Survey to gather input on Tarentum-East Deer trail closes Friday
It’s time to hoof it if you want your trail ideas to be heard.
Anyone interested in the proposed trail segment running through Tarentum and East Deer has only until Friday to review plans and offer input.
Friends of the Riverfront is seeking opinions on a five-mile stretch of the larger, 33-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail, which would connect Dreshar Stadium in Tarentum to the New Kensington Bridge, known to some as the Ninth Street Bridge, in East Deer.
“We are still gathering input, but that survey will be closed this week so that we can digest the feedback,” said Courtney Mahronich Vita, director of trail development for the nonprofit.
Friends of the Riverfront partnered with both municipalities and the architecture firm, Environmental Planning and Design, to create an initial plan.
The firm is responsible for similar projects that include Aspinwall Riverfront Park, the New Kensington Corridor of Innovation Ideabook and Greensburg’s comprehensive plan.
Friends of the Riverfront has been collecting public input on the trail since September when volunteers staffed booths at the Summit Hose Fall Festival in Tarentum. A link to the survey has been available on the organization’s website since then, along with a tour of the path.
As proposed, the trail would be built along First Avenue near Dreshar Stadium and the Tarentum pump house, through Riverview Memorial Park and then on to the fishing platform and Allegheny River boat launch beneath the Tarentum Bridge.
An access road through the boat launch parking lot would connect walkers to West Fourth Avenue.
Between West Sixth Avenue and East Deer, the trail alignment is evolving while off-road possibilities are explored. Walkers will go past Pittsburgh Brewing Co. and down to the bridge.
Plans are not finalized and could change based on survey answers.
Some of the questions deal with whether people want public restrooms and water fountains along the trail. Other potential options include art or other natural amenities.
Friends of the Riverfront wants to know how often the trail would be used and whether it would be for biking, walking or birding.
Tarentum Council President Scott Dadowski said he is looking forward to hearing a bevy of options that would benefit people of all ages and abilities.
He said the riverfront is a gem, and he is anxious to use it as a way to draw people to town.
Construction is not expected for at least two years.
Across the region, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail was used 2 million times last year, Mahronich Vita said.
Tawnya Panizzi is a TribLive reporter. She joined the Trib in 1997. She can be reached at tpanizzi@triblive.com.
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