
Recognizing the important link between transportation and economic development, PennDOT has provided funding for a project entitled the Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study. This study will address past and present topics that prevent the region from capitalizing more fully on the potential of Lake Augusta. The planning process will convene a process and establish an organizational framework to build area-wide consensus on a vision for future development; agreements on development principles, action plans and concept designs for new waterfront development; and establish related investment priorities and a process for collaborative municipal-county-state policy-making relevant to future public-private investment decisions. The Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study will integrate the Susquehanna River Sports Park concept into this comprehensive vision for the region and stimulate regional interest and new investment in projects to serve the varied needs of Middle Susquehanna Valley communities and attract Regional visitors. The study will enhance awareness of the Susquehanna Greenway and the natural, cultural and historical assets of real importance to contiguous river town development. It will identify new opportunities for active living, recreation, environmental conservation, community revitalization and economic development. It will lead to fuller use and enjoyment of the Susquehanna River by area residents and visitors, and it will add value to past and future municipal, county, and state investments in waterfront park and access facilities.
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The Susquehanna Greenway Economic Benefits of the Greenway
Nearly half of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lies within the The Susquehanna River Sports Park supports the mission of the Susquehanna Watershed, which covers over 30,000 square miles from Susquehanna Greenway and would serve as a model by supporting its upper reaches in New York and Pennsylvania to the mouth of the healthy living through the creation of diverse recreation opportunities River in Havre de Grace, Maryland. The designation and development for rowing, paddling, biking and walking. The Susquehanna River Sports of the Susquehanna Greenway along the main stem and branches of Park also has the potential to generate significant direct and indirect the River has the potential to improve the quality of life throughout the economic benefit to the Region – creating a destination for training and Commonwealth. Pennsylvania’s Greenway Program was launched in competitive rowing (regatta) events. Lake Augusta’s location near the August 2001 with the completion of a statewide greenway action plan, center of Pennsylvania and its proximity to major east coast cities raises “Pennsylvania’s Greenways – An Action Plan for Creating Connections.” The the interesting potential that the site could attract state scholastic rowing Governor amended Executive Order 1998-3 identifying PA DCNR as the championships and be a venue for regional and national-caliber training lead agency responsible for action plan implementation. Projects like the and competition. The economic impacts of these events would be Susquehanna Greenway and Susquehanna River Sports Park will help PA significant for the regional service industries. DCNR and the state to implement the action plan by achieving diverse benefits such as economic development, community revitalization, historic and cultural interpretation and environmental stewardship.
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Quality of the Water Lake Augusta, in comparison, has many attributes that make it a much better rowing venue than those found in Boston, Philadelphia and An important resource to note in discussing the boathouse and Lake Pittsburgh. The Susquehanna River at Lake Augusta is ½ mile (2,600 feet) Augusta as a rowing venue is the quality of the water for rowing. in width – allowing for a significant amount of river recreation capacity Regionally, the best known rowing venues are: Philadelphia’s Schuylkill for motorized and non-motorized boats to use and enjoy the River River, Pittsburgh’s Allegheny River and Boston’s Charles River. All of these simultaneously. The Susquehanna River has long been known as a non- venues benefit from proximity to a major metropolitan population. navigable river from the perspective of large river commerce boating. As The urban nature of these sites brings with them conditions that are such, there are no large-scale commercial boats and barges plying the detrimental to rowing. The narrow, meandering nature, numerous river Susquehanna as one would find on the Allegheny and Delaware rivers; bridges and river traffic make rowing and racing on the Schuylkill a therefore, there are no large boat wakes that are detrimental to rower challenge. Likewise, the industrial character and large boat navigability safety. The Susquehanna, in the area of Lake Augusta, is a very straight of the Allegheny River creates conflict between rowers and barges. The stretch of the River. Above the fabridam. the River flows directly north Charles River has similar capacity issues – with the sheer number of for nearly two miles. Longer training runs and competitions only need to boaters on the river. make a single turn and navigate under one river bridge, a much preferred condition than a rower would find on Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River and Boston’s Charles River. A similar two-mile row on the Schuylkill River will require three sharp turns, navigating around a river island, under one highway bridge and under two railroad bridges – with the Schuylkill’s width ranging between 400 and 600 feet. Likewise on the Charles River, a two-mile row from the new Community Rowing Center will require eight turns and navigation between the piers of two highway bridges. Other rowing challenges on the Charles River include the number of rowers, recreational power boaters and the narrowness of the river. The average width of the Charles River ranges between 200 and 300 feet. The Susquehanna River is five times the average width of the Schuylkill River and ten times the average width of the Charles River with significantly fewer structural conflicts and much greater recreational-user carrying capacity. Lake Augusta, within its rural location, also offers convenient highway access with few of the traffic problems found in East Coast metropolitan areas.
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Rowers on Lake Augusta also benefit from the River’s improving water Boathouse Site Selection Criteria quality. The water in Lake Augusta benefits from the generally rural, forested landscape of Northcentral Pennsylvania. The rowable waters The resources necessary to build a rowing boathouse and a viable training along Lake Augusta’s west shore are coming from the West Branch and competition venue are detailed and extensive. The Lake Augusta Susquehanna River. The West Branch, as displayed in many aerial photos area offered several sites that could possibly serve as a boathouse of the River’s confluence, has less silt and sediment than the River’s North location, so to properly assess and vet the options, a detailed list of Branch. The clearer water is better for seeing and avoiding objects in criteria was established. Since any possible boathouse site would need the water – an important consideration given the fragile character and to have land characteristics amenable to boathouse construction and expense of racing sculls. water characteristics conducive for rowing, the evaluation needed to involve both land and water criteria. The land and water evaluation matrix included 25 different criteria – 16 items associated with the land and developability of the site and 9 items to evaluate the quality of the adjacent water for rowing. The boathouse site evaluation criteria are:
Land Selection Criteria • Land Ownership – Is the land publicly owned or can it be acquired? • Land Cost – Is the cost of the land affordable? • Environmental Regulations – Does the site avoid or minimize impacts to floodplain, floodway, wetland and other regulated environmental resources? • Visibility – Does the site provide high visibility for the project? • Context – Does the context fit for a community park and boathouse? • Travel Time – Is the site easily accessible by major users such as the universities? • Access to the Site – Is there safe and convenient access to the site from existing local roadways and regional highways? • Visibility / Safety – Is the site safe, providing easy visual access, lighting and ‘eyes on the site’? • Lot Size – Is there sufficient land for the park and boathouse program? • Orientation – Is the site appropriate for passive solar heating and natural day-lighting of the structure, and what are the wind impacts on the site?
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• Utilities – Is there direct access to sewer, water and electric • Greenway Water Trail Connections – Does the site contribute or utilities? enhance the water trail system? • Site Redevelopment – Does the project redevelop a previously impacted or Brownfield site? • Building Reuse – Does the project propose a creative re-use of an existing building? • Transit / Alternative Transportation – Does the site offer the public access via transit or alternative transportation? • Greenway Connections – Does the site offer connections or potential connections to trails and adjacent communities? • Regional Impact – Will the project, located on this site, have a regional impact?
Water Selection Criteria • Water Depth – Does the site have sufficient water depth to access the River in all conditions? • Row-able Water – Does the site offer access to flat water of sufficient length for training and competition?
• Water Safety / Quality – Is there easy access by ambulance, police and emergency services to the water? Does the River’s water quality at the site contribute or detract from its use as a rowing venue? • River Currents – Does the River have minimal and/or safe currents adjacent to this site? • Recreation Conflicts – Does the site reduce the likelihood of conflict between motorized and non-motorized boating? • River Obstacles – Are there obstacles or objects in the River that detract from River access or rowing safety? • Orientation – Is the River orientation appropriate for solar and wind impacts? • Docks – Are the currents and water depths conducive for the construction of docks?
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Possible Boathouse Sites
The five possible boathouse sites identified for the Susquehanna River Shikellamy Marina – The marina building located at Shikellamy State Sport Park study were located at various locations along a ten-mile Park on Packers Island, Northumberland County. stretch of River, centered on Lake Augusta. The five sites had very different characteristics that either contributed or detracted from its potential as a boathouse / rowing venue. The five possible sites, and description of their location, are:
Libby’s Shoreside Campground – Located in West Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland County, off of State Route 405.
Monroe Township – The triangular piece of land north of the Route 61 river bridge, opposite Tedds Landing, Monroe Township, Snyder County.
Shady Nook – A river access located downriver from the fabridam, Shamokin Dam Borough, Snyder County.
Pineknotter Park – The riverfront park at the confluence of the North and West branches, Northumberland Borough, Northumberland County.
Each site was evaluated using the 25 criteria. One to five points were awarded in each category depending on how well the site met the established criteria (5 points excellent, 4 points very good, 3 points good, 2 points fair and 1 point poor). The results of the site evaluation are listed here in chart form.
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The result of the site evaluation clearly established the Monroe Township site as the preferred option from both a land and water resource perspective (see the full evaluation in the Report appendix). It was clear from the evaluation that if a boathouse is to be feasible in the Middle Susquehanna Region, it would need to be located at the Monroe Township site or nowhere at all. The remaining feasibility planning process focused on the Monroe Township site – evaluating the conditions, opportunities and challenges associated with creating a boathouse and community riverfront park.
Monroe Township 83 Pineknotter Park 63 Shikellamy Marina 62 Libby’s Shoreside Campground 49 Shady Nook 47 24 Susquehanna River Sports Park
Public Participation in the Planning Process
Public participation is essential to derive diverse ideas and opinions in Key Person Interviews any open planning process. The Susquehanna River Sports Park planning process used a wide range of tools to gather input from local residents Other key-person interviews included rowing facility managers, PennDOT and community leaders, as well as local rowing experts. A project study officials, state legislators, utility service providers and environmental committee was used to advise the consultants throughout the planning regulators. Visits to municipal meetings, including Borough Council and process. In addition, numerous key person interviews were performed; Township Planning Commission meetings, were held to get feedback on strategic planning meetings were held with state legislators and state the boathouse concept and to get suggestions on how the site could agencies; along with on-site meetings with utility, municipal and business meet community recreational needs. development interests.
Boathouse Tour The Project Study Committee In July 2008, a boathouse tour was planned and conducted to familiarize To be successful, the Susquehanna River Sports Park – Feasibility Study the consultants and study committee members on boathouse design. The needed the engagement of people knowledgeable about the sport of boathouse tour visited three boathouses deemed the most appropriate rowing and what constitutes a quality boathouse and rowing venue. for the Susquehanna River Sports Park project. While the most well-known The initial project study committee was composed on regional rowers boathouses in the state are found on Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row, it representing the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association and Bucknell was agreed that the Victorian design of these structures would not be and Susquehanna universities. This group met for nearly a year to evaluate appropriate for the design of a modern boathouse. The three boathouses the possible boathouse sites and to develop the desired boathouse selected also sought to display a wide range of project budgets and program for a boathouse building and the site. Once the preferred different uses and programming of the boathouses and surrounding sites. boathouse site was selected, the study committee was expanded to The three boathouses visited during the 2008 tour, are listed here. involved municipal officials with a vested interest in the selected site. The Monroe Township site is on the municipal boundary and Shamokin Dam owns land on the site, so both municipalities participated as active members of the project study committee.
Landowner Interviews
The preferred boathouse site, an approximately 18 acre site, is divided among public and private landowners. Landowners – PennDOT, Shamokin Dam Borough, John Skotedis and Ed Nestlerode, Sr. – were interviewed to assess their support for the project idea and their openness to either donate or sell their property for fair market value. Several discussions and a face-to-face meeting were held with high-level PennDOT District 3 personnel, discussing PennDOT’s right-of-way and long-term transportation plans associated with the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway project.
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C. Bernard Shea Rowing Center, Princeton University, Princeton, New Cooper River Camden County Boathouse, Pennsauken, NJ Jersey
Mercer Lake (Finn M.W. Casperson Rowing Center), Princeton Junction, During the tour, study committee members received a tour of each facility New Jersey by a knowledgeable facility manager or staff person. Study committee members were able to view the different boathouse structures and ask questions about the boathouse design, function, management, cost and funding, operations and management. The consultants were able to measure key features and discuss on-site storage needs – an item that seemed to be overlooked in even the high-end Princeton boathouse. In addition to the boathouses, the tour offered a chance to view different scenarios of access, parking, boat trailer parking, dock systems and staging areas, all necessary for day-to-day training and large-scale regatta events. The boathouses had distinct design features and programs. Princeton was a single-function rowing boathouse, while the Cooper River boathouse was booked years in advance as a venue for weddings, meetings and other events. The Mercer Lake boathouse was a very utilitarian structure, whereas the Princeton and Cooper River structures used innovative and high-end materials for construction. Touring the boathouses helped the study committee gain an understanding of the unique needs of a boathouse on the Susquehanna River, and the consultant team a better understanding of the elements of a successful boathouse design.
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Boathouse Design Workshop Questions that were asked to help refine the program include: • Do the universities need a workout facility at the boathouse when In October 2008, the boathouse sub-group of the project study committee they each have quality workout facilities back on their campuses? convened to develop a program for the boathouse. Participants in the workshop were given background information, including maps of the • Do we need to invest in six bays, or can winter storage resemble site, floodplain information and site cross sections, boathouse design that of sliding library book shelves that can be very tightly reference materials, several boathouse concept designs and a slide show packed? of boathouse examples. Participants discussed and came to general agreement on what facilities are needed or desired in the boathouse. At Other considerations include: its most basic, the boathouse needed to physically house the rowing • Locating the boathouse outside of the 100 and 500 year shells of the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association and Bucknell and floodplain, while keeping the structure close enough to the water Susquehanna universities. But other elements were viewed as highly to make moving boats between the dock and the boathouse bays desirable to grow the sport of rowing in the region and for the building to feasible - keeping in mind the difficulty of moving boats after a attract economic development opportunities to the site and region. long-hard workout.
The boathouse program that evolved from workshop includes: • The need to traverse the terrace between boathouse and dock • Boat Bays (4-6) with an angled ramp. • Workout Room (ergs and free weights) • Moving boats from upper terrace to the water – the slope of the ramp is very important. The ramp at Shady Nook is too steep. • Locker Rooms and Showers The existing ramp at site is OK – but also on the steep side • Club Space / Meeting Room • Are boats stored differently in-season and during the winter? Are the boat bays only for winter storage and in the summer the • Restrooms for interior use AND for park users with exterior only boats will be stored on racks located on the lower terrace in close entry proximity to the dock? • Coach’s Efficiency Apartment – This would make hiring a coach • It was felt that six boat bays would be the best number to design for the summer considerably easier since she/he wouldn’t have to for the boathouse building, allocating one bay for each of the find/pay for an apartment for the summer – and would have site following teams / groups: Susquehanna University Men’s Crew, security benefits Susquehanna University Woman’s Crew, Bucknell University Men’s Crew, Bucknell University Woman’s Crew, Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association, and one bay used as a repair bay, and/or for Other boathouse program options discussed included: scholastic rowing or other program. • Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau – office or informational kiosk • Winter storage is needed primarily for November – February. • Outfitter – canoe / kayak rental and shuttle service • Spring and fall are the busiest times of year. The boathouse would be used by CPRA and both universities. Summer is less • Location for the Susquehanna Greenway – Gateway Visitors hectic with the boathouse being used by CPRA, camps and learn- Center and Museum to-row programming. • Workout Room – Public Gym
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• Since DCNR owns the overlook, marina and fabridam park, would DCNR consider expanding its ownership to include the future community park on the boathouse site? This could be viewed as an extension of fabridam park and the beginning of an interconnected Lake Augusta Greenway system. • What functions are not currently accommodated at the marina, overlook and fabridam that could be accommodated on this site; i.e. outfitter, interpretive center, bike and pedestrian trails, whitewater park, canal interpretation and restoration. • A county park system is another ownership alternative for the proposed community park. • How can we collaboratively work with PennDOT and DCNR on an integrated plan for the west shore that includes the fish passage, enhanced site access, canal towpath trail, natural and historical interpretation of the site and the boathouse?
Several months after the initial Boathouse Design Workshop, many of the same participants met to further refine the program in a meeting facilitated by Architect Russ Roberts. Some ideas were challenged at this meeting; i.e., the need for a workout facility and the creation of separate structures to accommodate a Regional visitors center, restaurant and museum. From this follow up meeting, the Architect had what he needed to develop a concept design for the Susquehanna River Sports Park boathouse.
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Susquehanna River Sport Park – Project Goals
The following goals have been established for the Susquehanna River Sports Park (SRSP). These goals reflect a comprehensive vision
1. The SRSP will bring new economic vitality to the Region, 10. The SRSP boathouse and rowing venue will attracts national- creatively developing an underused property at the heart of level training and competition events to the Region as well Lake Augusta. as high-caliber talent to the rowing programs of Bucknell and Susquehanna universities. 2. The SRSP will create a beautiful and memorable gateway to the Middle Susquehanna Region and to the adjacent river towns of 11. The SRSP boathouse will allow the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Sunbury, Northumberland, Shamokin Dam and Lewisburg. Association to continue to grow and thrive with inclusive programs for adults, youth and those with special needs. 3. The SRSP will initiate an era of Regional coordination and collaboration – comprehensively planning and sensibly 12. The SRSP will allow Regional secondary schools to develop developing the full potential of Lake Augusta. rowing programs – expanding recreation options (competitive and non-competitive) for students. 4. The SRSP will offer something for all residents and all visitors to the Region. 13. The SRSP will contribute to the Region’s quality of life, helping to attract and retain high-skill and high-paying jobs. 5. The SRSP will create a beautiful new riverfront park connecting the fabridam and fish passage, with an historic canal park and 14. The SRSP will increase physical activity of area residents by boathouse. providing a venue for running, walking, biking, rowing and boating. 6. The SRSP will connect residents and visitors to the Susquehanna River, creating new opportunities for boating, fishing and picnicking. 7. The SRSP will interpret the history and environment of the site, river and Region. 8. The SRSP and the Sunbury riverfront will form the beginning of a Lake Augusta Greenway, linking Shamokin Dam, Northumberland and Sunbury with riverfront park space, pedestrian and bicycle paths, river accesses and scenic overlooks, helping to build the Susquehanna Greenway. 9. The SRSP will spur community involvement in the re-design of the Route 11 / 15 highway corridor – creating a scenic parkway that will accommodate current and future traffic volumes while integrating roadside landscaping, scenic pull-offs, park access and integration of multiple modes of transportation.
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Susquehanna River Sports Park – Concept
The Susquehanna River Sport Park (SRSP) concept has several key components. At the heart of the concept, and the original rational for the study, is the boathouse; however, from the beginning it was recognized that for the boathouse to be successful, it needed to be part of an integrated and comprehensive plan for the riverfront. The selected Monroe Township site was of sufficient size and possessed resources that allow for a large-scale and diverse concept plan to be developed for the Susquehanna River Sports Park. The SRSP concept includes the following elements: • Site Access and Route 11-15 Highway Corridor Enhancements • The Boathouse • Visitors Center • Restaurant • Hotel • Riverfront Recreation and Canal Park • Regional Gateway • Susquehanna Greenway Connections • Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study
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Site Access and Route 11-15 Highway Corridor Enhancements
At its most basic, the SRSP concept will consist of a boathouse and dock. In this simplistic scenario, the boathouse will need safe access to and from the highway to accommodate the needs for rowers and event spectators – perhaps being accommodated with minimal enhancements to the existing access. The expanded vision for the Susquehanna River Sports Park (SRSP), with boathouse, visitors center, hotel and park, will necessitate significant modifications to the highway and site to accommodate access, circulation and parking. The SRSP is not feasible with the current design and conditions of the Route 11-15 corridor and future plans to straighten the highway to make Route 11 the main through highway. To overcome these access issues and bridge the gap between current conditions and the transportation design necessary to accommodate the SRSP program, an on-going dialogue is needed with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
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The selected boathouse site is located at a highly-visible hub of the regional transportation system. The SRSP and adjacent highway enhancements have the potential to change the face of our region and to improve its prospects for future generations. The SRSP can shape the character of our area and enhance the Region’s economic prospects by developing a shared vision and coordinated action for the Lake Augusta riverfront. Lake Augusta provides a focus for community revitalization, river-based recreation, and environmental conservation projects and activities connecting the river towns of Sunbury, Northumberland and Shamokin Dam via the Susquehanna Greenway.
Access issues to the boathouse and other development proposed by the SRSP must be accommodated in collaboration with a comprehensive re-design of the Route 11-15 corridor. A partnership with PennDOT and regional and community leaders are necessary to make this happen and to ensure a design solution that will make access to the SRSP safe and efficient for all users. The Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study planning project will enable this on-going dialogue with PennDOT and community leaders and allow SRSP site access and transportation issues to be further refined within the regional context.
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The Boathouse plumbing systems and other equipment out of reach of potential future flooding. There is also a meeting room at the second floor landing which The boathouse proposed for the Susquehanna River Sports Park will could be reserved for use by groups such as the Northumberland Boat be a rowing venue for regional university teams, private rowing clubs Club and other community organizations while still maintaining secure and community learn-to-row, youth and adaptive rowing programs. separation from the Clubhouse. The boathouse, located at a highly visible location, has the potential to The clubhouse is also linked to coach offices and a coach / caretaker‘s become an identifiable landmark for the Middle Susquehanna Region. apartment. It provides good visibility of the River from both a private The concept design of this new facility places a “clubhouse” for the Central outdoor patio adjacent to the apartment and a public viewing deck Pennsylvania Rowing Association and the universities on the second adjacent to the multi-purpose room. “Furniture-like” space dividers create floor above the boat storage and repair bays, creating a multi-use space a subtle interior corridor rather than a closed hallway and screen the separate from the utilitarian functions of the boat bays. The clubhouse entrances to the locker, restroom, and kitchen functions from the larger provides men’s and women’s locker rooms and a large multi-purpose multi-purpose room. This has the added advantage of bringing more meeting and dining area with a catering kitchen, storage room and natural light into the back of the room from the River-facing window wall. restrooms. It is reached by an open stairwell and elevator from a tower- The design allows the upper story to be secured from uninvited public like entrance lobby at the west end of the building facing the highway. access to the elevator and stairwell entrances. The coach’s offices and Its location on the second floor keeps vital mechanical, electrical and
34 Susquehanna River Sports Park caretaker’s apartment can also be secured from the multi-purpose room. a pleasant view from the multi-purpose room deck, provides a terrace There is also an upper level indoor observation deck and meeting space for the apartment, reduces heat gain and further insulates the boat bay in the tower that can be reached from the clubhouse entrance by an below. The clubhouse will also utilize a radiant geothermal heating and extension of the main stairwell. cooling system, using water from the nearby Susquehanna River as a heat The structure incorporates many “green building” or sustainable design sink. features. The flat roof area over the boat bays facing south toward The boat bays can be accessed from either end—from the parking lot side the highway accommodates an array of photo-voltaic panels which or from the riverfront side. There is easy access to parking near the tower can generate a significant amount of electrical power for use in the entrance lobby and along the entrance drive, with overflow event parking building. These sloped panels add visual interest to the building—a real provided farther back on the site. There is a “boat way” immediately advertisement and attention-grabber from the highway, symbolizing the parallel to the side of the boathouse on the opposite side from the entry “self-powered” ethos of the rowing sport. The flat roof which extends out tower. This provides crew access directly between the boat trailer parking from the caretaker’s apartment is a vegetated “green roof,” which provides bays and the ramp leading to the launching area. Access from the exterior to public restrooms is provided at the tower entrance end of the building.
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The site plan also shows one existing structure retained as a “dockside” Visitors Center / Museum shelter— a space that could be used by race officials for storage of buoys and other equipment and perhaps provide a modest vending service The SRSP site is located in the heart of the proposed Middle Susquehanna space for events. It could also be used for peak-season boat storage when Heritage Area and contains interesting natural and historic cultural not needed for events. Parking is provided adjacent to the launch area for resources including remnants of the Pennsylvania Canal, wetlands day users who might chose to bring boats such as canoes, kayaks or single and river woodlands. The visitors center idea offers the potential of a sculls to the site on a car roof rack. partnership with the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau – either as an office location or as a visitor orientation center. The boathouse concept design reflects the input we have received from core members of the project study committee and from our research The idea of a river museum has been discussed for years. The SRSP site and boathouse field trip. The power of this concept lies not only in the has the potential to accommodate a Susquehanna River Natural and boathouse itself, but also in the potential to spur other public and private Cultural Heritage Museum – as does the proposed Shikellamy State Park investments on the site, such as a Susquehanna River Valley Gateway marina building a few miles up-River. Thinking holistically the various Visitor Center and Museum and a hotel, restaurant and meeting facility features and functions will be placed in their most appropriate location, overlooking the river. making the Lake Augusta a model for regional planning and cooperation.
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Restaurant Hotel
An entrepreneurial private business venture opportunity will be created The hotel is another private business venture opportunity created by the by the SRSP project, a riverfront restaurant highly visible from the highway SRSP idea. An idea initially proposed by local municipal leaders, the hotel while offering beautiful views of the Susquehanna River. The location of could tap into the underserved market for hotel accommodations in close the restaurant adjacent to the boathouse and riverfront park would create proximity to Susquehanna and Bucknell universities. The hotel would a logical cliental base of rowers, boaters and other recreational users of have the benefit of river views and access to the riverfront park. The hotel the park. would also benefit by its proximity to the boathouse for university rowing events, training activities and regatta competitions.
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Riverfront Recreation and Canal Park • Power Boaters – Maintain and enhance access to the River by the Northumberland Boat Club and establish a mutually beneficial The park will include program elements identified by local residents and partnership between rowers, the Club and other recreational in regional recreational needs surveys. The Susquehanna River Sports Park power boaters on Lake Augusta. (SRSP) will be a place for all. The functional needs of the boathouse must to be designed into the riverfront community park and the boathouse • Families / General Public – Include features and amenities such as picnic areas, benches, tables and trails that will attract local should make sure all types of users are accommodated in the initial residents and families to the riverfront. design. Some of the user groups that must be included in the design of the Riverfront Canal Park include: • Visitors and Tourists – Develop a riverfront park that will attract • Non-motorized Boaters (kayaks and canoes) – Provide river access visitors and their money to the Middle Susquehanna Region. for these users; accommodate a water trail portage around the fabridam, encourage the idea of a whitewater park for the proposed nature like fish passage, and consider the potential of an outfitter being a private investor in the overall SRSP development. • Fisherman – Provide enhanced fishing access to Lake Augusta for boaters and for fishing from the shoreline. • Swimmers – As water quality continues to improve, consider a swimming area somewhere on the shores of Lake Augusta. • History Buffs - The historic Pennsylvania Canal runs through the site and there are several areas where the canal remnants are quite visible and in good condition. Through signs and other materials, interpret the canals and other historic transportation elements of the site. Re-water a section of the canal and develop a tow-path trail for walkers, runner and bicyclists. • Nature Buffs – Connect to the Susquehanna River – interpreting the River’s natural history and current environmental issues like the restoration of the American Shad and the Chesapeake Bay and current water quality concerns. Educate the public about the fish that live in the River and the birds of prey that are returning to the Susquehanna’s riverbanks. Promote the new environmental center at Shikellamy marina and the research being done by the regional universities. • Hikers, Bikers, Runners, Walkers - Provide a safe, non-motorized, place for people of all ages and all abilities to connect to nature and the beauty of the Susquehanna River. • Spectators – The riverfront park will provide ample space for the large number of attendees to view the races during regatta competitions
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Regional Gateway Susquehanna Greenway Connections
The boathouse and riverfront development of the SRSP has the potential As the first major project proposed for the west shore of Lake Augusta, to become the recognized icon of the Middle Susquehanna Region. The the SRSP will realize the recreational potential of Lake Augusta by architecture, landscaping, riverfront park and greenway can all be viewed connecting the river community of Shamokin Dam with the towns of as a Gateway to the Region and a memorable transition into adjacent river Sunbury and Northumberland by a ribbon of parks and green spaces towns. containing walking and biking trails. The SRSP will also connect residents and visitors to the Susquehanna River and River history and heritage. In these ways, the Susquehanna River Sports Park will help to build the Susquehanna Greenway.
Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study
The Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study will recommend context- sensitive standards for all classifications of roadways in all land use conditions. This project is intended to provide clear guidelines for creating new “main streets” or other walkable roadways in communities that are planned using smart growth principles. The project will establish design guidelines to transform the Route 11-15 corridor using context sensitive design elements to enhance the safety, scenic qualities and economic development prospects of the highway corridor.
New Town Development
During the feasibility study the opportunity to assess the current development along Lake Augusta’s west shore was identified. The idea of the boathouse and community park started committee members thinking about complementary development of a hotel and visitors center on the site. These ideas further spurred thinking about redevelopment of the existing commercial parcels west of the Monroe Township site. These two sites, containing big box and strip mall commercial businesses, have the potential to be re-developed using a ‘new town,’ mixed-use development strategy. A mixed-use development, consisting of commercial, professional offices and residential building, would benefit from a direct connection to a riverfront park and recreation area. The Susquehanna River Sports Park project could serve as a catalyst for thinking differently about future development in the area, with more emphasis being placed on developing an urban boulevard and improved connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists.
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Susquehanna River Sports Park - Relation to Other Local and The Pennsylvania Keystone Principals Regional Activities The Keystone Principles & Criteria for Growth, Investment & Resource Conservation were adopted by the Economic Development Cabinet Valley Vision 2020 May 31, 2005. They were developed by the Interagency Land Use Team, a working group of the Cabinet for over two years. The principles The Susquehanna River Sports Park supports the goals and strategies and criteria are designed as a coordinated interagency approach to in SEDA-COG’s Valley Vision 2020 regional strategic plan for land use, fostering sustainable economic development and conservation of transportation and economic development. The SRSP directly addresses resources through the state’s investments in Pennsylvania’s diverse the following elements of the regional plan and is the reason Lake communities. The principles lay out general goals and objectives for Augusta was identified as a Regional Targeted Investment Area. economic development and resource conservation agreed upon among Community Revitalization and Community Development the agencies and programs that participated in their development. The criteria are designed to help measure the extent to which particular Maintain and enhance livability, sense of place, and quality of life within projects accomplish these goals. the Region’s communities. The SRSP address several of the Keystone Principles, but especially Environmental Conservation and Recreation Pennsylvania Keystone Principles #1 – Redevelop First; #6 – Restore and Enhance the Environment; #7 - Enhance Recreational and Heritage Protect, maintain, and enhance the Region’s rural character and natural Resources, #9 - Plan Regionally, Implement Locally. The SRSP uses Lake systems through regional conservation planning. Support regional Augusta and the Susquehanna River as focal points to bring together a planning of active and passive recreation resources to ensure healthy- multi-county, multi-municipal region to begin working together. The active communities. River has been generally identified as an underutilized resource that, if properly developed, can stimulate community revitalization, economic Regional Planning and Community Education development, river-based recreation and environmental conservation. Promote a regional approach for planning coordination, information sharing and cooperation on multi-municipal and multi-county initiatives. Susquehanna Greenway The SRSP will help implement the Susquehanna Greenway’s Strategic Transportation and Land Use Action Plan and Interpretive Plan by enhancing awareness of the Build better communities through integrated transportation and land Susquehanna Greenway and the natural, cultural and historical assets of use planning, programming and projects. SEDA-COG LUTED Regional regional river towns. The SRSP will “identify new opportunities for active Planning & Community Outreach Goal #1 - “Work regionally to address living, recreation, environmental conservation, community revitalization issues and opportunities in public policy, smart planning, community and economic development.” The SRSP will lead to fuller use and design and development.” The SRSP directly addresses the LUTED goals of enjoyment of the Susquehanna River by area residents and visitors, and it regional planning & “Targeted Investment Areas. “ will add value to past and future municipal, county, and state investments in waterfront parks and access facilities. The SRSP site is a strategic Community Outreach location for the interpretation of the resource of the Susquehanna River A desired outcome of the SRSP project includes setting direction for the and the boathouse and riverfront park will attract tourists and economic formation of new intergovernmental partnerships for implementation of opportunity to the Region. this plan and other planning endeavors.
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Snyder County Comprehensive Plan trails and encourage alternative transportation on the site to connect the towns and neighborhoods of Lake Augusta’s regional The transportation component of this plan states that the ‘livable communities. communities objective’ is attainable through “promoting the concept of livable communities through the development of pedestrian walkways • Pervious Paving – Overflow parking areas and boat trailer parking and bikeways that interconnect residential areas with employment, areas will use geo-grid (grass) pavers or pervious pavement. transportation, business and recreation centers.’ • Landscaping / Revegetation – Adding topsoil and the re- Northumberland County Comprehensive Plan vegetation of the site will enhance the capture, infiltration and cleansing of stormwater; planting trees and using grass pavers The economic development component of this plan is to maintain will help mitigate heat-island effect associated with development and improve the economic base of the County, including the objective and large parking areas. ‘maintain and strengthen the tourist industry’ and ‘seek and support regional cooperation in planning for economic development.’ • Sedimentation Reduction – The tributary stream passing under the site will be diverted to re-water the historic Pennsylvania Union County Comprehensive Plan Canal, improving water quality by preventing silt and sediment from reaching the Susquehanna River. An objective stated for the Central Planning Region, which includes Union Township states, “Participate in regional park and recreation initiatives (e.g., • Habitat Enhancement – The development of Canal Park will network of recreational providers, regional parks and open space plans).” control invasive plant species and replace them with a diverse collection of adapted, native plant species. SRSP - Green Design and Green Infrastructure Opportunities • Wetland Creation – The re-watered Pennsylvania Canal has the The Susquehanna River Sports Park has the potential to integrate many potential to create wetland habitat that will benefit wildlife green design and green infrastructure elements that will have benefits and water quality. The edge of the Canal can be designed and such as clean, alternative energy generation, energy efficiency, lower planted with a wide assortment of native wetland species. operation and maintenance costs and improved water quality and riparian • Aquatic Habitat – In addition to reducing silt and sediment and aquatic habitats. The quality of Lake Augusta as a rowing venue entering the Susquehanna River, the SRSP will seek partnerships and location of a river-focused recreation park is predicated on good with PA DCNR and the PA Fish and Boat Commission to enhance and improving water quality of the Susquehanna River. The boathouse fish and eel habitats. and park have the potential to serve as models for ‘green’ building by employing the following elements: Green Building Design Green Site Design • Green Building Materials – Recycled, recyclable, sustainably- • Reuse of a degraded, underutilized site overlooking Lake Augusta harvested, locally available building materials will be used in the and the Susquehanna River. construction of the boathouse, plaza and docks. • Green Building Materials –Recycled, recyclable, sustainably- • Energy Production – Solar photovoltaic array on the roof of the harvested, locally available building materials will be used in the south-facing, flat boat bays will help generate electricity for the landscape and site design. building, site lighting and other electric needs. • Transportations Enhancements –Landscaping and greening • Energy Efficiency – Heating and cooling of the boathouse and the highway corridor will increase transportation efficiency and clubhouse will be via a geothermal heat exchange with the safety, while creating a scenic parkway. Susquehanna River. • Multi-modal Transportation –Will integrate pedestrian and bicycle • Green Roof – A green roof-top terrace as an observation deck overlooking the River. 41 Susquehanna River Sports Park
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Susquehanna River Sport Park – Feasibility and 11 highways adjacent to the Monroe Township site. PennDOT plans call for making Route 11 the through road – trimming a wide section of the site within the PennDOT right-of-way. The area of land that would The Susquehanna River Sports Park Feasibility Study evaluates the be taken is the prime developable land outside the 100 and 500 year constructability of a boathouse and rowing venue for Lake Augusta at the floodplains – the prime site for the boathouse facility. selected site in Monroe Township. The study also examines opportunities Unless PennDOT is willing to re-evaluate – the SRSP boathouse and much for compatible development adjacent to the boathouse. The riverfront of the proposed site development is not feasible. PennDOT, however, will concept that evolves from this process begins to fulfill the potential of be actively engaged in the Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study – and it Lake Augusta, putting forth a diverse development program that would is through this separate but complimentary planning process - alternative make Lake Augusta’s west shore a vibrant part of the new riverfront, roadway designs and alignments and multi-modal transportation creating a regional destination for competitive rowing and a quality solution will be explored and evaluated. This process will determine recreational area for residents and visitors. To determine if the boathouse what transportation, access and land use solutions meet the approval of and park concepts are feasible, a full range of issues were examined, PennDOT. It is through the Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study that the including legal, recreational need, site development costs and operations SRSP access issue will either be resolved – or determined non feasible. and maintenance requirements.
Legal Feasibility – Land Ownership There are different levels of service for site access – depending on the extent of site development. If only the boathouse structure is built, an The feasibility of the Susquehanna River Sports Park project begins with improvement of the existing access may suffice. However if the full SRSP land ownership. The Monroe Township site has four landowners: Ed development is realized, the site will require 2 or 3 additional accesses. Nestlerode, Shamokin Dam Borough; John Skotedis; PG Energy (UGI – The SRSP development concept shows one access off route 11, two access Penn Natural Gas); and PennDOT, which owns a wide right-of-way along off 11-15 and a forth site access from under the route 61 river bridge from the Route 11-15 highway corridor. All the landowners have been apprised fabridam park. of the proposed boathouse and mixed use development proposed in this feasibility study. Ed Nestlerode, Shamokin Dam Borough and John Skotedis support the idea of SRSP concept. Nestlerode is interested in ‘fair market value’ for his land. Shamokin Dam Borough, whose land is in the 100 year floodplain, has formally offered the land for recreational development, but also is interested in the wise development of the site. PG Energy has a pump station and high pressure line passing through the site; the location of the station and line should make these facilities avoidable in the development of the SRSP program. The SRSP concept is currently not feasibility given PennDOT’s long-range transportation plans. As the final phase of the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT) project, PennDOT plans to reconfigure the Route 11-15, 15 43 Susquehanna River Sports Park
Land Availability environment, often at sunrise or sunset, has an unquestionable The landowners, John Skotedis, Ed Nestlerode and Shamokin Dam allure for a lot of people. Borough, are willing to participate in the further development and The rowing experience can refinement of the SRSP idea. Their participation may range from selling accommodate you whether you the land for fair market value, to donation of the land for development, want to go-it alone in a ‘single’ to a potential partnership in the development of the site. The process shell, or whether you enjoy the of program development, site planning and design, and construction social camaraderie of rowing needs to engage these landowners from the beginning. A priority for the as part of a two, four or eight next phase of project development will be to secure a land appraisal for person team. Rowing seems to the different land parcels to determine fair market value of the land. In offer something for everyone. addition, adjacent landowners such as the Northumberland Boat Club will Rowing is excellent exercise, be engaged in exploring options for site access and circulation design according to Fritz Hagerman, through the Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study. Ph.D., a professor in the Biological Science Department Recreation Need – User Feasibility at Ohio University. Hagerman, who studies exercise physiology Participation in the sport of rowing is growing. While historically viewed such as aerobic and anaerobic as an ‘elite’ sport, there is a real effort on the part of US Rowing and the capacities, metabolic response, Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association to bring the sport to a larger and the effects of blood lactate levels on athletes, found that competitive and more diverse group of young people. Education equality rules rowers expend almost twice the number of calories on a 2,000-meter have opened up the opportunity to participate in sports to many young course as a runner in a 3,000-meter steeplechase (considered by many women. Title IX of the Education Amendments, more commonly known to be one of the toughest events). There are now 1,000,000 joint simply as Title IX, is a United States law enacted on in 1972. The law states: replacement surgeries performed each year due to high- impact, sport- “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded related activities. Both competitive and recreational rowing is unique in from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to comparison to most sports in that it exercises all of your major muscle discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal groups. Everything from your legs, back, and arms are engaged while financial assistance…” Although the most prominent aspect of Title IX rowing. In addition, rowing is a low-impact sport. When executed has been its impact on high school and collegiate athletics, the original properly, the rowing stroke is a fairly safe motion, providing little room for statute made no explicit mention of athletics. Title IX has been a boon the serious injury often found in contact and high-impact sports. Aside to the sport of women’s rowing. Rowing has a favorable ratio between from full body conditioning which builds lean muscle mass while burning the number of high school rowers and those receiving college rowing 600 calories per hour, rowing allows you to release stress, lose weight and scholarships. Rowing is also a sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime, as reduce your blood pressure. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy movement illustrated by the growth of the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association’s and your connection with the water as you take each stroke. Rowing membership and the number of members actively rowing in their 60’s, offers the opportunity to continuously improve technique that balances 70’s and 80’s. strength, balance, grace and poise and to constantly set and push People are using the water differently today. Fishing has experienced personal limits. significant reduction in participants in recent decades – whereas kayaking is frequently recognized as one of the fastest growing sports. The same qualities that attract people to kayaking can be found in the sport of rowing. The quiet, intimate connection with the river and the river 44 Susquehanna River Sports Park
Competing Rowing Venues The region’s economic well-being is increasingly linked to the continued success of area universities, hospitals and Geisinger Health Systems. There are two major rowing venues in the state of Pennsylvania. The most Developing a region with diverse cultural and recreational resources is well known is Boathouse Row on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. There essential to nurturing the new economy. Creating a boathouse, rowing is also a growing interest in rowing on the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh. venue, greenway trails and riverfront park is the type of resources that Important rowing venues are found also found along the Charles River in help attract and retain highly talented workers and are the resources Boston and the Potomac River in the Washington DC area. Lake Augusta, that help attract new businesses and economic opportunities to an area. as a rowing venue, compares Rowing would help to diversify and expand the recreational experiences favorably to all these other offered and be a sport that can attract youth, scholastic, collegiate, adult venues. As stated earlier in and master rowers. A new boathouse and rowing facility would be a vast the report, characteristics improvement over the existing rudimentary boathouse structure and such as the length and would help to grow the visibility and accessibility of the sport. Trails and width of the water, lack of greenways are consistently ranked as top recreational priorities in the obstacles and meanders, Region, and they benefit people of all ages and abilities. and capacity to handle many The region’s population is sufficient to support a thriving rowing more recreational users make community, and a new boathouse, rowing venue and riverfront park Lake Augusta an important would be a good investment in the economic future of the Middle rowing venue of statewide Susquehanna Region. The Susquehanna River Sports Park will help to and potentially national realize the potential of Lake Augusta and is an excellent example of a significance. The location project that will help to build the Susquehanna Greenway. of Lake Augusta within the state of Pennsylvania has Site Feasibility the benefit of significant The following approximate land area is allocated to each element of the distance from competing Susquehanna River Park: rowing venues in Pittsburgh Site Entry Features and Road Frontage Landscaping 4.0 Acres and Philadelphia and offers Access Road 1.5 Acres a central location for events such as high school scholastic Boathouse, Staging Area, Boat Trailer Parking 3.5 Acres rowing championships. Visitor Center 1.0 Acre Shared Parking (Boathouse and Visitor Center) 1.5 Acres Existing Population / Demand Analysis Hotel 2.5 Acres Canal Park 4.0 Acres Central Pennsylvania is a rural area. The SEDA-COG 11-county region has Setbacks and Rights-of-Way 1.5 Acres a population of over 650,000 residents. The Middle Susquehanna Region, Total Area 19.5 Acres consisting of Union, Snyder, Montour, Columbia and Northumberland counties, has over 250,000 residents. A population of 75,000 people lives within a 10-mile radius of Lake Augusta, and the municipalities immediately surrounding Lake Augusta contain approximately 29,000 people. As a rural area, the Middle Susquehanna Region often has a hard time retaining its young people and attracting highly skilled professions to the region’s growth industries of health and education.
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All of the following elements play an important role in determining boathouse, visitors center and hotel. The upper terrace, while generally the feasibility of the Susquehanna River Sports Park and each will be flat, contains areas of grassland, woodland, asphalt, gravel and river addressed separately. dredge materials. Site Access – The SRSP program will require enhanced site access from Steep Slopes – The steep slopes of the site are found on the River’s edge Route 11-15. At a minimum, the construction of the boathouse, an and the abrupt transition zone between lower and upper terraces. These enhanced access will be needed to accommodate more cars, trucks terraces are both natural and man-made, created by fill and stabilized by and boat trailers and overflow parking which will require a re-designed rock. entry that affords a buffer that respects the needs and functions of the Northumberland Boat Club. The full scope of site development, including boathouse, visitors center, hotel and restaurant, would Streams and Rivers – The Susquehanna River forms the eastern edge necessitate numerous accesses off Route 11-15 and Route 11 and possibly of the site and a small, unnamed stream passes underground at the a secondary site access under the Route 61 river bridge. PennDOT’s northern end of the site and day-lighting just south of the current highway design and use of its right-of-way are key to resolving the boathouse structure. The stream outflow, with its close proximity to SRSP site access issues. The Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study will the Pennsylvania Canal remnants, offers the interesting possibility of help design a resolution to the SRSP access issues, and PennDOT will be providing a water source to re-water a segment of the Canal. There are involved throughout that planning process. two benefits to diverting the stream into the Canal. First, the diversion would reduce the amount of silt and sediment reaching the River. The restored Canal could have a ‘forebay’ structure designed to capture silt, Site Size – The Monroe Township site offered the best location sediment, stream bedload material and debris and could be designed to for the boathouse because of its ample size with plenty of area for be periodically dredged and cleaned which would improve water quality complementary buildings and park elements. A boathouse, staging area, for the Susquehanna River. Secondarily, the diversion of the stream into parking and docks can be accommodated on three or four acres of land. the Canal would help to prevent the re-establishment of a delta at the The Monroe Townships site, approximately 19.5 acres in size, has sufficient confluence of the stream and Susquehanna River. This delta formed by area to accommodate a larger, more diverse and complementary building the accumulation of silt, sediment and stream bedload outflow from the program. stream has required periodic dredging in the past to prevent rowing shells from being damaged. Context – The adjacent fabridam park contributes significantly to the site’s potential for public recreation. The expansion of fabridam park and a potential partnership with PA DCNR have the potential to create a park of regional significance along the Susquehanna River. The network or highways that pass the site complement the proposed building program by providing high visibility to the project – enhancing the ability to attract private investors to the project.
Topography – The site has two main terrace levels. The lower terrace is approximately 8 feet above the level of Lake Augusta and is located in the 100 year floodplain. The existing boathouse, parking and staging area is found on this lower terrace, as is the remnants of the historic Pennsylvania Canal and riparian forest. The upper terrace is located 12-15 feet above the lower terrace. Portions of the upper terrace are above the 100 and 500 year floodplains and are the areas reserved for the proposed buildings: 46 Susquehanna River Sports Park
47 Susquehanna River Sports Park
Floodplains and Flooding – The construction of a boathouse requires five times the cost of above ground relocation, the aesthetics must an interesting balance between convenient proximity to the River and be considered if the site is to be developed as a boathouse, regional sufficient buffer from the destructive forces of flooding. The Monroe gateway / visitors center and riverfront park. Township site has enough topographic relief to provide a buildable site above the 500 year floodplain in close enough proximity to the River to make for a functional boathouse/River relationship.
Geology and Soils – The Monroe Township site is highly modified and disturbed, containing fluvial soil deposits and a combination of resident soils and rock and soil and rock imported to the site. The Pennsylvania Canal significantly impacted the site, as did later railroad, highway and bridge development. Much of the edge of the upper terrace is exposed rubble – likely from the Pennsylvania Canal, old river bridge abutments and large rocks used to stabilize the riverbanks. Also found on-site is alluvial material dredged from the Susquehanna River and stockpiled; the dredging removed a delta that formed at the confluence of the unnamed tributary and the Susquehanna River. Due to the varied nature of the site’s geology and soils, testing will need to be done by a qualified geologist to determine proper foundation design for the boathouse and all future buildings on the site.
Utilities – Significant utilities are found on site including electric, communications, sewer, water and gas. The high pressure gas line and substation, located at the lower end of the site, should be avoided in the development of the SRSP. Existing sewer and water lines may or may not require relocation depending on the final plan for the SRSP. The electric and communication lines, running through the middle of the site, must be relocated to implement the proposed SRSP development. Because of the number of electric and communication lines traversing the site and the larger project goals of creating a Regional and community gateway, serious consideration should be given to placing these utilities underground. The existing overhead utility lines are numerous and unattractive. While underground relocation of utilities can be four or
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Vegetation - The site contains a wide range of vegetation type and Wetlands and Habitats – On the PNDI Project Environmental Review quality. There are two distinct patches of forest found on the site - one Receipt a potential impact was identified for notification to the PA Game a riparian forest consisting primarily of silver maple and box elder, and Commission and the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Follow up letters the other a patch of upland forest adjacent to Route 11-15 consisting were sent to both these agencies. No impacts were identified for federally primarily of maples. Other areas of the site are covered with fescue listed, proposed or candidate species. The site of the proposed boathouse grasses and early succession plant material. Invasive plants such as sumac and dock is highly disturbed and does not contain quality wetlands and and crown-vetch encroach into the site from the highway edges. A linear habitats. The best wetland and habitat sites are found in the riparian corridor down the middle of the site is the original highway and there forest and in the wetlands created by the historic Pennsylvania Canal. are concrete and asphalt remnants of this roadway remaining. The site, The old Canal bed contains a wide range of wetland types – from open formerly used as a construction staging area for the highway bridge, also water and shallow open-water wetlands to wet meadow and marshes contains areas of gravel and poor soils where little or no vegetation grows – all of which are covered with a canopy forest. The quality of these – only sporadic, early-succession and colonizing species. If the site is to wetlands is degraded by invasive plants, such as Japanese knotweed, that ever become a green park land, significant amounts of quality top soil greatly limits the potential biodiversity of the site. The riparian forest is will need to be brought to the site for the establishment of grasses and a quality habitat for canopy bird species; but because of the prevalence shrubs. For tree plantings, each tree will need excavation, clean fill, and of invasive plants, there is poor habitat value for understory and ground soil enhancements to provide a sufficient growing medium for the life of bird species. The majority of the site consists of highly degraded habitats the tree. consisting of invasive, weedy and early succession, colonizing plant species. Re-vegetation and habitat enhancements are two objectives of the Susquehanna River Sports Park development. Improving water quality and enhancing wetland species diversity is also the goal of the proposal to re-water the historic Pennsylvania Canal. Special care needs to be taken to protect habitats and water quality during the construction process using all appropriate erosion and sedimentation control methods. The construction of the dock systems should utilize a construction method that maintains or enhances riverbank stability and land and water habitats.
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Water Depth & Dependability - The Monroe Township site was Micro-Climate – Predominate wind direction for the Region is from the prioritized for the boathouse using over 20 different criteria, and water west. A major characteristic of the west shore of Lake Augusta is the high depth and dependability were very important considerations. Lake ridge that overlooks Lake Augusta and the Susquehanna River. From this Augusta is ‘rowable’ at the Monroe Township site regardless of whether the ridge you can find some of the most popular and scenic River views in the fabridam is inflated or not. The rowing conditions are more favorable if region. This geological formation is ideally situated for blocking westerly the fabridam is inflated, with greater water depth, expanded boating area winds, thereby providing protection from the wind. The ridge not only and reduced river current. But rowing can occur with the fabridam down, provides protection from wind, but it also creates still water – an ideal due to a consistent and long, deep water pocket found along the west combination for rowing. When there are southern and northern winds, shore of the River. Because of the fabridam’s spotty history of function, it the rowing will either be going directly into or with the wind. When would be best if rowing is fully functional with or without the inflatable winds are sufficiently strong, whitecaps can be found on Lake Augusta dam. The Monroe Township site was the only site that offered access to creating a potential hazard to rowers. The ridge also provides shade in dependable deep water. the late afternoons of summer. The shade lowers temperatures creating Lake Augusta and the Monroe Township sites offer limited obstacles, an enhanced microclimate for the rower. The combination of shelter from few meanders and plenty of open water for rowing. Three miles of wind and the shade from afternoon summer sun makes the microclimate dependable water can be found without the fabridam, but when the dam of the site ideally suited for rowing and other riverfront recreation. is inflated, many more miles of the River are open to rowing. The width of the River, lack of River obstacles and hazards and its straightness are all sought-after qualities in a training and competition rowing venue.
LAKE AUGUSTA Water depth is approximate and subject to natural fluxuations. Stream WEST BRANCH SUSQUEHANNA 2' Chillisquaque Creek NORTH BRANCH SUSQUEHANNA 4'-5'
2' 4'-5' 1'-2' 4'-5' 3'-4' 2'-3' 2' Over Most Boom Piers ( Depth Between is 4' ) 2' Ledges Turtle Creek Rocks, Boom Piers 6'-7' 5' Catbird Island US 11 Island 5' 5' Stream Little Springs Creek 3'-4' 1' 3' 6'-7' 2' Stream 4' 3' 5'-6' 3'-4' 4'-5' 3' 6'-7' Power Lines ( Rusty Towers ) Channel 5'-6' Boom Piers 2' 3' 4' Stones Stones Winfield Creek 5'-6' 3' 4'-5' 4' Ledges in this Area are Covered with 6'+ 1'-2' Stream Ledge Power Lines 7'-8' 6'-7' ( Green Towers ) NORTHUMBERLAND Ledges 7' 6'-7' Railroad Water Intakes N 7' Extend 100' from Shore Stream 9' Not Marked Under 6' of Water Packers 7'-8' 8'-9' RT 147 Island Tower 5' 6' Stream 8' 6'-8' 7'-8' 10'-15' 6'-7' R R Slow No Wake Shikellamy (Shaded Area) State Park 6'-7' Overlook 7'-8' Water Intake 10' 1' Depth at Full Pool Shikellamy State Park LAKE AUGUSTA Marina US 15
US 11 10' SUNBURY
Water Intake 5' Under SHIKELLAMY STATE PARK RT 147 Bridge Avenue Sunbury 17801-9302 1 1/2 0 1 Phone: 570-988-5557 SCALE IN MILES e-mail: [email protected] Veterans Memorial Bridge 1000 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000
Web site: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/shikellamy.aspx Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam SCALE IN FEET US 15-11 (Inflatable Dam) For current Lake Augusta water level visit this Web site: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv?01553990
50 For Reservations: 888-PA-PARKS Susquehanna River Sports Park
Large Event Accommodations – The boathouse, parking and docks can be constructed on a fairly small building footprint of three or four acres. Large events such as regattas will require a significant amount of additional space for parking, teams, boat trailers, visitors and observers. Large events like regattas will only occur a few times a year. It would make no sense to design the boathouse and riverfront park for occasional events like regattas, but flexible space and shared spaces should be built into the site plan for the Susquehanna River Sports Park. Parking areas that can be shared by the boathouse and visitors center would make efficient use of resources. Due to the proximity of the site to large shopping malls, arrangements should be developed for a shuttle service between off-site mall parking and the boathouse / rowing venue. Teams and visitors will benefit local retailers, hotels, restaurants and other service providers in the region.
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Financial Feasibility Boathouse Development Costs The estimated cost for designing and constructing the 23,000 square foot The Susquehanna River Sports Park is an ambitious project but one that boathouse are as follows: has the potential to bring together a diverse set of public and private partners, with large economic benefit to the region. The SRSP will require Boathouse Estimate Costs a transformation in the way that such projects are conceived, planned, designed and built. It will require integrated collaboration and planning Up Front Costs to Anticipate between state agencies, regional planning organizations and local Topographic Land Survey $20,000 communities. It will also require private landowner participation and Environmental Review and Clearances $25,000 a unique collaborative partnership between regional universities and a Geotechnical Engineering and Testing $35,000 private rowing association. It will require private entrepreneurship and Boathouse Design and Site Tests and Inspections investment within the context of a public riverfront park; and it will take continual advocacy and leadership to advance the project from concept Architectural Design Costs $725,000 to reality. Engineering Design Costs (ramps, docks, swim) $125,000 Solar / Geothermal System Design $50,000 General Inspection and Testing $10,000 Susquehanna River Sports Park – Development Cost Estimates LEED Building Commissioning $25,000 Boathouse Construction Cost Estimate $7,250,000 Land Acquisition Costs Total Boathouse Cost Estimate $8,265,000 Private landowners should be paid fair market value for their land or given tax credits for the donation of their land towards the project. The value of Shamokin Dam Borough’s land should be quantified and used as local Utility Costs match for the development of the Riverfront Canal Park. The land that The SRSP development will require the re-location of overhead electric must be acquired just for the boathouse element includes approximately and communication lines. PPL estimates the cost to relocate electric 3.5 acres of land owned by John Skotedis, Ed Nestlerode and PennDOT utilities to range from $ 330,000 for overhead utilities to $1,450,000 to and a newly designed roadway access involving land owned by the relocate those same utilities underground. While much more expensive Northumberland Boat Club. to re-located underground, the decision will need to be made based on Land Acquisition Estimate project goals and objectives. If the site is to become a Regional gateway and a highly recognized symbol for the Region, serious consideration Land Appraisel $10,000 should be given to spending additional money on underground utilities. Legal Fees $5,000 Land Acquisition Cost - Estimate (entire site) $1,000,000 Utility Relocation Costs Second Land Appraisel $5,000 PPL Electric Overhead $330,000 PPL Electric Underground $1,450,000 Verizon Communication Overhead * $250,000 Verizon Communication Underground * $750,000 Utility Relocation Costs Overhead $580,000 Utility Relocation Costs Underground $2,200,000 * Verizon Communication - price to include four manholes and three road bores and tear down. 52 Susquehanna River Sports Park
Roadway Access and Site Access Road Costs Roadway Access and Site Access Road Costs - Continued The cost of developing access to the site depends on the scale and If the full Susquehanna River Sports Park program is realized, the cost complexity of the access. If only a boathouse is constructed on the site, of multiple site access and access roads could be in the $2-$2.5 million the access requirements and costs would be significantly lower. However dollar range. A broad partnership will be sought for funding assistance for the access cost would not be shared among other public / private access and roadway development. ventures. The full Susquehanna River Sports Park program would require multiple points to access the boathouse, visitors center, restaurant and Full Roadway Access and Access Road hotel. An enhanced boathouse would require a single access, a long-term Design and Engineering $210,000 - $250,000 agreement with the Northumberland Boat Club and construction of an Engineering Design Costs $150,000 - $200,000 improved access, access road and parking. Environmental / Reqular Review $30,000 Single Access and Site Access Road Highway Occupancy Permit $15,000 Municipal Approvals $5,000 Design and Engineering $65,000 - $80,000 Engineering Design Costs $35,000 - $50,000 Construction Estimate Environmental / Reqular Review $15,000 Two Signaled Intersections $500,000 Highway Occupancy Permit $10,000 Re-Engineered Roadways $500,000 Municipal Approvals $5,000 Third Access - Under Bridge $200,000 Construction Estimate Access Road (2000 LF) $550,000 - $750,000 Parking $50,000 - $150,000 Enhanced Access $25,000 - $50,000 Hotel / Visitor Center / Parking NOT INCLUDED Access Road (1,200 LF) $250,000 - $350,000 Landscaping (Frontage / Gateway - four acres) Parking $50,000 - $150,000 Excavation $100,000 Landscaping Clean Fill / Placed $150,000 Excavation $70,000 Plants and Seeding $100,000 Clean Fill / Placed $80,000 Cost Estimate $2,100,000 - $2,500,000 Plants and Seeding $50,000 Roadway Access Cost Estimate $500,000 - $750,000 Note: The disadvantage of the single site access is that the cost will be incurred only for the boathouse project. Costs would be shared between the boathouse, visitors center, restaurant, and hotel with full access development.
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Susquehanna River Sports Park – Riverfront Park Visitors Center, Hotel, Restaurant Private Development Costs –Not Included Riverfront Canal Park Design and Engineering $100,000 - $150,000 Susquehanna River Sports Park Estimate Cost Summary Park Planning and Design $50,000 - $75,000 Land Acquistition $1,000,000 Engineering Design $30,000 - $50,000 Full Roadway Access and Access Road $2,250,000 Environmental / Reqular Review $10,000 - $15,000 Utility Relocation (Underground) $2,200,000 Forestry Management Plan $5,000 Boathouse Design and Construction $8,250,000 Municipal Approvals $5,000 Riverfront Canal Park $1,500,000 Park Construction Estimate $1,000,000 - $1,500,000 Total Project Cost Estimate $14,300,000 Clearing and Grubbing $35,000 Site Clean up $15,000 Invasive Plant Control $15,000 Grading and Drainage $35,000 Canal Trail - 2,000 LF $50,000 Connecting Trails - 1,200 LF $25,000 Park Gateway Bridge $250,000 Pedestrian Bridges (2) $150,000 Stream Diversion $75,000 Habitat / Water Quality Enhancement $35,000 Canal Restoration $200,000 Landscaping / Re-vegetation $75,000 Park Features and Amenities (Benches, Tables, Signs) $75,000 Total Park Cost Estimate $1,100,000 - $1,650,000
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Operations and Maintenance Costs Revenue – The Cooper River Boathouse in Camden New Jersey is an example of a boathouse that derives a significant amount of income as The costs to heat, cool, light, clean, operate and maintain the boathouse a venue for weddings, meetings and social events. The boathouse on facility will be significant. The design of the structure, use of alternative Lake Augusta would have similar opportunities to host social events energy and development of a collaborative partnership for on- using the all-purpose room, catering kitchen, terrace and riverfront park going operations and maintenance will reduce costs and ensure the space, but a proper balance is needed so the building remains true to sustainability of the building. The boathouse bays, which constitute a its original function – to support and nurture the sport of rowing on the majority of the building’s area, will require a minimum amount of heating, Susquehanna River and Lake Augusta. cooling and lighting. During the rowing season, the space will use natural day-lighting by opening the boathouse doors. In the winter the boat bays will use a minimum amount of heat to prevent freezing temperatures in Impact to Local Economy - A calculation of potential revenues’ generated the building’s interior. Bucknell and Susquehanna universities have made by a boathouse and riverfront park can be derived from other boathouse a significant commitment to green design and energy efficiency. The use examples around the country. The Oak Ridge Rowing Association in Oak of solar photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, solar hot water panels Ridge, Tennessee, calculated that one of its regattas earned $55,000 in for the showers and kitchen, and geothermal heating and cooling will hotel taxes for the local tourism agency, and a single team training at their all contribute to lower operating costs. The operation and maintenance facility over spring break spent $27,000 in hotels and food establishments. costs of the facility will be shared between boathouse partners – Bucknell Based on these examples, some conservative estimates on the immediate and Susquehanna universities and the Central PA Rowing Association. and five-year economic impacts to the local and Regional community are as follows: Locating the clubhouse over the boat bays was designed to reduce maintenance costs associated with flooding. The structure will be located Boathouse and Park Use Economic Impact (Year 1) Economic Impact (Year 5) outside the 500 year floodplain. In addition, the first floor boat bays are designed with very durable and utilitarian materials capable of handling Recreation and Park Users $25,000 per year $125,000 per year direct or indirect flooding impact, allowing easy washing and cleaning. Banquets and Special Events $100,000 per year $500,000 per year The higher cost clubhouse is constructed on the second floor – well above Meeting and Conferences $50,000 per year $250,000 per year any possible flooding impact. The buildings electric, HVAC, plumbing and Regattas and Rowing Center $150,000 per year $750,000 per year communication systems will all be primarily located in the upper level. Economic Benefit $325,000 per year $1,625,000 per year Site Security - An efficiency ‘coach’s’ apartment is designed as part of the boathouse and will provide a 24-hour presence at the facility and riverfront park. The second floor apartment offers a flexible living arrangement for a university or club coach or facility caretaker, and the apartment’s roof-top terrace will enhance building, site and riverfront park security.
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Feasibility Summary
What started as a boathouse feasibility study has become a larger and more inclusive vision for the west shore of Lake Augusta. While the boathouse can be pursued separately, much would be lost in the site’s development potential. While the boathouse should remain the focus to maintain project interest and momentum, the boathouse should be viewed as one part of a comprehensive redevelopment of the west shore, from fabridam park to the Northumberland Boat Club. Feasibility of this comprehensive Susquehanna River Sports Park will require greater collaboration and coordination between the community, universities, private landowners, Northumberland Boat Club and state agencies. At the current time, we cannot determine if the Susquehanna River Sports Park (SRSP) is a feasible project. The questions that remain include: • Site Access and Route 11-15 Highway Design • Land Ownership / Land Acquisition • Project Funding and Funding Partnerships
Answers to these questions will be forthcoming. PennDOT will be engaged in a highway planning study entitled the Lake Augusta Gateway Corridor Study. This planning process will occur over the next year with completion expected in the spring 2011. At that time, there will be a concept design developed for the highway and access to the Monroe Township site. In the meantime, there will be an opportunity to establish general agreements between the landowners: PennDOT, Nestlerode, Skotedis and Shamokin Dam Borough, and land value appraisals can be completed for these properties. This time should be used to engage the two universities to get the boathouse project on their long-term development plan and to begin marketing the Susquehanna River Sports Park to potential investors.
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Susquehanna River Sports Park – Implementation Strategy To realize the Susquehanna River Sports Park will require the development Medium-Term Actions (Years 3-5): of public / private partnerships and project leadership to continuously advance the project through fundraising, planning, design and regulatory Site Access – Resolve the plan for site access, place the site access and hurdles. The following outlines a 10-year plan to implement the adjacent highway improvements on the Region’s TIP (Transportation Susquehanna River Sports Park project: Improvement Program). Environmental and Regulatory Review – Environmental and cultural resource agency reviews of the proposed development and any proposed Short-Term Actions (Years 1-2) mitigation needs understood before land is acquired. Highway Design and Site Access – Coordinate and collaborate with Land Acquisition – Based on the survey and land appraisals, acquire PennDOT and community stakeholders to develop a consensus design for all privately owned land and have formal agreements with state and the Route 11-15 highway and the design for access to the site. municipal owners on the development of the Susquehanna River Sports Land Acquisition – Establishing agreement on the development program Park. for the site and formal understanding of how each landowner seeks to Funding Commitments – Develop the public and private funding participate in the development process. Engage all groups with a land commitments for the Susquehanna River Sports Park elements including ownership interest in the property including: PennDOT, Shamokin Dam the boathouse, riverfront park, hotel, restaurant and visitors center. Borough, Ed Nestlerode, John Skotedis, PA DCNR and PG Energy (UGI – University Funding Commitments – Secure funding commitments from Penn Natural Gas). Bucknell and Susquehanna universities and/or large donor commitments Land Appraisals – Prepare costs for future land acquisition and conduct from alumni. land appraisals for each of the various site parcels. Land appraisals will be Public / Private Funding Commitments – Secure federal and state funding completed by a reputable real estate land appraiser. support for the project. University Coordination – Outreach to Bucknell and Susquehanna Boathouse Design – Commission architectural and engineering designs of universities to get the boathouse project added to each university’s long- the boathouse and dock range building plan. Riverfront Canal Park Construction – Construct the first phase of the Project Promotion – Promote the boathouse and riverfront park concept Riverfront Canal Park. to state agencies, the general public, university donors and potential private investors. Long-Term Actions: (Years 6-10) Develop Partnerships – Continue discussions with state legislators and develop partnerships with state agencies such as PA DCNR and PA DCED / Site Access – Construct the enhanced access to the site. Governors Action Team to establish funding support for the project. Access Road – Construct the access road. Riverfront Canal Park Design – Develop a master plan and final design for Boathouse Construction – Construct the boathouse, parking, docks and the park as a coordinated effort with an expanded fabridam park and fish staging areas. passage. Riverfront Canal Park Construction – Construct the final phase of the Riverfront Canal Park. Hotel, Restaurant and Visitors Center– Construct privately owned hotel, restaurant and visitors center. Gateway Landscaping – Landscape the site, roadway and site entrance to create a Regional Gateway. 57 Susquehanna River Sports Park
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Appendices
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Appendices
Appendices – Project CD
Boathouse Site Selection Matrix Project Study Committee Agendas Key Person Interviews Boathouse Tour – Booklet Design Workshop Photos / Illustrations Maps References
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62 Susquehanna River Sports Park — Feasibility Study