Press Release

Contact: Thomas Baxter, Executive Director
Phone: (412) 488-0212 x3 August 22, 2008

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Friends of the Riverfront solicits Request for Proposals for the Community Trails Initiative; a public/private multi-municipal project to complete a feasibility study and trail development plan encompassing 17 municipalities (City of Pittsburgh, Millvale, Shaler, Etna, Sharpsburg, Aspinwall, Fox Chapel, O’Hara Township, Blawnox, Harmar, Cheswick, Springdale, Springdale Township, Frazer, Tarentum, Brackenridge and Harrison) along the right bank of the Allegheny River.

The main purpose of this connection is to link the existing Three Rivers Heritage Trail with the Armstrong Trail. This connection is an important part of the Allegheny County Riverfronts Project, the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Network and also the Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Mainline Canal Greenway. The project is made possible through a partnership between Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Friends of the Riverfront. The Township of O’Hara and the Fox Chapel District Association are also key partners assisting with community outreach and fiscal responsibilities.

In a simple manner of statement, the Community Trails Initiative’s goal is to play a role in the successful expansion of the current Three Rivers Heritage Trail along the Allegheny Riverfront, create community connections, and provide public access to recreational opportunities along the riverfronts. The project is funded thought the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Allegheny County, Allegheny Rivertown Enterprise Zone, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Friends of the Riverfront and through generous financial support from the 17 riverfront municipalities within the corridor.

This study will show several sets of information upon its completion, including general demographics of potential trail users based on existing Three Rivers Heritage Trail, potential demand and use of the trail, it will identify and evaluate potential trail linkages/connectors including possible connections to neighboring developments, and compatibility of trail development with adjacent land uses.

Agencies interested in participating in the Community Trails Initiative should contact Thomas Baxter with Friends of the Riverfront for a copy of the Request for Proposal.

Background on Friends of the Riverfront

Friends of the Riverfront is the developers and stewards of the 21-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail which runs along both sides of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. We have been involved with the Southside Trail as well as the bridge to Washington’s Landing. Parallel to the Community Trails Initiative, Friends of the Riverfront is currently at work filling in gaps along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, as well as along the Great Allegheny Passage, which runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD, before continuing on to Washington, D.C.