Laurel Highlands Today

County of Fayette issued the following announcement on Jan. 11.

The $171,000 state grant will be used to construct a perimeter loop trail around the Menallen Township park.

Fayette County has been awarded a $171,000 state grant for construction of a walking trail at Dunlap Creek Park in Menallen Township.  

Awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the grant will fund a 9,800-linear-foot perimeter loop trail spanning 8 feet in width. Fayette County Chief Community Development Specialist Art Cappella said the project is a result of the county’s Master Site Plan.  

“Building a trail garnered a significant amount of public support throughout the planning process,” Cappella said. “It was a top priority, and that is why it is part of our Phase I development for the park.”

Fayette County Director of Parks, Recreation and Trails Tom Petrus thanked DCNR officials for making the trail project possible.  

“The trail will have a tremendous impact on the park, with an influx of all age groups coming in and being able to navigate the property on a designated trail that will open access to all of the pavilions, docks and future amenities the park will have to offer,” Petrus said. “The trail will also open up other opportunities for smaller loops for hiking and biking to attract more trail and park enthusiasts to embrace the entire park.”  

Petrus also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all who worked on the Master Site Plan, including the Fayette County Board of Commissioners; Office of Planning, Zoning and Community Development; Menallen Township; project engineers; and residents who provided valuable feedback. 

“The effort to move forward with the Master Site Plan is monumental, and without all the people that helped in finalizing this plan, this would have never happened,” he said. “The project falling into place is the first step in creating a better park system for the county and all that utilize the parks from wherever they call home.”  

Cappella said construction is slated to begin later this year, once permitting and excavation is complete. Next on the list at Dunlap Creek Park is the addition of a new boat dock, followed by many other improvements detailed in the Master Site Plan.  

“This trail is a great thing for the county for two reasons. First, it demonstrates that we’re implementing our plan - the people’s plan - that was developed through meetings between county officials and our citizens. That feedback is always an important factor in these types of projects because, so often, such things never get put into action,” Cappella said. “Second, this is a meaningful project because of its health aspect. A new walking trail will provide a challenge to residents living nearby to take advantage of the marvelous atmosphere and ecosystem the park provides. The park is such a beautiful and tranquil place and is a significant part of the Laurel Highlands Region. Folks will be able to walk around the park and enjoy the scenery every step of the way. This is truly what makes it such a great thing for all of Fayette County.”  

Petrus said he looks forward to spring, when bird watchers, fishermen, walkers, runners, pavilion gatherers and more will return to Fayette County’s parks. He asks that all who visit remember to “take out what you took in.” 

“This is a place that visitors come to enjoy and get away from the daily grind. If you carried it into the park, you can carry it out,” Petrus said. “Thank you for your support, and stay tuned as the parks transform.”  

For more information, call 724-430-1211 or email acappella@fayettepa.org. 

To learn more about Fayette County, visit www.FayetteCountyPA.org. 

Editor's Note: Photo attached (Dunlap Creek Park) 

This communication is part of the Fayette County PR Initiative, which is funded through the Fayette County Local Share Account (LSA) and Hotel Tax Grants in cooperation with the Fayette County Board of Commissioners, Fayette Chamber of Commerce, The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Fayette, The Redstone Foundation and other partners. This funding has been designated for the continued promotion and marketing of Fayette County, PA. 

For more information, contact Kristi Rooker Kassimer, Public Relations Specialist, at 412-691-0262, kkassimer@fayettecountypa.info or Kaylie Moore, Community Relations Coordinator, at 724-430-1200 Ext. 1611, kmoore@fayettepa.org.   

Original source can be found here.