First Northwest Trails Conference for Roxborough/ Manayunk and Lower Merion a huge success
Local experts outline planned trail
The history of our trails, in the Northwest, and resulting economic growth was spelled out on April 6, 2024, in what was a one day celebration of our trails.
In a well-attended event at the Venice Island Performance and Recreation Center from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., avid supporters were updated on our trail progress, followed by a networking session at the Manayunk Brew Pub and then a bike ride led by Chris Leswing of local trails.
Our first trail was the Manayunk section of the Schuylkill Trail System.
And the trail itself led Manayunk on an incredibly successful history of redevelopment.
This was the first presentation, by Kay Sykora of the Roxborough Manayunk Conservancy.
Reinforced by the following presentations by Chris Leswing, Lower Merion
Head of Planning, who outlined trails across the river, the links and resulting projects, like the Manayunk Bridge, in partnership with all trail partners at the table.
Gwen McCauley, ED of
MDC, outlined needs today for the trails through Manayunk, and John Carpenter reference proposed work in Roxborough.
Joe Syrnick (Roxborough/Manayunk Native) CEO and President of Schuylkill Banks, presented the major projects now underway on Schuylkill Banks and more proposed connections.
Elaine Schaefer ED of Schuylkill River Greenways discussed the projects that are ongoing up river.
When complete, the Schuylkill Canal will be 120 miles long.
Next a group of presentations outlined trail projects in planning and they include the following:
Wissahickon Gateway — Sarah Clark Stuart — Streets Dept Phila.
Ivy Ridge Trail- John Carpenter — Roxborough Manayunk Conservancy
Parkside Cynwyd Trail (City Ave to 53rd St) — Sarah Clark Stuart
Wissahickon Park — Pauline Berkowitz — Friends of the Wissahickon
Laurel Hill — Nancy Goldenberg — Laurel Hill Cemetery
Mule Bridge — Aaron Holly — Philadelphia Planning Commission
Cynwyd Spur and Cynwyd Trail to City Avenue — Chris Leswing — Lower Merion Township
The event was extremely well received and a request was made to do this on a yearly basis.
For more information visit roxboroughmanayunkconservancy.org or search for “The Roxborough Manayunk Conservancy” on Facebook.