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LHVA sets public meeting for Greenway project

Times Leader staff

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority will hold a public information meeting about the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and the Lackawanna Greenway on Tuesday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the theater at Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton.

LHVA is conducting a study of the entire Lackawanna River Heritage Trail to design the trail routes for the undeveloped sections and to guide the trail’s future development.

The multi-purpose trail is 40 miles and follows the Lackawanna River from Union Dale to the river’s confluence with the Susquehanna River at Duryea and Pittston. Four sections of the trail are currently open to the public: the Central New Jersey Railroad Trail in Southside Scranton; the O&W Railroad Trail in the Mid-Valley; the New York O&W Railroad Trail in Mayfield and Carbondale Township; and the D&H Rail-Trail in Fell Township.

In addition, LHVA is developing a plan for the Lackawanna Greenway that will include a cultural and historic resources inventory.

The Greenway is a system of parks, trails, open space and preserved land in the Lackawanna Valley and is part of Pennsylvania’s extensive greenway system. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is the main trail in the Lackawanna Greenway.

The meeting will offer a presentation on the current study as well as maps and displays of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. This will include information on trail sections open for public use, sections under design and construction, and adjacent spur trails. During the meeting, participants will break into smaller groups to provide input on the development of the trail and greenway projects.

Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. for this free event. The presentation takes place at 7 followed by small group discussions and a question and answer session. Individuals who enjoy using trails and parks for walking, jogging, cycling, fitness activities, socializing, and family outings are encouraged to attend.

Steamtown National Historic Site on Cliff Street, off Lackawanna Avenue, offers free parking and is accessible to persons with disabilities. Directions are available on Steamtown’s Web site, www.nps.gov/stea/planyourvisit/directions.htm

For more information, contact Colleen Carter, LHVA development and marketing officer, at 963-6730 ext. 8211 or ccarter@LHVA.org.