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Stroud Region Bike-Ped Network Pocono Creek Pedestrian Bridge Levee Loop Trail Hard Surfacing Project |
Regional Parks DirectoryAfter two years in the planning and making, we are very pleased to distribute a comprehensive Stroud Region Parks Directory! The 24x36-inch brochure displays an overall map of the region highlighting the more than two dozen regional parks and the Stroud Greenway corridor on one side, with individual park maps on the other side depicting trails, athletic fields and courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, parking and other park features and amenities. The directory also provides information on park rules and regulations, facility rental policies and procedures, the Commission, its municipal members, and the Day Street Community Center. You may obtain your own free copy at the Community Center, park pavilion bulletin boards, and municipal offices. Stroud Region Bike-Ped NetworkA sub-committee of the Stroud Region Greenway Advisory Board has been working with other interested citizens to create an alternative transportation and recreation system that encourages and supports safe bicycle and pedestrian friendly options within the region for travelers including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit patrons. This effort spun off earlier efforts to address commuter safety issues. The network is being designed to encourage use of the system for active recreation and, where appropriate, as a safe and alternative form of transportation. The system may also be viewed as a network of wellness trails for health and fitness, and a draw for tourism with a positive economic impact for the region. A grant application has been made to the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape Initiative Conservation Assistance Program to develop a pilot 23-mile loop. Glen to Glen TrailSimone Collins Landscape Architecture has been selected as the consultant to conduct the Glen to Glen Trail Feasibility Study. The Greenway Advisory Board conducted a field investigation on May 23 with the consulting team and hosted the first public meeting for the study on June 19. The purpose of the study is to research the feasibility of establishing an intermunicipal Glen to Glen Trail through a number of publicly and privately owned properties; its linkages between two regional parks, Glen Park and Glen Brook Golf Club, their recreation facilities, adjacent lands, and the Levee Loop Trail; and the associated program, facility, and management possibilities the trail system would afford the residents of the Stroud Region. Completion of the study is anticipated by December 2012. Pocono Creek Pedestrian BridgePartial funding was received from PA DCED to construct a bridge across Pocono Creek connecting Knights Park to the campus of the Stroudsburg Area School District permitting both student access to additional athletic facilities as well as pedestrian and bicycling access from the 611 Corridor to the historic downtown and the McMichael Creek. Since we could not build the bridge with partial funding, we’ve applied for a PA Recreation Trails Grant for the additional funding to allow for the design and construction of the bridge, utilizing the $100,000 grant offer from PA DCED as a partial match. (Total project cost: $460,272.) Levee Loop Trail Hard Surfacing ProjectConstruction drawings for hard-surfacing a portion of the Levee Loop Trail have been completed by Landscape Architect Karla Farrell of Buchart Horn, Inc. / BASCO Associates, and have been submitted for approval by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR), as required by the funding grant prior to engaging contractors. The project will be a welcome improvement that provides for greater use by more diverse groups of trail users looking to enjoy this essential spine of the Stroud Region trail system. New Dansbury playgroundThe old wooden play structure in Dansbury Park, installed in 1988, was removed in March to make way for a new steel and plastic structure manufactured by Playworld. Conforming to all the latest accessibility and safety regulations, the new playground designed for ages 5-12 opened to the public April 12. One hundred cubic yards of engineered wood fiber filled the play zone to meet ADA requirements. Rubber safety mats were also installed around the merry-go-round and covered with engineered wood fiber. 2012-2015 Strategic PlanThe Commission Board and Staff researched the issues representing the need and purpose for our mission, which formed the basis for developing the action steps of a new three-year strategic plan. These issues are grouped into four areas of focus: Economic Stimulation, Environmental Preservation and Stewardship, Health and Wellness, and Social Stability. These focus areas define how well the Commission is positioned to meet the recreational and cultural needs of its residents, and contribute to responsible environmental stewardship while providing its core essential services. An analysis of the Commission’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats formed the basis for the Plan’s specific, prioritized goals. View the Plan here. Stroud Region Parks Rules & Regulations now available in Spanish!Our thanks go to East Stroudsburg University student Emily Juarez and Professor Dr. Annie Mendoza of the Modern Languages Department for translating the Regional Park Rules & Regulations into Spanish. A copy can be downloaded here. Introducing our new Recreation Professionals!We heartily welcome our new Recreation Director, Beth Dwyer! Beth holds a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation, a M.A. in Exercise Science, and a M.Ed. in Physical Education. She also holds certifications as a Health Fitness Instructor, First Aid Instructor, CPR Instructor, CPR Professional Rescuer Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Aquatic Fitness Instructor, Soccer Coach, and a Challenge Course Facilitator. She’s taught at the university level and, most recently, as a Health & PE Teacher at Stroudsburg Middle School for the past 7 years. Beth replaces Niki Tourscher, who has assumed a new position as Recreation Manager with Centre Region Parks and Recreation. We also welcome Mr. Josh Leap as our new Recreation Associate, who started with the Commission in mid-May and promptly delved into All Things Stroud Kids in preparation for the popular summer day camp program. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Leisure Sports Studies from Kutztown University, and had previously worked as a Stroud Kids Counselor in the past. Josh has replaced Ms. Jessica O’Keefe in the position, who resigned in favor of her newborn daughter Ella and fulltime Motherhood! Best wishes to all! Stay Connected!We publish and distributed a monthly e-newsletter to those who have willingly provided their email addresses. Receive notice on new recreation programs as soon as they are announced! Send an email to request the free newsletter to programs@srosrc.org.
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