News & Updates

Lumber Heritage Region Secures DCNR Grant for Innovative Mountain Bike Trail Project at Sandy Beach Park in Ridgway Township

Ridgway Township is set to witness a transformative project at Sandy Beach Park, thanks to a generous Partnership Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) is thrilled to announce the approval of this grant, which will fund the development of an exciting mountain bike trail within the park.

This innovative project aims to create a sustainable mountain bike trail system, enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The trail will provide a thrilling experience for mountain biking enthusiasts while paying homage to the region’s rich lumber heritage, seamlessly connecting the past with the present. Sandy Beach Park, once the site of a sawmill and CCC camp, is an ideal location for this pioneering project.

The LHR recognizes the importance of preserving and celebrating the area’s history, and this project represents a unique opportunity to blend the cultural significance of the lumber industry with contemporary outdoor activities. The trail will weave through areas of historical interest, offering riders a scenic journey that highlights the symbiotic relationship between the community’s heritage and its commitment to healthy, active living.

In a collaborative effort to bring this project to fruition, the LHR is proud to partner with the Allegheny Hike Bike and Ski Club. Their expertise in trail development and dedication to promoting outdoor recreation align perfectly with the goals of this project. This partnership will ensure the creation of a top-tier mountain bike trail that meets the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and enjoyment.

Moreover, this endeavor is expected to leverage over $50,000 in spending, stimulating the local economy and creating job opportunities within the community. The grant from DCNR will not only enhance recreational offerings but also significantly contribute to the economic vitality of Ridgway Township and the surrounding area.

“We are excited to embark on this project that seamlessly weaves together our region’s historical roots with contemporary outdoor recreation. The mountain bike trail at Sandy Beach Park will serve as a living testament to our commitment to preserving heritage while promoting an active and healthy lifestyle,” said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of the LHR.

The Lumber Heritage Region extends its gratitude to the DCNR for their support and acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the Allegheny Hike Bike and Ski Club in making this vision a reality. The organization looks forward to breaking ground on this exciting project and providing the community with a trail that reflects the essence of Ridgway Township’s past and future. A list of volunteer opportunities will be communicated for those interested in contributing to the project’s success.

Sandy Beach Park, located three miles west of Ridgway, PA, offers pavilions for rent, picnic tables, fire rings, volleyball, baseball and softball fields, a playground, fishing, a dog park, and a disc golf course. For more information on park rentals, contact the township office.

Sandy Beach Location & Contact: 6712 Laurel Mill Rd, Ridgway, PA
Phone: (814) 773-5625
Email: rwytwp@windstream.net
Find us on Facebook @ridgwaytownship

About the Lumber Heritage Region:

The Lumber Heritage Region is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich history and heritage of the lumber industry in Pennsylvania. Established in 2001, the organization works tirelessly to educate the public about the contributions of the lumber industry to the region’s development.

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News & Updates

Lumber Heritage Region Receives DCNR Grant to Develop Warren County’s First 18-Hole Disc Golf Course

Lumber Heritage Region Receives DCNR Grant to Develop Warren County’s First 18-Hole Disc Golf Course Warren, PA – The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) has been awarded a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to design and build an 18-hole disc golf course on the Hatch Run Property in Warren, PA. LHR is partnering with the Warren County Visitor Bureau and the Warren County Conservation District (WCCD) to bring this exciting recreational project to life. This will be the first and only 18-hole disc golf course in Warren County, offering a unique combination of outdoor recreation, historic interpretation, and conservation education. The Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area, managed by the Warren County Conservation District, is a 350-acre property dedicated to environmental education, outdoor recreation, and sustainable land management practices. The area features scenic trails, diverse wildlife habitats, and forested landscapes, making it an ideal location for a disc golf course that emphasizes both recreation and environmental awareness. The course will be designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, preserving the property’s rich biodiversity while providing an engaging space for disc golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. This project aims to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the region while promoting environmental stewardship and local history. The course will feature interpretive signage highlighting Warren County’s rich lumber heritage, forestry conservation efforts, and the ecological significance of the Hatch Run property. “We are thrilled to bring this exciting project to Warren County with the support of DCNR and our dedicated partners,” said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of the LHR. “Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport that appeals to all ages and skill levels, and this course will not only provide a fantastic recreational outlet but also help connect players with the history and natural beauty of the region.” In addition to benefiting local residents, this project will be a significant asset to Warren County’s tourism efforts. As disc golf continues to grow in popularity, the new course will attract players from surrounding areas, boosting visitor traffic, local businesses, and outdoor tourism. The Warren County Visitors Bureau recognizes this as an opportunity to diversify the county’s outdoor recreation offerings and further position the region as a premier destination for nature-based tourism. “As Warren County’s destination marketing organization, our job is promoting our assets to bring people to the area. When Holly approached us asking if there was a dream project we would like to pursue, a disc golf course was the automatic answer. Warren County is known for a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, our number one tourist draw, but nowhere in the county is a disc golf course, one of the nation’s most rapidly growing sports. The location at HRCD is perfect with its proximity to restaurants, stores, and other amenities while still providing a remote forest experience. This will be a great economic asset as dedicated disc golfers travel far and wide to try new courses and will need a place to eat, sleep, and shop. It will also give locals easy access to a new adventure. Every step of the process has been exciting, and we look forward to seeing Warren County’s newest amenity come to fruition and become a favorite for locals and tourists alike.” – Casey Ferry, executive director of the Warren County Visitors Bureau. LHR, in collaboration with the Warren County Visitors Bureau and WCCD, will ensure the course is designed to enhance the outdoor experience while maintaining the integrity of the Hatch Run property. The inclusion of interpretive elements will provide players with a deeper appreciation for Pennsylvania’s lumber industry, forest conservation, and sustainable land management practices. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction set to begin in the coming months. Once completed, the course will be open to the public, providing free access to both beginners and seasoned disc golfers. For more information on the project or ways to get involved, please contact Holly Komonczi. About the Lumber Heritage Region The Lumber Heritage Region is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and culture of Pennsylvania’s lumber industry through community engagement, education, and sustainable recreation initiatives. About the Warren County Visitors Bureau The Warren County Visitors Bureau promotes tourism and outdoor recreation in Warren County, highlighting its natural beauty, history, and unique attractions to visitors from near and far. About the Warren County Conservation District The Warren County Conservation District (WCCD) works to conserve and protect the county’s natural resources through education, stewardship, and sustainable land management practices. Media Contact: Holly Komonczi Executive Director Lumber Heritage Area hkomonczi@lumberheritage.org Casey Ferry Executive Director Warren County Visitors Bureau director@wcvb.net

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Highlighting Black History in the Lumber Heritage Region

Discover some of the lumber and forest related stories of Black Americans in the Lumber Heritage Region and throughout Pennsylvania. Combatting injustice, breaking barriers, and contributing to the forests and places we hold dear today, explore just a few of these fascinating stories in this Black History Month feature!

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