Initiative to improve access to Bellefonte parks kicks off
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BELLEFONTE -- Bellefonte organizations are looking to improve access to its parks.
At the end of July, Bellefonte Historic Preservation Foundation and the Safe Routes Partnership hosted a two-day community workshop on improving active travel to Talleyrand and Masullo parks.
Bellefonte is one of four communities selected to participate in the Safe Routes to Parks Pennsylvania Activating Communities program, a program focused on improving safe and equitable local park access.
As part of this year's cohort, Bellefonte is receiving training and coaching from the Safe Routes Partnership, a national organization, to develop an action plan for improving active travel to local parks and green spaces and implement early actions from the plan.
Recently, over 60 supporters gathered to discuss opportunities and future projects to make biking and walking to Talleyrand and Masullo parks more safe, fun and convenient.
Visions for the future include a trail along the old, decommissioned railway, connecting the two parks via a bridge over the creek, and taking full advantage of the new stage set to be built in Talleyrand Park.
This work in Bellefonte comes at the perfect time to take advantage of unprecedented funding from the state and federal government for transportation and park resources, a release from the two entities said.
State staff from Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation, Conservation and Natural Resources, and Community and Economic Development as well as the regional organizations attended planning meetings this week to discuss funding available for plans and implementation.
"It's so encouraging to learn about all the people and partners committed to expanding safe and convenient access to Talleyrand Park for all individuals," said Andrea Murrell, co-chair of the Talleyrand Park Committee. "Knowing the project will also advance work to connect more people to beautiful natural areas such as Bald Eagle State Park and Spring Creek Canyon through the reimagining and repurposing of inactive railroad tracks offers even more for residents and visitors to the region to look forward to."
High Street and Water Street are simultaneously the most active routes for biking and walking in Bellefonte, and they have the highest volumes of car traffic. One of the goals that came out of the community sessions is to make crossings safer at these highly trafficked intersections, especially for children and people with limited mobility.
Local business owners were excited and interested by how these initiatives have boosted economies of similar sized communities in recent years. They are hopeful that this work in Bellefonte will spark additional connectivity and investments across the region.
The Safe Routes to Parks Pennsylvania Activating Communities program aims to remove barriers that make it challenging for people to enjoy the physical, social and mental health benefits that parks offer and proactively work toward ensuring safe, secure access to parks and open spaces. Over the long term, with increased safety and accessibility, Safe Routes to Parks seeks to increase park usage and improve health for people of all ages, races, abilities and income levels.
The next safe routes to parks event will take place on Aug. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. at South Potter Street, Bellefonte.
For more details about future events and getting involved contact jennilyn.schuster@gmail.com.