East Pennsboro Commissioners Discuss New Trail Feasibility Study

At the latest Commissioner’s meeting that took place on June 1, Simone Collins Landscape Architecture presented the board with information about the Conodoguinet Creek Greenway trail feasibility study that has been in the making for over a year. The study is being conducted on behalf of the Cumberland Conservation Collaborative and consists of a public process which will determine the optimal route for an on and off-road recreational trail along the Conodoguinet Creek Corridor. The Greenway will end at the Susquehanna River and connect the communities of East Pennsboro Township, Camp Hill Borough, and Hampden Township.

The goal is to plan safe multi-modal transportation options, while respecting private property and protecting natural habitats. The 12.6 miles of proposed trails could enhance the lives of area residents while providing easier recreational access to the creek.

Several meetings with occupants of the three townships have been conducted to collaboratively brainstorm, discuss ideas, and express concerns. Simone Collins is pleased with the local participation thus far. There have been over 900 points of contact. Modes of contact included meetings, public opinion surveys, and WikiMap surveys. The surveys are still accessible to the public and folks are encouraged to participate. You can click here to access the Public Opinion Survey. You can also click here to access the WikiMap Survey.

The survey results provide a great deal of information. Over 67 percent of respondents think it is important to connect the Conodoguinet Greenway to existing trails. 79 percent think it is important to have pedestrian and bicycle access along the Conodoguinet Creek. When asked to select the top three priorities for this feasibility study, they were:

Priority 1: Protection of important and sensitive habitats

Priority 2: Connections to other regional trails

Priority 3: Wayfinding/ trail blaze/ directional signage

The draft report that will include cost estimates, phasing suggestions, and implementation strategy will be available for review on June 20th. It can be found on the three municipal websites as well as the project website. The report is designed to be user-friendly with clear language and pictures. Simone Collins believes it can be a great tool for the three municipalities, as well as the county, to obtain funding.

While there have been a few concerns about the possible outcomes of the project, most people are very supportive of the idea. One homeowner took it a step further and sold his property, which will be very useful to the trail.

If anyone is interested, the next meeting will be held in Camp Hill on September 27, 2022.

For more information, you can go to their website at www.conodoguinetgreenway.org/