Welcome to the LHVA
Dozens of families and friends gathered on Sunday, November 5th, for a festive community celebration at the Nay Aug Natural Play Area in Scranton. Thanks to our partners and participants for making this a day to remember!
SCRANTON — The Pennsylvania Greenways & Trails Summit is recognized as the state’s foremost gathering for outdoor professionals and volunteers who manage the natural amenities enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors from around the globe.
Organized by WeConservePA and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the biennial event recently convened for three days in Scranton, and site selectors could not have been happier with their host city.
More than 250 enthusiastic attendees shared insights, knowledge, and inspiration through seminars, mobile workshops, and networking opportunities at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center.
“The Summit is a catalyst for connecting people, organizations and communities passionate about enhancing Pennsylvania’s great outdoors,” said Owen Worozbyt, operations director for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. “We were thrilled to welcome our kindred spirits from across the state, share our hospitality, and most importantly, our ideas for the future.”
Themed “Connecting an Industrious Past with an Innovative Future,” the Summit served as a springboard for underscoring the growing importance of outdoor recreation to Pennsylvania’s economy.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, more than $29 billion is spent by consumers who support more than 250,000 jobs and generate $1.9 billion in state and local tax revenues annually. Gov. Josh Shapiro has requested $2.8 million in the 2023-24 budget to create the state’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Thirty northeast communities connect to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail where people can walk, run, hike, bike or fish along select locations. The regional trail saw more than 450,000 visitors in 2020, while overall trail usage increased by 200 percent across the state during the pandemic. Changes in the workplace now have economic developers focusing on quality-of-life issues – such as accessibility to trails – being demanded by a post-pandemic workforce.
“Our trails have the unique ability to bring communities together, promote physical activity and enhance the quality of life,” Worozbyt said. “They serve as corridors for recreation, transportation and conservation, enriching the natural and cultural heritage of the Lackawanna Valley.”
Throughout the Summit, participants explored topics including trail design, infrastructure improvements, community involvement and funding strategies, paving the way for positive development of the state’s most vital outdoor assets.
“We were honored to host the 2023 Greenways & Trail Summit,” said Alexa Peregrim, sales manager for the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, who served as event planning co-chair with Worozbyt. “Folk got to see Scranton in a different light and learn more about our vast array of historic, cultural and natural amenities.”
The Summit was partially financed by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program, administered by the DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
From left, Scranton Half Marathon committee members Bruce Beauvis, Jason Geadrities, SCRANTON — The Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area found a cherished partner in 2014 when former Mayor Chris Doherty and organizers of the inaugural Scranton Half Marathon joined more than 2,500 runners for a 13.1-mile journey around the Electric City.
Once voted the northeast’s top-ranked half marathon by Competitor Running magazine, the charity race continues thriving as hundreds of runners and walkers mark the event on their calendars.
The relationship deepened in 2017 when Lackawanna Valley Heritage Authority officials unveiled the Scranton Half Marathon Pavilion near the entrance of the Scranton Riverwalk. The course took competitors from the Olive Street Trailhead of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail through several neighborhoods and downtown Scranton.
“Today, dozens of charities benefit from the trail’s natural amenities, and the Scranton Half Marathon stands as a shining example of a first-class event’s positive contributions to our region,” said Owen Worozbyt, LHVA director of operations.
In March 2023, the Scranton Half Marathon once again demonstrated a firm commitment to the community, raising more than $37,000 for Heritage Valley. The funds will enable LHVA to continue making upgrades to the Scranton portion of the 70-mile trail. Worobzyt said several enhancements have already been made in Scranton, including the installation of security cameras and the clearing of trees along Olive Street to Seventh Avenue.
“The work of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Tom Minora of the Scranton Half Marathon committee. “They are a driving force behind so many programs and events that enrich our community in so many ways.”
The Scranton Half Marathon is slated for April 7, 2024. Visit www.scrantonhalf.com for more information.
In keeping with its mission to cultivate community collaborations, Lackawanna Heritage Valley announces a partnership grant program designed to empower non-profit and civic organizations, municipal or governmental agencies, and educational institutions.
With grants up to $5,000, LHV is looking to advance initiatives that enhance the quality of life and contribute to the cultural, artistic, and historic fabric of the region. The organization fosters connections between communities and their shared heritage while highlighting the economic potential of cultural and historic assets.
“Community participation is at the heart of what we do,” said Owen Worobzyt, LHV Director of Operations. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for eligible groups to bring their innovative ideas to life. Our hope is these grants will not only enrich communities, but also inspire appreciation for our shared history and heritage.”
The selection process involves a thorough evaluation based on the potential to create positive change. The program requires a dollar-for-dollar funding match, and applicants must submit their proposals by noon, Sept. 15th.
Past recipients include the Anthracite Heritage Museum; the Scranton Jazz Festival; the Scranton Shakespeare Festival; First Friday Scranton; the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art; the Lackawanna Historical Society; and the Waverly Community House.
For more information, contact April Rogato at arogato@LHVA.org or (570) 963-6730 (ext. 8200).
Lackawanna Heritage Valley and the Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority will host dual Native American celebrations this weekend, honoring the history and heritage of Indigenous Peoples within Lackawanna County. These family-friendly events are intended to reconnect the public to the deep roots of Native American throughout the Lackawanna Valley and our nation.
Nay Aug ParkFamilies are invited to the JAD Picnic area of Scranton’s Nay Aug Park on Saturday, October 15, from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. The Allegany River Seneca Dancers will perform traditional Native American singing and dancing and Storyteller Perry Ground will bring the stories of traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) legends to life before families are invited to participate in a ceremonial planting of the “White Pine of Peace.”
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail | Six Nations Amphitheatre
The ceremonies continue at the Elm Street Trailhead in Scranton on Sunday, October 16, beginning at 11:00am, for an Interpretive Walk along a section of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail where the Oquaga trail, a Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) diplomacy trail leading to Syracuse, once passed through the Lackawanna Heritage Valley.
Along the walk, those in attendance will pass by interpretive signage, carvings and tributes to Native American culture and the six Iroquois Nations along this two-mile trail corridor, between Elm Street in Scranton and the Borough of Taylor, before arriving at “Ohn Te Oak”, the site of a former Native American Fishing Village, and the Six Nations Amphitheatre. Native American Ceremonies of Peace will continue at the Six Nations Amphitheatre, featuring traditional storytelling, Native American singing and dancing, and a second ceremonial planting of the White Pine of Peace.
Families are invited to the JAD Picnic area of Scranton’s Nay Aug Park on Saturday, October 15, from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m.
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/oynrYNagLu7p45xN6
Saturday Schedule:
11:00am – Native American Singing and Dancing by the Allegany River Seneca Dancers
12:00pm – Native American Storytelling by Onondaga Storyteller Perry Ground
1:00pm – Tree of Peace Planting Ceremony by Billy Crouse
2:00pm – Native American Storytelling by Onondaga Storyteller Perry Ground
2:30pm – Native American Singing and Dancing by the Allegany River Seneca Dancers
The ceremonies continue at the Elm Street Trailhead in Scranton on Sunday, October 16, beginning at 11:00am.
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/UXhtHeQW64gSBzet8
Sunday Schedule:
11:00am – Interpretive Walk begins at the Elm Street Trailhead in Scranton
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Native American Ceremonies of Peace at the Six Nations Amphitheatre; Traditional Storytelling by Onondaga Storyteller Perry Ground; Native American Singing & Dancing by Allegany River Seneca Dancers; and a Tree of Peace Planting Ceremony by Bill Crouse
Lackawanna Heritage Valley will present plans to develop a 6-mile stretch of their Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, spanning from Taylor south through Pittston, at a public meeting on Wednesday, March 16, beginning at 5:30pm at the Pittston Memorial Library.
The current, southernmost section of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail extends from Elm Street in Scranton to the confluence of Keyser Creek and the Lackawanna River in Taylor Borough. The study’s main objective is to determine the most feasible alignment to continue the trail system southward toward the City of Pittston. The proposed trail corridor will link communities in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties and complete the southernmost portion of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail System – a storied route that stretches more than 70 miles, passing through the heart of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area and adjoining the D&H Rail-Trail before continuing north toward the New York State border.
The public meeting at the Pittston Memorial Library, located at 47 Broad Street, Pittston, will feature the findings of an ongoing feasibility study, including projected routes, timelines, costs and partners, before opening to the public for questions and feedback. The meeting is part of a continued effort to define the wishes and priorities of residents and partners within the ‘Lower 6’ communities between Scranton and Pittston.
“The plan has always been for the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail to begin at the Pittston Riverfront,” said Owen Worozbyt, trail and environmental projects manager for Lackawanna Heritage Valley. “This feasibility study has made incredibly positive strides in making that happen. We’re excited to hear from residents and community leaders to make sure we’re hitting the mark before we move forward.”
Proposed routes within the ongoing feasibility study would include trail development projects in Taylor, Moosic, Old Forge, Duryea and Pittston. Actual implementation will be done in several phases and take years to complete, but Lackawanna Heritage Valley officials are determined to complete the southernmost portion of the trail system along the Lackawanna River, linking existing trail systems and communities and bringing the popular recreational and alternative transportation resource to more residents and visitors within the region.
Lackawanna Heritage Valley will honor the more than 400 Lackawanna County residents who have lost their lives over the past year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, through a self-guided, luminary-lit walk along their Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Scranton. The event will take place on Tuesday evening, March 23, to mark the one year anniversary of the first life lost to the ongoing pandemic in Lackawanna County.
From 7 p.m. through 9 p.m., the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail will be lit by candlelight from the 7th Avenue Trailhead through to the Broadway Trailhead, a half-mile section of the popular trail in Scranton. This event is free to attend and is meant to be experienced as a self-guided walk at one’s own leisure. One luminary will be placed along the trail in honor of every life lost since March 23, 2020.
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail has seen a significant increase in trail usage since the beginning of the pandemic, as a record number of residents and visitors turn to the trail for their mental and physical wellbeing. Justin Topa, community engagement manager for Lackawanna Heritage Valley, has led efforts to plan this event and feels the trail serves as a safe, tranquil venue for the luminary memorial walk. Topa hopes the event will draw people to the trail to reflect on and honor those that have lost their lives, show support for their families, and foster a sense of community in a time of social-distancing.
“Tuesday marks the anniversary of a very solemn day in Lackawanna County,” said Topa. “We hope that this event will help to bring our communities safely together to reflect on the past year and honor those we’ve lost.”
Lackawanna Heritage Valley partnered with NEPA Strong to bring the luminary memorial walk to fruition. NEPA Strong is a popular advocacy and action group formed on Facebook to bring the region together and support local small businesses. The group recently marked its one year anniversary with more than 10,200 members and plans to continue in their mission of supporting community and small businesses even after the pandemic subsides.
The luminary memorial walk is self-guided and contactless and those that wish to attend may do so at their own pace. The luminary bags will feature battery operated candles to ensure safety and will be collected at the end of the event. Lackawanna Heritage Valley asks that those in attendance wear masks, remain socially-distanced and follow all health and safety guidelines. In the event of inclement weather, Lackawanna Heritage Valley will post rain date information through their social media channels.
For more information or directions to Tuesday’s event, those interested are asked to contact Lackawanna Heritage Valley by phone at (570) 963-6730.
INVITATION TO BIDDERS
Separate sealed proposals for general contracting services will be received by The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) until 10:00 AM, Thursday, April 25, 2019.
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail: Carbondale Riverwalk Spur
Work shall include, but is not limited to furnishing all labor, materials and equipment necessary for completing the following scope of work: specified clearing, excavation, and demolition; rough and finish grading; construction of asphalt trail and trail head; installation of drainage structures, BMPs and E&S controls; topsoil placement and seeding for lawns and site restoration; signage; plantings; and other work associated with this trail project. PA Prevailing Wage Rates apply to this Project.
Contract Documents, including Construction Drawings and a Project Manual with General Conditions, Technical Specifications, and Bid Submission Forms may be obtained at contractor’s expense from Steamtown Blueprint & Copy Center, 308 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503, PH: (570) 961-1315. Contract documents will be available beginning Thursday, April 11, 2019 between the hours of 9AM and 4PM, Monday through Friday. Addenda, if any, will be issued only to those persons whose name and address are on record as having obtained contract documents.
A pre-bid conference will be held at the site at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 18, 2019 (Meet at Holt Lumber 231 Belmont Street, Carbondale, PA, 18407).
Bidders’ proposals must be accompanied by certified check, certified bank treasurer’s check, bank cashier’s check or bid bond in the form provided in the Bid Package. A satisfactory corporate surety shall provide security in an amount equal to 10% of the base bid. The surety shall name as payee or obligee, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. Performance, Labor and Materials, and Maintenance Bonds in the amount of 100% of the Base Bid and any selected Add-Alternate Bids must be furnished within ten days of the award on companies licensed to do business in Pennsylvania. All bonds must be secured.
All Bids shall be submitted on the forms furnished, in sealed envelopes, clearly marked “Lackawanna River Heritage Trail: Carbondale Riverwalk Spur” and addressed to Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, 213 Railroad Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. The Contract shall be awarded to the lowest, responsible bidder; however, LHVA reserves the right to reject any or all bids or any part of any bid and to waive any or all irregularities, mistakes, omissions or informalities relative thereto.
LHVA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age disability or familial status in employment of the provision of services.
Bidders are invited to have a representative present at the time of bid opening. All bids shall be considered binding and shall not be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) calendar days from the bid opening date without the consent of LHVA. Notice that this project is subject to Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Rates.
Lackawanna Heritage Valley will host their first spring clean-up along the trail on Saturday, March 23, and head back out on Saturday, March 30, to make sure that, when the final snow thaws, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is clean and ready for warmer days.
Cleanup will start at 9 am on Saturday, March 23, at the 7th Avenue Trailhead across from Sunoco. At 9 am on March 30, volunteers will migrate to the Elm Street Trailhead.
There is still plenty of time to volunteer as we shift into warmer weather mode. If you have the time, Lackawanna Heritage Valley would appreciate your help in keeping our community’s trail beautiful.
BikeLackawanna, our free bikeshare program, officially opens for the 2019 season on Friday, April 5. The formal launch of the season will take place from 5pm to 8pm on Courthouse Square in Scranton, during the city’s First Friday celebration.
BikeLackawanna is a completely free-to-use bike share program that allows anyone age 16 or older (with a valid Driver’s License or state-issued photo I.D.) the opportunity to borrow a bike, ride anywhere they wish throughout the historic Lackawanna Heritage Valley, and return their bicycle when their ride is finished.
This year, families and visitors to the Lackawanna Heritage Valley will be able to borrow bicycles from seven locations between Scranton and Carbondale. Lackawanna Heritage Valley also offers hand cycles and recumbent bikes to wheelchair-bound riders and people with mobility impairments, which can be found at their office in Scranton.
2019
BikeLackawanna Locations:
Hilton
Scranton & Conference Center
Lackawanna
Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area
Strive
Multisport – Scranton
The
University of Scranton Weinberg Memorial Library
Electric
City Roasting Company
Greater
Carbondale Ymca
Hotel
Anthracite
All BikeScranton bikes are sturdy and regularly maintained by local bicycle shops. The seats are adjustable and comfortable enough to ride all day. Want to lock it up while you shop or eat? No problem. We provide locks with a key at no additional cost. Cyclists are strongly encouraged to wear helmets. If you need to borrow one, helmets are available at each share site at no charge. For more information, please feel free to stop by or call any participating location.
